who we are

our history

OUT OF THE SEATS
AND INTO THE STREETS

Abide was founded in 1989 to be dedicated to building bridges and breaking barriers so that every person has every opportunity to reach their full God-given potential. We have a passion to help every person live on purpose so they can make a difference.

1989

Abide was founded by Ron and Twany Dotzler on April 10, 1989

2007

Police redlined the fowler neighborhood and others in North Omaha as some of the most violent in the city.

A group of people walking two dogs down a street.

2009

Police said Fowler Neighborhood had changed from one of the most violent to one of the safest. Crime was estimated at being reduced by 75% on average.

An aerial view of a city with lots of trees.

2016

Abide purchased the Better Together Campus formerly known as the Nebraska School for the Deaf. This became Abide’s HQ and allowed Abide to centralize all of its activities.

2022-2024

Campus updates. Renovation of Gym, parking added, dance studio, dining hall, recording studio, offices, Fitness Center renovation.

our mission

EVERY PERSON.
EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

We exist to build bridges and break barriers so that every person has every opportunity to reach their full God-given potential.

our strategy

A PRESENCE-BASED APPROACH

Abide means “to stay” or “to dwell”—emphasizing the power of presence. We believe that when people of God, who carry His presence, are present in communities, neighborhoods are transformed, and lives are changed.

safer neighborhoods

We build Safe Neighborhoods by establishing a lighthouse presence in targeted neighborhoods.

We cultivate community through neighborhood events and bring beauty to every neighborhood block through on-going clean-up.

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stronger families

We build Strong Families through our holistic children, youth, and family programs.

Our approach is designed to develop every individual’s mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and professional capacity.

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emerging leaders

We develop Emerging Leaders who live and lead in the communities we serve and become catalysts for long-term community change.

Our ecosystem of support provides leaders with a connection to a like-minded community, world-class content and leadership experiences, along with financial and organizational resources.

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who we are

OUR TEAM

Ron & Twany Dotzler

Founders

Josh & Jen Dotzler

Visionary Leaders & CEO

My purpose is to bring clarity, order, and Spirit-led excellence to chaotic and unsafe spaces. I am passionate about diversity and the transformative power of the Gospel and I cultivate environments where healing, rest, and truth can thrive.

Krehanua Dotzler

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

My purpose is for no child to be defined by the zip code of where they’re from. Every child, every opportunity.

Shawn Deane

HR & Operations Director

My purpose is to match people’s passions to transformational impact to be able to serve the greater good, and also help people navigate and find the positive when dealing with failure or adversity in life.

Matt Pohren

Chief Philanthropy Officer

My purpose is to be compassionate in action. I live this out by hosting God’s presence through hospitality, supporting people with practical help, and championing a vision that propels others forward with hope and purpose.

Jessica Vazquez

Executive Assistant

My purpose is to lead and serve with mercy, using my gifts to help individuals and families find hope and unity through Christ’s transformative love, guiding them toward healing and the power of God’s restoration.

Alli Brobst

Operations & Volunteer Coordinator

My purpose is to empower others, especially young women, helping them to embrace who they are, discover their gifts, grow in confidence, and pursue lives of joy, purpose, and excellence.

Emma Swanson

Creative Marketing Director

My purpose is to be a helper, builder, and encourager. To create space for others to succeed, fostering meaningful relationships, and following God’s direction with trust and obedience.

Alexis Sanders

Administrative Assistant

My purpose is to lead by example in my community by extending His love through the pursuit of service, compassion, grace, unity, and ultimately transformation.

Dalton Bailey

Development Coordinator

My purpose is to seek to reflect Christ’s love and be a vessel of restoration in a hurting world through worship, songwriting, and support. I meet people in their brokenness with compassion and creativity, offering hope, justice, and hands-on care through my gifts of service and encouragement.

Chad Hintermiester

Sound Engineer

My purpose is to develop joy-fueled communities that live with intentionality and curiosity.

Adé Idowu

Leadership Coordinator

My purpose is to help others experience the love of Christ so they can become confident through Him. As a kind and creative person who is confident in Christ, I aim to reflect His love in a way that empowers others to embrace their identity and walk boldly in their purpose.

Zhyael Dotzler

Marketing & Development Assistant

My purpose is to help others uncover their potential while creating safe, nurturing, and empowering spaces where people feel seen, valued, loved and confident to walk and pursue God’s calling over their lives.

Jenniffer Espinoza

Administrative Assistant

My purpose is to lead with integrity, inspire others through faith, and create a culture of unity and growth by serving with humility and purpose.

Cris Magaña

Volunteer Coordinator Assistant

My purpose is to build Relationships to bring out the best in others for the world, the community, family, church, for Gods Glory!

Justin Albrecht

Development Coordinator

Maikel Fabra-Alonso

Maintenance

Marialys Fabra-Alonso

Maintenance

Gregory Martinez

Grounds

Morris Peterson

Foreman

My purpose is to help others feel seen, valued and supported, especially children, by promoting love, mental wellness and compassionate care.

Jodi Deane

Book Keeper

OUR board

Nash Mahupete

Board Member

Chuck Downey

Board Member

Jon Campbell

Treasurer

Alexi Wellman

Board Member

Maranda Adams

Board Member

Ron Dotzler

Founder

Anthony Edwards

Board President

Josh Dotzler

CEO

Call 402.455.7807 or email us at info@abidenetwork.org with any questions.

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our partners

The game changers

Abide wouldn’t be where it is today without all our incredible partners both big and small! These organizations and individuals are taking up the challenge to not only personally live on purpose, but make a change corporately.

Join the circle

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