Omaha Exploration

A Lincoln-based non-profit called The Bay has expanded its programming to Omaha. Founded in Lincoln as Rabble Mill, it’s been called a lifeline and launchpad for youth by offering a safe space to belong, create and chart their future. 

Open late nights and weekends, it breaks down barriers by offering free or pay what you can programming for youth that are often overlooked. It’s also a place where they can build community and engage in activities such as fashion club, music club, open gaming, skating and summer camps.

Often-times, these interactions and experiences further motivate kids to pursue other opportunities that help develop their skills, find mentorship, gain work experience and training, build resumes and explore careers.

Through a partnership with Lincoln Public School, The Bay also offers programs including Bay High that allows creative and entrepreneurial-minded juniors and seniors to earn course credit. Another program called Gap Year is an eight month career accelerator that allows for participation in internships while obtaining career readiness. 

While The Bay began offering school programming including skateboarding and beat-making in Omaha as far back as 2021, the exciting news is that they moved into the Benson Community Center in January. From the building at 6058 Maple Street they offer programs and opportunities similar to those in Lincoln. Soon it will begin offering its Gap Year program here as well.

Shortly after moving to Benson, they absorbed Omaha Girls Rock and will extend the program to Lincoln. OGR is a non-profit whose mission is to empower girls by using their voices through music education. Starting in 2011 and ending in 2024, it provided after-school programming, instrument lessons and summer camp. During camp, the girls learned an instrument, formed a band, co-wrote an original song and performed it live.

Grow Omaha recently announced that The Bay was preparing to move to a new home in Benson at the former Larkin’s Parkin’ warehouse at 6120 Military Avenue. The 34,000 sq ft, three story building was constructed in 1950. It served as a car dealership for decades before John Larkin, co-owner of Jake’s Cigars & Spirits, turned it into a valet parking business. The renovation will turn the first floor into an indoor skate park while the second and third floors will be utilized as classrooms, offices, stage, fashion room, sound production studio and gaming room.

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