Together we will make a difference!
Join us in creating positive change
Together we will make a difference!
Join us in creating positive change
OUR MISSION
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) is dedicated to supporting, uplifting, and advocating for families & youth impacted by homicide and violence. We provide trauma-informed grief support, creative healing programs, and community engagement initiatives that foster connection, emotional recovery, and long-term wellness.
About FOTS Families of the Stolen
Our Story
Our Programs
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) was born from lived experience, profound loss, and an unwavering commitment to community healing. After the Founder’s sister was murdered in 2011, it became clear that families impacted by homicide often receive immediate sympathy—but very little long-term support. Once the funeral ends and the attention fad
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) was born from lived experience, profound loss, and an unwavering commitment to community healing. After the Founder’s sister was murdered in 2011, it became clear that families impacted by homicide often receive immediate sympathy—but very little long-term support. Once the funeral ends and the attention fades, families are left to navigate grief, trauma, and daily survival on their own.
FOTS was created to change that reality.
What began as a space for remembrance and connection grew into a trusted community organization rooted in the belief that healing after violent loss must be ongoing, culturally responsive, and centered on the voices of those most impacted. Families of the Stolen exists to ensure that no family has to grieve in isolation and that the lives of stolen loved ones are honored with dignity.
Over time, families returned—not just for one event, but again and again. They brought their children. They shared their stories. And they asked for more. Through this trust and community demand, FOTS expanded its work beyond grief support for adults to include creative healing, public memorialization, advocacy, and youth-centered programming.
Today, Families of the Stolen serves both families and youth impacted by homicide and community violence. Our programs include Grief’s Art Workshops, community remembrance events, legacy projects, and Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy—a trauma-informed program created in response to youth voices seeking consistent spaces to process grief, express emotions, and build confidence through movement, creativity, and mentorship.
FOTS is not a one-time service provider. We walk alongside families over time—through anniversaries, milestones, court dates, celebrations, and setbacks. Our work is grounded in relationship, trust, and the understanding that grief does not have a timeline.
Families of the Stolen exists because healing is possible when communities are supported, voices are honored, and loss is met with compassion, creativity, and care.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) provides healing-centered, trauma-informed services for families and youth impacted by homicide and community violence. Our programs are rooted in lived experience, cultural responsiveness, and long-term community care.
Grief’s Art Workshops
Monthly creative healing workshops for individuals and families impac
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) provides healing-centered, trauma-informed services for families and youth impacted by homicide and community violence. Our programs are rooted in lived experience, cultural responsiveness, and long-term community care.
Grief’s Art Workshops
Monthly creative healing workshops for individuals and families impacted by homicide. Through art, journaling, music, and guided reflection, participants are given space to process grief, reduce isolation, and connect with others who understand traumatic loss.
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy
A trauma-informed youth program for female and self-identifying girls ages 5–16 who have been impacted by violence. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, life skills training, and grief support, youth are supported in their mental and emotional well-being while developing confidence, resilience, and healthy coping skills.
Community Remembrance & Healing Events
FOTS hosts annual and ongoing events that honor the lives of stolen loved ones while fostering community healing. These include the Gone, But Not Forgotten Community Walk, Lights of Hope holiday remembrance, and other legacy-centered gatherings.
Youth & Family Violence Prevention Support
Through consistent engagement, mentorship, and creative expression, FOTS addresses the root impacts of trauma and grief that contribute to cycles of violence. Our programs provide safe alternatives, structure, and emotional support for youth and families.
Memorialization & Legacy Projects
FOTS believes remembrance is healing. We support legacy projects such as murals, street renaming ceremonies, and public memorial initiatives that honor loved ones and ensure their stories are not forgotten.
Advocacy, Education & Community Collaboration
FOTS collaborates with community partners, law enforcement, and organizations to raise awareness around homicide grief, trauma-informed responses, and the long-term needs of surviving families. This includes training, advocacy efforts, and systems-level engagement.
Our Impact
Our Impact
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) creates spaces where grief is honored, healing is possible, and families and youth impacted by violence are supported beyond the moment of loss. Our impact i rooted in trust, consistency, and community connection.
Each year, FOTS serves over 500 individuals and families through grief support, creative healing
Families of the Stolen (FOTS) creates spaces where grief is honored, healing is possible, and families and youth impacted by violence are supported beyond the moment of loss. Our impact i rooted in trust, consistency, and community connection.
Each year, FOTS serves over 500 individuals and families through grief support, creative healing, youth programming, and community remembrance. Families return not because they are required to—but because they feel seen, supported, and understood.
