Amber is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Heart + Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting children in the foster care system. Married to Matt for 22 years, they have been foster and adoptive parents for 18 years, welcoming over a dozen children into their home, from respite care to long-term placements, and ultimately to forever families. Each child they’ve cared for has offered them a unique perspective on life. Currently, they have five children—Trevon, Jayda, Leo, Demetrius, and Berkley—who keep their lives fun and interesting. One of Amber’s greatest joys has been building relationships with the children’s parents, siblings, and relatives, as she tirelessly advocates for families navigating the foster care system.
Amber's contributions to her community were recognized in 2023 when her family received the Heartland Family Service Salute to Families Community Service Honoree award. Additionally, she was honored as the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Angels in Adoption Nebraska District 2 Award Recipient in 2022.
Born and raised in Papillion, Amber played soccer for two years with the Huskers after high school, finishing her playing career at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where she was part of the team that won a National Championship in 2005. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNO and later completed her Master's in Coaching and Leadership at Bellevue University. Amber served as the assistant women’s soccer coach at Bellevue University for 11 seasons before making a career shift in 2019 to coach at Orangetheory Fitness, where she continues to work part-time.
It was during this transition that she laid the groundwork for what was initially known as Foster Love. The organization started in her basement during the pandemic and has since grown significantly, evolving into a storefront boutique in 2021 and, most recently, a beautiful new 8,000-square-foot space.
A huge thank you to our President-Elect Aaron Tomita for hosting a fantastic April Edition of Rotary After Hours at Vincenzio’s—great food, lively conversation, and warm fellowship all around!
But let’s be honest… the real star of the evening was none other than Baby Callum Maxwell Honaker, son of proud parents Max and Maggie. With his effortless charm, he definitely stole the show (and our hearts)!
We’ve already made it official—Baby Callum is now the honorary “Future President” of the Omaha Morning Rotary! Watch out world, he’s coming for that gavel in 2050!
Check out the photos below and relive the fun! Yolanda Hoffman May 2, 2025
🌅 Rotary After Hours – May Edition at the Lake! 🍷🚤 Hosted by Rotarian Extraordinaire Rodney Brase & Theresa Brase
Get ready for a truly special evening as we take Rotary After Hours to the lake! Join us for food, fellowship, and floating fun at the beautiful Brase home, nestled along the shores of Villa Springs Lake.
📍 Location: Lot 64 Eatery / Brase Lake Home 12514 Cottonwood Lane, Springfield, NE (Villa Springs Lake Community – Diagonal driveway parking available)
What to Expect: ✨ Lakeside vibes on the back patio ✨ Pontoon boat rides for a relaxing cruise ✨ Hearty appetizers and signature drinks, including wine, seltzers, rum punch, beer, mixed cocktails, Coke, and water — all complimentary!
This unique venue offers a refreshing change of pace from our previous After Hours—don’t miss out on this scenic and social experience!
👥 Who’s Invited: All Omaha Morning Rotary members, their guests, and prospective members
📞 RSVP by Friday, May 16 To Rodney Brase: 402-657-1051
Let’s raise a glass to friendship, fresh air, and the joy of Rotary—see you at the lake! 🌊🥂
Thank you for your commitment as Rotarians to our future! Please read more to see the exciting things happening in your District.
As we step into May with graduation celebrations, spring sports and new beginnings, I am reminded that May is Youth Service Month when Rotary clubs focus on youth services, including: Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Exchange.
It is also the time of year when many clubs are awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. It is great to celebrate our commitment to empowering young leaders who will be our future leaders to carry the Rotary torch forward.
I would also like to highlight some of the achievements of our district. I was honored to attend the Lincoln South meeting this past month to present Rotary’s prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to Jenny Cardwell. This award is given to only 150 recipients annually worldwide to recognize members who fully embody our primary motto. Jenny, who served as club President in 2014-15 is so deserving of this award for her service to her club, the district and Rotary International. Way to go Jenny!
I am looking forward to attending some important events in the next month to recognize some milestone achievements of our clubs. I will be attending a banquet on May 2nd to honor the Nebraska City Rotary Club who will be celebrating 100 years as a Rotary Club. Then on May 31st, I will join the Seward Club as they celebrate their 100th year anniversary as well. A huge congratulations to these clubs for achieving these milestones and the impact that they have had on their communities.
I am looking forward to our Annual Meeting on May 8th where we will present next year’s district budget, elect new board members and ratify our district leadership team for the next three years. Thank you to the delegates who will attend for representing your clubs.
The Rotary Club of Omaha Morning, led by Jonathan Johnson during the 2023-2024 Rotary Year, was honored with the Rotary International Citation Award at the recent Rotary District Conference. This recognition highlights the club's commitment to enhancing member engagement, expanding Rotary's impact through community-focused projects, and fostering growth within the club. Additionally, it acknowledges the club's adaptability and the generosity of its members toward The Rotary Foundation.
Immediate Past President Jonathan Johnson receiving the Rotary Citation from District Governor Tom Kerfoot
Amber Richardson
Thank you for your commitment as Rotarians to our future! Please read more to see the exciting things happening in your District.
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