Employer Profile  |  Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

About Us

Mission of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

The mission of Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is to improve and enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities and to provide information, education and support to their families.

Ollie Webb Center, Inc., founded in 2005, is an umbrella agency for The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc., local non-profit agencies serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Both agencies are vital to the Omaha community. Ollie Webb Center, Inc. offers a broad range of programs to accomplish its mission including employment services, independent living services, educational services, mentoring services, social and recreational services, and legislation, advocacy, and referral.

Our Namesake

In 2005, upon the merger of The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions Inc., a supporting organization was formed called Ollie Webb Center Inc. to honor the memory of Ms. Ollie Webb.

Ollie Webb was a woman with a national reputation as a spokesperson for self-advocacy. She was a former resident of the Beatrice State Home, a homeowner, a landlady, and a retiree from a career in food services at the Omaha Field Club. She was a founding member of Project II, a social, continuing education and self-advocacy program for adults with developmental disabilities. She was also a remarkable role model for anyone whose life is impacted by a developmental disability.

Ollie Webb overcame numerous emotional and physical adversities. She succeeded with the help of organizations like the Ollie Webb Center Inc. and her own indomitable spirit. Her life was an inspiring example of courage, strength and perseverance.

The Ollie Webb Center, Inc.’s name honors a life well-lived in spite of unique challenges — and reminds us that people should be known by their names and accomplishments, not by their disabilities.

The Arc of Omaha

Since the 1950s, The Arc of Omaha, (previously known as GOARC - the Greater Omaha Association for Retarded Citizens and The Ollie Webb Center), has been devoted to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities. “GOARC” was originally formed by parents and interested professionals to address the problems of overcrowding and inhumane practices in institutions, and the lack of public education for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

“GOARC” started educational, residential and vocational programs in the community. Those programs demonstrated the previously untapped abilities of people with developmental disabilities and vastly improved their quality of life. Ultimately, laws were changed to entitle children, regardless of their disabilities, a public education. Various state and local organizations now provide for the basic needs of citizens with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Omaha offers services that are not provided by the public sector and pioneers new programs that improve and enrich the lives of the people it serves.

Career Solutions, Inc.

Career Solutions, Inc. began as a grass-roots, parent organized and administered agency in April, 1993 to provide supported employment services to individuals with disabilities. While our primary customers have been individuals with developmental disabilities, services are also provided to individuals who experience other forms of disabilities.