Heart of the matter
Heart of the Matter is the signature annual fundraising event of Epworth Family Resources. More than a fundraiser, it is a celebration of our enduring commitment to children, youth, and families across Nebraska. The event brings together supporters, community partners, churches, businesses, and friends who believe every child deserves safety, hope, and the opportunity to thrive.
The name Heart of the Matter reflects what has been at the center of Epworth's work since 1889—the well-being of children and families. While our programs have evolved over more than 135 years to meet changing community needs, our mission has remained the same: providing hope, healing, and compassionate, family-centered support to those facing crisis.
Our story began as Mother's Jewels Home, founded by the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church to care for orphaned and vulnerable children arriving in Nebraska during the orphan train era. Over the decades, the organization became Epworth Village and, most recently, Epworth Family Resources, expanding from residential care to include foster care, in-home family services, and family support programs that strengthen families before crises become tragedies.
Today, Heart of the Matter honors that remarkable legacy while investing in the future. Every dollar raised helps Epworth Family Resources continue its mission of bringing hope and healing to children, youth, and families across Nebraska through compassionate care, foster families, family preservation services, and community support. It is an opportunity for our community to come together and be part of a mission that has been changing lives for more than a century.
The name Heart of the Matter reflects what has been at the center of Epworth's work since 1889—the well-being of children and families. While our programs have evolved over more than 135 years to meet changing community needs, our mission has remained the same: providing hope, healing, and compassionate, family-centered support to those facing crisis.
Our story began as Mother's Jewels Home, founded by the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church to care for orphaned and vulnerable children arriving in Nebraska during the orphan train era. Over the decades, the organization became Epworth Village and, most recently, Epworth Family Resources, expanding from residential care to include foster care, in-home family services, and family support programs that strengthen families before crises become tragedies.
Today, Heart of the Matter honors that remarkable legacy while investing in the future. Every dollar raised helps Epworth Family Resources continue its mission of bringing hope and healing to children, youth, and families across Nebraska through compassionate care, foster families, family preservation services, and community support. It is an opportunity for our community to come together and be part of a mission that has been changing lives for more than a century.
2026 Heart of the Matter Sponsors
Table Sponsorships
Stump Consulting
Stump Consulting
2025 Heart of The Matter Sponsors
Platinum sponsors
Springfield Women of Faith
Epworth Village Foundation
Epworth Village Foundation
Silver sponsors
The Solomon's
Harrietta Reynolds
Stump Consulting Inc.
Harrietta Reynolds
Stump Consulting Inc.
Bronze sponsors
Elizabeth Thomas
Esther and DeLynn Hay
Gerald & Charlene Craig
Esther and DeLynn Hay
Gerald & Charlene Craig
Table sponsors
The Wallasky’s
The Solomon’s
Harrietta Reynolds
Omaha First United Women in Faith
York First United Methodist Church
Kearney United Women in Faith
Mary Scott
Roberta Cool
Epworth Village Foundation
United Women in Faith Western Nebraska District
United Women in Faith-Geneva
United Women in Faith-Columbus
Polk United Methodist Church
Central Nebraska District UMC
Richard & Laura McDougall
The Solomon’s
Harrietta Reynolds
Omaha First United Women in Faith
York First United Methodist Church
Kearney United Women in Faith
Mary Scott
Roberta Cool
Epworth Village Foundation
United Women in Faith Western Nebraska District
United Women in Faith-Geneva
United Women in Faith-Columbus
Polk United Methodist Church
Central Nebraska District UMC
Richard & Laura McDougall
