About
Hello Joy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers through comprehensive programs that create lasting transformation. We address the hidden crisis facing single mothers—40% experience depression, 60% spend over half their income on housing, and 42% of their children live in poverty. Through our Annual Summit and intensive Pathways Cohort, we provide holistic support including financial literacy, career development, wellness resources, and community connection. Unlike programs that offer temporary relief, Hello Joy creates pathways from surviving to thriving by addressing the whole person and building sustainable change. Our evidence-based approach transforms lives: with a $1.2 million investment over three years, we will serve 750+ single mothers and their 1,500+ children, generating $14.4 million in community economic impact. At Hello Joy, we believe every single mother has the potential to rewrite her story and create generational transformation for her family.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
To equip single mothers with tools for growth, healing, elevation, and generational transformation.
Our Vision
A world where every single mother is equipped to own her narrative—rising from resilience to restoration, and from surviving to thriving.
About our Executive Director
Dr. Orlanda Whitfield: From Single Mother to Transformational Leader By age 19, Dr. Orlanda Whitfield was raising two children on her own. Today, she holds multiple advanced degrees, runs a successful business, and leads Hello Joy in empowering other single mothers to transform their lives. An Omaha native with deep community roots, Dr. Whitfield's journey embodies the transformation Hello Joy seeks to create. Despite the challenges of single parenthood, she pursued higher education with remarkable determination, earning: Bachelor's in Business Leadership Master's in Organizational Leadership Doctorate in Educational Leadership Master of Science in Education Her doctoral research on The Emotions and Lived Experiences of Single Mothers with Educational Debt provided unique insights that directly inform Hello Joy's innovative programs.
As the owner of Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn, Dr. Whitfield brings entrepreneurial expertise to her nonprofit leadership. She also serves as Board Chair of Omaha Cares Mentoring Movement and as a Board Member of Pink Lotus, further demonstrating her commitment to community service and empowerment. Beyond her professional achievements, she dedicates herself to mentoring youth, young mothers, students, and aspiring business owners throughout the Omaha community, extending her impact far beyond any single organization. Dr. Whitfield understands firsthand the economic, emotional, and social challenges single mothers face—and what it takes to overcome them. This lived experience, combined with her academic credentials and business acumen, creates a powerful foundation for Hello Joy's transformational approach
Board of Directors
Our board members collectively bring over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and connections to more than 50 community organizations, businesses, and funding sources throughout the Omaha region.
Tamera Spurlock
President of ERG- Pay Pal
Denita Jackson
Executive Director-Yes You can
Dr. DerNecia Phillips
CEO- DAL Education & Care Solutions
Candias Jones
CEO- Girl Inc Omaha
Courtney Vaughn
President of BERG- Mutual of Omaha
Tanesha Burns
Executive Director- Greater Tomorrows
Sharnelle Shelton
CEO- CorScience BioDiagostics
Marshawn Rush Ford
Executive Director- 3-Sisters