For 50 years, Omaha nonprofit has been helping seniors save millions

One of the most daunting tasks on the list? Signing her up for Medicare.

“It’s just such a maze of options and very difficult to follow what is your best option.” Alvarez said.

Alvarez herself is six years from retirement and didn’t have a clue where to start.

She found Volunteers Assisting Seniors through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and soon after was putting the finishing touches on all the paperwork involved for her cousin.

One visit to the group’s office at 900 S. 74th Plaza, Suite 403, helped her get everything in order.

“It really is so useful,” Alvarez said. “I would totally recommend it.”

Working in Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Dodge and Washington counties, Volunteers Assisting Seniors has been helping people solve that maze of retirement options for 50 years.

It recently celebrated that milestone with a luncheon. Among those attending were some of the many donors who have kept the nonprofit going for that half century.

VAS’ mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their benefits.

It does that with only four full-time employees, two part-timers and a mighty tribe of 80 volunteers who have made a huge impact on the lives of Omaha seniors.

Executive Director Toni Roberts said in the last fiscal year, VAS saved its clients about $8 million between its Medicare prescription drug review, its homestead exemption work and its assistance programs.

“We have a remarkable, dedicated, wonderful team of volunteers,” Roberts said.

Those volunteers are experts in all sorts of areas, thanks to some intense training. They have assigned modules that take 15 to 20 hours, a day of training, mentoring and additional training and recertification every year.

Some focus on the Homestead Exemption, which saved qualifiers an estimated $4.8 million in property tax relief in 2025. "Fraud Warrior" volunteers assist seniors who have been victims of fraudulent activity. The Navigators Program helps eligible beneficiaries navigate the Social Security and Medicare online platforms.

In the prior fiscal year, VAS reached more than 3,434 people through classes, presentations and public events.

“Many of our counselors volunteer for multiple programs at VAS,” Roberts said.

The busiest time of year is during Medicare open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, when VAS has about 2,500 appointments. In the last four years, since Roberts joined the organization, it has averaged about 7,500 per year.

One of the biggest challenges is getting word out to the public about all it offers.

Roberts wants people to know Volunteers Assisting Seniors is the source for free, accurate and unbiased information about all things Medicare and Homestead Exemption.

“Our organization is powered by exceptionally well-trained volunteer counselors who have amazing dedication and commitment to serving seniors in our community,” she said. “And, honestly, I am not sure what could be cooler than that.”

If you want to make an appointment with Volunteers Assisting Seniors, visit vas-nebraska.org or call 402-444-6617.