about us

For 45 years Go Beyond has provided a life-changing opportunity to Nebraska and Iowa 13-15 year-old’s at no cost.
 

With a primary focus on those who would never otherwise have access to such opportunities and trauma-impacted youth, our donated lands/facilities in premiere Wyoming locations (including near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks) have been the home base to over 1200 participants, 350 incredible mentor leaders, and hundreds of volunteers. 

Research on the benefits of social inclusion, adult and near-peer mentoring, a new peer group, network growth, nature access and engagement, outdoor adventure, extraordinary experiences, and positive relationship-building align with our 4 decades of direct experience – through Go Beyond we can find a new story of life built of fortitude, resilience, connectedness and growth.

Our HOmaha program is the in-depth core program based in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. 366 hours of programming in year 1 include engaging experiences in partnership with Fontenelle Forest, Henry Doorly Zoo, MW Climbing Gym, UNO Delta Sigma Pi, Beyond School Bells, and others to build toward and from a world-class mountain expedition together.

Professional-level staff and volunteers lead individual, small group, and near-peer mentoring, and build a new peer group and trust as we include families in many activities.

We recruit new participants from an open application and partner referrals, including: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, Partnership4Kids, Completely Kids, Boys Town, OneWorld, Boys & Girls Clubs, CUES, and Beyond School Bells. There is no means or merit test. Participants complete a brief application and then, with their caregiver or nominating adult, meet with Go Beyond staff in-person.

The highlight experience of Go Beyond is our 8-14 day Wyoming expedition. Extraordinary experiences are unparalleled in providing an opportunity, and our expertise means we go to world-class destinations led by world-class guides. Our leadership teams prioritize youth-service experience, authenticity, and compassion, creating the most supportive, authentic, and positive space possible and our trips are accessible for any experience level.

For youth who have a strong engagement with the program, Natural Leaders, then, takes the Go Beyond impact to the next level. We provide ongoing small group and near-peer mentoring for youth ages 15-21. We provide volunteer-led, in-house First Aid/CPR training, a 4-part emotional intelligence and self-awareness training course, a youth-led escape room day, event planning and then the chance to join an expedition leadership team as paid staff. And then 2 Natural Leaders are selected for an amazing first job as a pivotal part of each expedition leadership team!

In partnership with the Henry Doorly Zoo, Beyond School Bells, Rowe Sanctuary, the Niobrara Preserve, and others, we also then provide our Natural Leaders unique regional experiential learning opportunities including summer-long, two-week, weekend and day excursions around the country.

Now in 2024 we have launched Go Beyond Abroad – expanding our programs into after-school spaces and in partnership with nonprofit agencies across the region. Look for more information soon and please reach out to our staff anytime with questions!

Ian Kimmer, Executive Director, ian@gobeyondne.org, 218-750-0784 

Go Beyond Staff 2024 Gallery

PROGRAM MANAGER MITCH FINDLEY

Our leader! Mitch first went to a Go Beyond camp as a partner (Heart Ministry Center) expedition counselor over 5 years ago. In 2022 he returned as a Go Beyond counselor and then led the Rowe Sanctuary trip for our Natural Leaders. And in 2023, thanks to the generosity of our community, he joined Go Beyond as our full-time Program Manager to lead our 366-hour year-round core program, to build on the potential of our Natural Leaders multi-year growth program, and to lead the volunteer mentoring team. He has been thriving in the nonprofit world ever since, and continues to help expand the Go Beyond program to make it year round, helping to increase the depth of impact and hours spent working with our youth.
A master rock-climber and adventurer with experience around the world, his passion is introducing young people to the outdoors, especially those who would not otherwise have a chance.
He brings incredible experience from 2 international service-work positions (South America and Africa), 5 years as a teacher in urban Omaha schools, and enormous amounts of volunteer work in our local community including soccer coaching, mentoring, and more.
He achieved his Masters in Education degree, with focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences, at the University of Portland, after getting his undergrad in education at Rockhurst University.
In his free time he enjoys climbing, snowboarding, backpacking, pickleball, and reading. His goal is to visit every National Park and with 23 already completed!
An incredibly empathetic and understanding leader, Mitch immediately builds relationships with every camper effortlessly. His easy-going nature is a balance to his professional passion and experience for helping lift young lives to a new understanding of self and others, and his heart is forever dedicated to the service of others.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IAN KIMMER

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!