Healing for Families
Through Grief’s Art Workshops and community healing events, families impacted by homicide gain access to trauma-informed spaces where grief can be expressed without judgment. Participants report reduced isolation, increased coping skills, and stronger connections with others who share similar experiences.
Youth Healing & Mental Wellness
The launch of Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy expanded FOTS’ impact to include youth mental health support and violence prevention. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, and mentorship, youth develop healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, and confidence. Caregivers report improved emotional expression, increased engagement, and positive behavior changes among participating youth.
Community Remembrance & Legacy
FOTS believes remembrance is healing. Through legacy murals, street renaming ceremonies, community walks, and holiday remembrance events, families are given meaningful ways to honor their loved ones while strengthening community bonds.
Prevention Through Connection
By addressing grief early and creatively, FOTS helps interrupt cycles of trauma and violence. Consistent engagement, supportive relationships, and positive outlets for expression reduce risk factors associated with unaddressed traumatic loss—supporting safer, healthier futures for youth and families.
Measured Impact
FOTS tracks participation, conducts check-ins, and gathers impact surveys from participants and caregivers to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. High return participation and ongoing requests for expanded services demonstrate sustained community demand and trust.
Meet our board
Buffy Bush CEO/Founder
Cheri Loud Board member
Cheri Loud Board member
Created FOTS in 2012 after the murder of her sister Jameila Hesseltine. Buffy has a Master's degree in Non-Profit Administration as well as a Bachelor's degree in Behavorial Science. Buffy is trained in motivational interviewing, crisis intervention & de-escalation. Buffy has been active in the community advocating for justice & peace since the death of her sister in 2011. Buffy has been awarded the Jefferson Award, Community Excellence Award & the Spirit of Advocacy Award. Buffy's overall goal is to help anyone needing to breathe after a tragic loss.
Cheri Loud Board member
Cheri Loud Board member
Cheri Loud Board member
Cheri is a dedicated member of the FOTS team knowing all too well the pain after tragically losing her nephew Sgt. Kyle LeFlore to a senseless homicide in 2018. Cheri is a licensed CDL driver, Immanuel Communities driver as well as a Shared Living Provider.
LT. Neal Bonacci
Cheri Loud Board member
LT. Neal Bonacci
Lt. Bonacci has been a FOTS supporter and team member since 2021, getting involved when the initiative "Gone But Not Forgotten" was formed. Lt. Bonacci is a 14yr veteran working actively with the Omaha Police Department to reduce the violence.
Bajah Pittman
Bajah Pittman
LT. Neal Bonacci
Bajah Pittman knowing all too well the pain after tragically losing her son Vincent Burns to senseless gun violence in January 2022. She has been a dedicated supporter of FOTS as well as the families served. Bajah is an educator with over 17 years of experience. Bajah is experienced in grant writing, fundraising, non-profit funding as well as community engagement.
Vickie Young
Bajah Pittman
Vickie Young
As Vickie Young has supported all Family of the Stolen-FOTS initiatives for over 10 years, helping to uphold the families and raise awareness of the long-lasting effects of gun violence. She served as President of the Omaha Branch of the NAACP and 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Iowa/ Nebraska State Conference from 2008-2011. Before her involvement with NAACP, she carried out her duties as the President of the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition, working to implement policies and laws for clean indoor air. Ms. Young also served as Food Market Coordinator for the Morning Star Baptist Church pantry ministry, serving 400 families monthly during COVID-19. Currently, Ms. Young serves as the Community Cafe Coordinator for BRIDGE Family Resource Connector Network, providing a space for families to share concerns, and identify needs, and resources. She also serves on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council and is a Grief Share facilitator, supporting grieving individuals. Ms. Young has over 35 years of dedication to family engagement, public awareness, advocacy, identifying and securing funds, and youth activism. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Ms. Young is the widow of Mr. Terry L. Young, the mother of 8 children, and fondly known as Gigi to 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. d a short description.
Tracy Wright
Bajah Pittman
Vickie Young
After experiencing the loss of her son in 2012 to gun violence, Tracy felt it was very important to have a safe place for families and community members to be able to express their feelings and thoughts after the loss of their loved one to violence; she is a grief facilitator for the Omaha Police Department's Homicide Support Group. There was nothing like the FOTS organization in 2012. With her enjoyment of being a part of this organization and knowing that her experiences over the past 12 years may help another family, Tracy has dedicated her life's work to giving back and has been a God given blessing to the FOTS families.
