Next Level Campaign
Expanding Our Impact. Empowering the Next Generation.
TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS
You’ve seen how Banisters Leadership Academy changes lives—empowering youth to lead with purpose and character. Now, we’re ready to take that mission to The Next Level.
We are in the early stages of acquiring a building at 6714 North 30th Street to serve as Banisters Leadership Academy’s permanent headquarters and the next stage of our growth in North Omaha. The facility offers classrooms for our Youth 2 Movement Program, open areas for Night LIFE Program, a kitchen for hot meals, counseling rooms for Healthy Kids Movement Program, and dedicated space for our Family Navigator Program.
This is our moment to expand. For too long, Banisters Leadership Academy has operated out of borrowed and temporary locations—moving between spaces with HVAC issues, limited capacity, and logistical challenges that restrict our impact. The new site will allow us to stabilize our operations, expand our reach, and strengthen our programs across leadership development, workforce readiness, and behavioral health.
The Next Level Campaign isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about momentum. It’s about meeting the growing demand for our services, reaching more youth during high-risk hours, and building a sustainable model for the future. Your investment will help us purchase, renovate, and equip this new facility—transforming it into a thriving center for leadership, learning, and community connection. Together, we can take Banisters Leadership Academy—and North Omaha’s youth—to The Next Level.
Sincerely,
Akile L. Banister, M.S.O.M.
President and Founder
PURPOSE AND NEED
A NEW FACILITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BANISTERS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT, HIGH- QUALITY PROGRAMMING FOR NORTH OMAHA YOUTH.
Our current facilities, including the space we lease at Trinity Church, present ongoing challenges such as limited capacity, aging infrastructure, and the need to move programs between multiple locations. A permanent facility will allow Banister Leadership Academy to serve youth more effectively, consistently, and efficiently.
The new center will provide a dedicated home for leadership development programs, workforce readiness training, Healthy Kids Movement therapy services, and day reporting center activities. Having a stable, purpose-built space will enable these programs to operate at their full potential while providing the comprehensive support young people need to succeed.
The timing for this investment is critical. Participation in our programs continues to grow, community demand is increasing, and our current space limitations restrict our ability to expand services. The property at 6714 North 30th Street offers a unique opportunity to establish a permanent presence in the heart of the community we serve, ensuring Banister Leadership Academy can continue making a lasting impact for generations to come.
"The program has been tremendous for my son in his growth and maturity. His behavior has changed at class and recess. To the point where the Vice Principal has stopped me after school to commend Ezzarah on his way of handling situations with other classmates. My daughter Arrianna has fell in love with the program and activities. It has benefited her into opening up more with her classmates in her school. I really appreciate all the help from Banisters.”
-Parent of Ezzarah & Arianna (Night LIFE Mentees)
PERMANENT CENTER OF LEADERSHIP AND OPPORTUNITY
CAMPAIGN BUDGET:
ACQUISITION COSTS ...............…..$574,000
Building Purchase (Phase 1)
Inspections (Phase 1)
Appraisals/Environmental Assessments (Phase 1)
RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION COSTS.........$228,000
Water Drainage, Retaining Wall (Phase 1)
Main Area, Classrooms, Kitchen, Playground, Security Upgrades (Phase 2)
Admin offices renovation (Phase 3)
FURNISHINGS, FIXTURES & EQUIPMENT ......$550,000
Classroom Furniture (Phase 2)
Technology (Phase 2)
Kitchen Equipment (Phase 2)
Storage and Shelving (Phase 2)
Office Furniture (Phase 3)
ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN COSTS .........$430,238
Project management, oversight (Phase 1-3)
Campaign Materials (Phase 1-3)
Donor signage and recognition (Phase 1-3)
Contingency (15%) (Phase 1-3)
Increased Operating & Maintenance Costs (Phase 3)
Building Maintenance Fund (Phase 3)
BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND........$1,000,000
TOTAL CAMPAIGN BUDGET ............$2,782,238
Acquire Building
Conduct inspections & assessments
Immediate infrastructure repairs
Parking lot resurfacing
Security installation
CAMPAIGN TIMELINE:
Interior renovations
Refresh programming space
Refresh community space
Kitchen renovation
Furnish spaces
Main office space completion
Programming launch in new space
Day/Evening Reporting start
MISSION ADVANCEMENT:
This facility directly advances BLA’s mission by providing a dedicated space to deliver leadership development, workforce readiness, and therapeutic programs. Its design and resources are fully equipped to support ongoing delivery of hot meals during programming, integrated therapy, and youth-centered programming that amplifies young voices.
