Package Liquor, Treatment Facility, Round Two – Unanimous Decision

April 13, 2007 – Omaha, NE Stephen Center in Omaha was successful in front of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission in its citizen’s protest preventing the approval of a liquor license for an establishment directly across the street from its facilities.  The City of Omaha originally denied the request on December 12, 2006 with a vote of 7-0, but the applicant (La Purisima 5204 S. 28th Street) appealed to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. The vote of the commission was unanimous at 3-0 denying the applicants request.

Executive Director Del Bomberger states,"We are very grateful for the support of the Omaha City Council, the many volunteers and board members who helped us make the case that a liquor license directly across the street from a homeless shelter and a substance abuse treatment facility is incongruous with the clean and sober institution that the Stephen Center has worked to become for more than 23 years."  "We are additionally grateful to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for their depth of understanding of the issues involved in this particular case."  "It is important for the community to provide an environment which is supportive of the efforts of individuals who have made the determination to turn their lives around and take the necessary actions including alcohol and substance abuse treatment.  The first steps on the road to recovery can be very rocky, and these decisions at both the City and State level demonstrate an understanding of this critical need."

The Stephen Center was opened in 1984 as a safe and clean facility to serve men and women who have made a commitment not to use drugs and/or alcohol in order to improve the quality of their lives. In the 23 year history The Stephen Center has provided overnight shelter to men, women and children, recovery and mental health programs for individuals with a co-occurring diagnosis, transitional housing for HERO program graduates and case management to emergency shelter clients. The Stephen Center encourages the public to contribute nonperishable foods, toiletries and hygiene products. Monetary donations provide the most flexibility to purchase what is needed most and may be sent or delivered to The Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107.  Donations can be made online www.stephencenter.org.