La’Trese Rideout M.A., B.S., CHW., Doula
La’Trese Rideout M.A., B.S., CHW., Doula
La’Trese Rideout M.A., B.S., CHW., Doula
LaTrese has experience in community outreach and engagement, holds a Master's Degree in Human Services, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Sciences. She volunteers as a Grief Support Facilitator and has personally experienced the loss of several family members, including Vannessa Thomas, whose murder remains unsolved; Vannessa’s daughter, Kayviaun Nelson; and her cousin, Saundra Brown. For several years, LaTrese has actively supported Families of the Stolen and is dedicated to helping those who are currently grieving or have faced the tragic loss of loved ones LaTrese is actively involved in various community organizations. In addition to serving as a board member for the Families of the Stolen, she is the membership chair for the North Omaha Community Care Council. Additionally, she volunteers as support staff for My Sister’s Keeper breast cancer awareness group. LaTrese is also both a board member and doula for A Mother’s Love, an emergency pregnancy service. Furthermore, she serves on the Foster Care Review Board Committee of Nebraska and is a member of the African American Black Alliance.
Reverand Charles Nelson
La’Trese Rideout M.A., B.S., CHW., Doula
La’Trese Rideout M.A., B.S., CHW., Doula
Charles Nelson serves as an associate minister of Zion Baptist church under the leadership of Rev Kenneth A. Allen. Charles is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Bellevue University. Charles also serves in IMA (Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance) as an advocate for the underserved in the metropolitan Omaha area. Through these efforts, Charles has matured his passion concerning the lost and underserved.
Charles has a special connection with the F.O.T.S. as he has experienced a lifetime of grief due to the violence of our community. Included in the number of friends and family are Vanessa Thomas, who was murdered in 2009, and Kayviaun Nelson in 2018. Kayviaun was Charles’ only living biological child, and Vanessa was Kayviaun’s mother. With an overwhelming abundance of experience, faith, and education, Charles offers assistance to the organization and the cause.
Charles is married to the beautiful Minister Shavonda Nelson, and their blended family now consists of 7 children and five grandchildren. Charles is also an established entrepreneur in our community. Charles loves studying the Word of God and being an excellent provider for his growing family.
HCYA Heaven's Cry Youth Academy
Who Are We
Our Services
Our Purpose
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy (HCYA)
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy is a trauma-informed youth program created by Families of the Stolen to support young people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence. Born directly from youth voices, HCYA provides consistent, creative, and emotionally supportive spaces where grief is acknowledg
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy (HCYA)
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy is a trauma-informed youth program created by Families of the Stolen to support young people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence. Born directly from youth voices, HCYA provides consistent, creative, and emotionally supportive spaces where grief is acknowledged, expression is encouraged, and healing is nurtured.
Through dance, creative expression, mentorship, and community engagement, Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy helps youth process traumatic grief in healthy ways while building confidence, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging. The Academy intentionally integrates youth mental health support by creating safe spaces for emotional check-ins, peer connection, and positive adult guidance—reducing isolation and stigma surrounding grief and mental health.
HCYA also serves as a violence-prevention initiative. By offering structure, accountability, and positive outlets for expression, the program supports youth in navigating anger, anxiety, and loss without resorting to harmful coping behaviors. Youth participants develop leadership skills, teamwork, and self-worth while transforming grief into purpose.
More than a dance program, Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy is a healing community—where young people are seen, supported, and empowered to move from surviving loss to building hope for their future.
Our Purpose
Our Services
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
The purpose of Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy is to provide a healing-centered, trauma-informed space for female and self-identifying girls ages 5–16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence or have been directly impacted by community violence. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, creative expression, and life-sk
Our Purpose
The purpose of Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy is to provide a healing-centered, trauma-informed space for female and self-identifying girls ages 5–16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence or have been directly impacted by community violence. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, creative expression, and life-skills development, the Academy empowers young people to process grief, strengthen their mental and emotional well-being, and build confidence.
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy was created to meet youth where they are—emotionally, mentally, and creatively. By integrating movement, peer connection, and supportive mentorship, HCYA helps participants develop healthy coping skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to transform pain into purpose by nurturing resilience, self-worth, creativity, and joy—helping each participant rise with strength, grace, and hope.
Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy was born from the voices of our youth. During a Grief’s Art Workshop, participants shared what it felt like to lose someone they loved. One child softly said, “It feels like Heaven is crying.” That moment sparked something sacred. The name—Heaven’s Cry—was chosen by the youth themselves, reflecting both their grief and their power.
This Academy is their vision. It is their space. And it stands as a reminder that even in sorrow, young hearts can shape healing—through movement, expression, sisterhood, and resilience.
Our Services
Our Services
Our Services
Program Components
What Participants Experience
Weekly Dance Practice
Structured, trauma-informed dance sessions that encourage movement as a healthy outlet for emotion, stress release, and self-expression while building confidence and discipline.