Unlike other local services, BLA uniquely combines leadership, social-emotional learning, family support, and community engagement in one central location, creating a holistic approach to youth development in North Omaha.
PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The new facility will elevate the reach and effectiveness of BLA’s programs by providing a dedicated, purpose-built environment for youth development. With expanded daytime and evening capacity, BLA can offer consistent, high-quality programming, host fee-for-service initiatives, and deliver activities during critical after-school and high-risk hours. The building is designed to integrate wraparound services, bringing leadership development, workforce readiness, and therapeutic support together under one roof for a seamless and empowering experience for youth and families.
The impact will extend well beyond program participants. By filling a critical community gap for accessible, youth-centered services in North Omaha, the new center will strengthen partnerships with schools, connect families to needed resources, and foster collaboration with community organizations. As a result, measurable outcomes will include growth in social and emotional well-being, leadership and workforce skills, family stability, and youth engagement in the broader community.
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH STRATEGIC FACILITY USE
The new facility not only enhances BLA’s programs for youth but also creates opportunities for sustainable revenue generation to support our mission. The North Suite is designed with six private offices, a conference room, and a professional development area, making it ideal for start-up entrepreneurs or small community organizations. These spaces are separate from youth programming areas, allowing both functions to operate effectively while supporting long-term organizational sustainability.
Additionally, the facility can host a Day Reporting Center, providing intensive supervision and rehabilitative services for offenders, including education, job training, therapy, and life skills development. These dual revenue streams strengthen BLA’s financial sustainability while expanding our impact within the community.
Next Level Naming Opportunities:
The Leadership Commons - $500,000
Your gift enables the center to host large-scale youth programs, community events, and essential high-risk hour programming. Your gift includes prominent recognition in the large common area, naming on all promotional materials, and acknowledgment at major events.
Outdoor Leadership Lab – $250,000
Your gift helps create dynamic outdoor spaces for leadership exercises, team-building, and experiential learning. The Outdoor Leadership Lab expands opportunities for youth to develop confidence, communication, and collaboration skills beyond the classroom. Recognition includes outdoor signage, donor acknowledgment in publications, and social media features highlighting your contribution.
The Resiliency Center - $200,000
Your gift supports two therapy rooms that provide counseling, mental health support, and integrated therapeutic programs. These spaces are essential for helping youth overcome barriers, build emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping skills. Donor recognition includes naming signage in each therapy room and acknowledgment in program materials.
The Nourishment Kitchen – $150,000
Your gift supports a fully equipped kitchen designed for preparing and serving hot meals as part of youth wellness and engagement programming. This space promotes healthy habits, teaches life skills, and encourages connection through shared meals. Recognition includes naming signage, a commemorative plaque, and donor spotlights in Banisters Leadership Academy communications.
Classrooms of Opportunity – $100,000 (each)
Your gift ensures classrooms are fully equipped to deliver core youth programs, including Workforce & Leadership Development, Family Navigation and Juvenile Prevention, and Goal Setting & Personal Development. Each classroom provides a stable, engaging environment where youth can build skills, set goals, and achieve success. Recognition includes in-class naming signage and acknowledgment in newsletters and on the organization’s website.
Donor Wall of Community Champions – $1,000–$75,000
Your gift contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the Permanent Center of Leadership and Opportunity. Donors at this level will be permanently recognized on the Donor Wall of Community Champions, prominently displayed in the facility’s main lobby. This lasting recognition symbolizes your commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the community for generations to come.
Contact: Akile Banister, M.S.O.M, President & Founder
Email: nextlevel@banisters.org
Phone: 402-983-1150
Support the Campaign
Contact:
Akile Banister, M.S.O.M, President & Founder
Email: nextlevel@banisters.org
Phone: 402-983-1150
FAQ’s
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Demand is growing, participation is increasing, and our current spaces limit capacity. This property is available now and is ideally located in the community we serve.
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No. This facility directly delivers programs. Classrooms, therapy rooms, kitchens, and common spaces are all program infrastructure—not administration.
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The facility includes revenue-generating space (offices, training areas, day reporting center) that strengthens sustainability and reduces future reliance on philanthropy.
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The opposite. Stable space reduces inefficiencies, lowers long-term costs, and increases program capacity and quality.
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The campaign is structured with phased commitments and lead gifts to ensure financial responsibility before moving forward.
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Renting limits capacity, creates instability, and costs more over time. Ownership allows us to plan, grow, and sustain programs long-term.
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This campaign is built on proven programs, existing demand, and strong donor interest—not speculation.
“This campaign isn’t just about a building—it’s about creating a lasting foundation where young people can lead, learn, and thrive. We’re inviting our community to take Banisters Leadership Academy to the next level with us.”