Stories of Hope: Anything Helps

Join us on March 11th, 2025 for the inaugural "Stories of Hope" event series, a new annual tradition by the Stephen Center, where stories of resilience and compassion take center stage. This first installment, *Stories of Hope: Anything Helps*, brings Omaha native Mark Lanham to perform his acclaimed solo show, Anything Helps. Based on Mark's personal journey, Anything Helps began with a small act of kindness: offering free coffee to people experiencing homelessness in New York City’s Union Square. What started as a simple gesture transformed into a profound exploration of human connection, revealing a world of rich, poignant stories beneath the city’s affluent surface.

Through his own experiences and encounters with New York’s underserved communities, Mark discovered a familial bond with the people he served—a connection deepened through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a narrative that blends humor, empathy, and self-reflection, he tells a powerful story of personal transformation, reconciliation, and the joy of selfless giving.

Directed by the award-winning Chris Clavelli of Florida Repertory Theatre, Anything Helps promises to be a stirring, eye-opening experience. This performance invites us to reflect on homelessness and to see humanity at the heart of the crisis. The Stephen Center is honored to host Mark Lanham and bring his message of hope, compassion, and unity to Omaha. Join us for an unforgettable evening that reaffirms that "it is in giving that we receive."