Expressive Journaling & Sharing Circles
Guided journaling and facilitated sharing circles tha
Program Components
What Participants Experience
Weekly Dance Practice
Structured, trauma-informed dance sessions that encourage movement as a healthy outlet for emotion, stress release, and self-expression while building confidence and discipline.
Expressive Journaling & Sharing Circles
Guided journaling and facilitated sharing circles that allow participants to process grief, express feelings safely, and connect with peers who understand their experiences.
Warm Meals & Sisterhood Building
Shared meals create a sense of comfort, consistency, and belonging while strengthening relationships, trust, and peer support within the group.
Life Skills Workshops
Interactive workshops focused on practical and personal development skills such as etiquette, cooking, theater, communication, and self-care—supporting growth beyond the dance space.
Grief Support & Healing Conversations
Trauma-informed conversations led in a supportive environment that normalize grief, encourage emotional regulation, and promote healthy coping strategies.
Performance Opportunities at FOTS Community Events
Opportunities to perform at Families of the Stolen community events, allowing participants to build confidence, celebrate their growth, and transform grief into visible expressions of strength and resilience.
Up coming Events for 2026
Grief's Art Workshop
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
Grief’s Art Workshop is a monthly healing space held at the UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities conference room at the Empowerment center on 51st & Spraque plza. This space was designed for youth ages 7+ & families that lost a loved one to violence or have been affected by the violence. Through guided art activities, poetry, music, and conversation, participants process grief in a creative, supportive environment. Led by trained grief facilitators and community artists, the workshops help individuals express pain, honor their loved ones, and begin emotional healing through the power of art. Each session is free and open to all ages. Dinner is served. To register.
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
Heaven’s Cry: Poetry in Motion is a powerful creative healing event hosted by Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy that centers youth voice, expression, and emotional wellness. Taking place in April, this event provides young people impacted by violence with a supportive stage to share their stories through spoken word, based off of their journal entries, movement, and creative expression.
Poetry in Motion was designed as a safe, affirming space where grief, hope, and resilience could coexist. Youth participants are encouraged to explore their emotions through poetry, dance, and performance—transforming lived experiences into powerful expressions of healing and self-discovery. The event celebrates courage, creativity, and the strength it takes to speak truth in the midst of loss.
More than a performance, Poetry in Motion is a community gathering rooted in connection and care. Families, caregivers, and community members come together to witness youth voices, honor their journeys, and affirm the importance of mental and emotional wellness. Through art and expression, participants are reminded that their feelings matter and their stories deserve to be heard.
Heaven’s Cry: Poetry in Motion reflects the heart of Heaven’s Cry Youth Academy—where movement meets meaning, and healing is shaped by the voices of youth.
FOTS Day of Laughter Back to School Event
Heaven's Cry Youth Academy Poetry In Motion Event
3rd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
FOTS Day of Laughter is an annual back-to-school event that brings joy, healing, and community to families impacted by homicide and violence. Hosted by Families of the Stolen (FOTS), the event provides free backpacks, school supplies, food, games, and entertainment in a safe, supportive space. Designed to uplift children and honor their loved ones, this day helps families begin the school year with confidence, connection, and a reason to smile.
3rd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
3rd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
3rd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
September 6, 2026
Details coming soon for check in.
Route is 34th Paxton Blvd Bike Trail ending at Fontenelle Park located on 42nd & Paxton Blvd.
Gone, But Not Forgotten Community Walk is an annual event held on the last Saturday of August to kick off Omaha's official Cold Case Awareness Month, September, to honor the lives of homicide victims whose cases remain unsolved. Hosted by Families of the Stolen (FOTS), the walk brings together families, survivors, and community members to raise awareness, promote healing, and advocate for justice. Through unity, remembrance, and visibility, this event ensures that our loved ones are never forgotten. .This walk will feature stories of loved ones stolen along the path as well as community resource vendors and community partners, live entertainment, free food, games & prizes.
Lighs of Hope
3rd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
Lighs of Hope
December 2026. Lights of Hope is an annual holiday event hosted by Families of the Stolen (FOTS) to bring comfort and connection to families impacted by homicide. During this heartfelt gathering, families create personalized ornaments in memory of their murdered loved ones, which are then displayed on the Tree of Hope, housed at the Downtown Omaha Police Headquarters. Guests enjoy a holiday meal, door prizes for adults, toys and gift cards for children, and festive visits from Santa and the Grinch. This event offers a space for healing, remembrance, and joy during a season that can be especially difficult for grieving families.
Online Donations
All contributions are welcomed and appreciated and will aid in the ongoing efforts bring community engagement and grief support to a community in pain.