For nearly three decades, Melissa Holm has built a career at Mutual of Omaha, one grounded in integrity and service. By day, she works as an investigator in Enterprise Risk Management, where, as she puts it, “there’s never a dull moment.”
On Thursday nights, her focus shifts beyond fraud and compliance to connection, creativity and community as a volunteer at Hope Lodge, an American Cancer Society program supporting adults undergoing cancer treatment.
Holm’s dedication to volunteer work is deeply personal and rooted in her own experience.
Her journey with Hope Lodge began when her daughter was a senior in high school and needed additional service hours to graduate. Holm found a post online and immediately felt a connection.
“It started out as, ‘Oh, I’ll just come along while you need me,’ but I loved it,” Holm said. “That was time dedicated between her and I that we had every week.”
What began as accompanying her daughter, turned into a weekly commitment Holm looked forward to. She now leads arts and crafts nights that create space for guests to connect, unwind and feel normal during an incredibly difficult time.
For Holm, volunteering is deeply tied to her own healing and gratitude. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 years old while raising young children, she knows firsthand how important support can be.
“This is my way of coming back and helping people go through it,” Holm said.
Hope Lodge serves adults traveling to Omaha for cancer treatment, many staying for extended periods and often far from home. Guests stay at no cost and are supported by shared spaces that foster comfort and connection.
“It’s kind of a home away from home,” she said.
Beyond lodging, Hope Lodge offers social opportunities from shared meals to quiet spaces and volunteer-led activities.
“I really think it’s more of a social hour for a lot of people,” Holm said. “A lot of them just need a space to feel normal.”
Each Thursday, Holm helps transform a conference room into a welcoming, low-pressure creative space. Craft supplies are donated by organizations, guests and community partners. Some nights are busy. Others are quiet — but all are meaningful.
“The social and the support aspect of going through something like this is so important,” Holm said.
Reflecting on her own experience, she recalls seeing others going through treatment alone. Hope Lodge also welcomes community members who may not be staying at the lodge but could benefit from its offerings.
“Even if you’re a local person who doesn’t need a place to stay, you’re always welcome,” Holm said.
She’s seen firsthand how meaningful the experience can be — like guests who arrive on Thursdays and head straight to craft night before even unpacking.
“The fact they’re not even checking into their rooms and just looking forward to coming — that’s really special,” she said.
Holm looks forward to volunteering every week, and her daughter still joins her when she can. These nights are a reminder of what it means to show up for others.
“I’m one of the lucky ones,” she said.
Hope Lodge was made possible through the generosity of community partners and donors, including support from the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. Learn more about Hope Lodge.