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 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
FOTS Families of the Stolen was founded in 2012 by Buffy Bush, the sister of murder victim Jameila Hesseltine in an effort to aid other families that have been affected by the ongoing violence in our community. FOTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in community grief support, community engagement & anti-violence awar
FOTS Families of the Stolen was founded in 2012 by Buffy Bush, the sister of murder victim Jameila Hesseltine in an effort to aid other families that have been affected by the ongoing violence in our community. FOTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in community grief support, community engagement & anti-violence awareness. In a community where violence is prevalent, a common bond is shared among the remaining families of the souls that have been stolen due to the violence. F.O.T.S is dedicated to keeping the stolen alive through memories, family love & community support.
Our Programs
Our Programs
We offer community online homicide grief support as well as in person homicide Grief's Art workshops every 4th Saturday. We host an annual FOTS Day of Laughter back to school events. We host annual "Gone But Not Forgotten" Cold Case Awareness Month with Omaha Police Department. We also host an annual Holiday event "Lights of Hope". We par
We offer community online homicide grief support as well as in person homicide Grief's Art workshops every 4th Saturday. We host an annual FOTS Day of Laughter back to school events. We host annual "Gone But Not Forgotten" Cold Case Awareness Month with Omaha Police Department. We also host an annual Holiday event "Lights of Hope". We partner with Omaha Police Departments Homicide Grief Support Group. We have a youth grief support group & youth dance team, the Heaven's Cry Dance Academy. We offer limited funeral assistance through the FOTS Funeral Network
Our Impact
Our Impact
As FOTS Families of the Stolen, we are proud of the impact we have made in the lives of those we serve. We have helped numerous of families learn to live with pain of tragic loss and achieve their goals of healing. We as a community of one have learned to BREATHE; we as a community of one have learned to live in love & laughter of the me
As FOTS Families of the Stolen, we are proud of the impact we have made in the lives of those we serve. We have helped numerous of families learn to live with pain of tragic loss and achieve their goals of healing. We as a community of one have learned to BREATHE; we as a community of one have learned to live in love & laughter of the memory of our loved one stolen vs being lost in way they were stolen and we are committed to continuing this important work just as the violence in our community continues.
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.
Up coming Events for 2024
Grief's Art Workshop
Grief’s Art Workshop is a monthly healing space designed for families impacted by homicide and community 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.
FOTS Day of Laughter Back to School Event
July 19th at the Assembly of the Saint Church 4224 N. 24th. From 1pm-4pm. 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.
2nd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
2nd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
2nd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
August 30, 2025 9:30a-2:00p
Registrant Check in at 8:30 am at YouTurn Located at 4344 N. 34 Ave.
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
2nd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
2nd Annual Gone But Not Forgotten Community Walk
December 13, 2025. 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.
HCD Heaven's Cry Dance Academy
Who Are We
Our Services
Our Purpose
Heaven’s Cry Dance Academy (HCDA) is more than a dance team—it’s a safe haven where grief meets growth, and healing takes center stage. Designed for girls ages 5–16 who have lost loved ones to violence or have been affected by the violence; HCDA creates a nurturing space for youth to express themselves, build confidence, and stay connect
Heaven’s Cry Dance Academy (HCDA) is more than a dance team—it’s a safe haven where grief meets growth, and healing takes center stage. Designed for girls ages 5–16 who have lost loved ones to violence or have been affected by the violence; HCDA creates a nurturing space for youth to express themselves, build confidence, and stay connected to their loved ones through movement and community.
Each session blends creative expression with real-life skill-building. Our girls participate in journaling, theater, etiquette, cooking classes, and dance—all while sharing meals, forming sisterhood bonds, and learning to navigate grief with grace and resilience.
At HCDA, we are raising strong, expressive, and empowered young queens who move with purpose, speak with confidence, and rise with every step.
“Healing hearts through dance, sisterhood, and strength.”
Our Purpose
Our Services
Our Purpose
The purpose of Heaven’s Cry Dance Academy is to provide a healing-centered space for girls ages 5–16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence or have been personally affected by the community violence. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, and life skills training, HCDA empowers young girls to process grief, build self-e
The purpose of Heaven’s Cry Dance Academy is to provide a healing-centered space for girls ages 5–16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence or have been personally affected by the community violence. Through dance, journaling, sisterhood, and life skills training, HCDA empowers young girls to process grief, build self-esteem, and develop tools for emotional and personal growth. Our goal is to transform pain into purpose by nurturing resilience, confidence, creativity, and connection—helping each girl rise with strength, grace, and joy.
Heaven’s Cry Dance Academy was born from the voices of our youth. During a Grief's Art workshops, the girls 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 girls themselves, a reflection of both their pain and their power.
HCDA is their vision. It’s their space. And it stands as a reminder that even in sorrow, young hearts can shape healing with hope, rhythm, and resilience.
Our Services
Our Services
Our Services
Program Components
Break down what the girls will experience:
What We Offer:
Weekly Dance Practice
Expressive Journaling & Sharing Circles
Warm Meals & Sisterhood Building
Life Skills Workshops (Etiquette, Cooking, Theater, etc.)
Grief Support & Healing Conversations
Performance Opportunities at FOTS Community Events
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.