Caring for Our Community. Investing in What Comes Next.
The mission of the Hayes Cares Foundation is to support organizations in the communities we serve through time, resources and employee education. Our vision is to strengthen and transform these communities through our steadfast commitment to giving, caring, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Rooted in the values of our longstanding CPA firm, Hayes & Associates, Hayes Cares was created in 2014 to extend care beyond business through service, education and community partnership.
The Heart Behind Hayes Cares
Giving back to the community is a core belief at Hayes & Associates. Just as the firm strives to provide exceptional service to its clients, Hayes also works to positively impact the surrounding community through volunteer, education, and fundraising efforts.
In 2014, Hayes & Associates formed Hayes Cares, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, to enhance and reinforce this commitment to the community.
Today, Hayes Cares continues that work, connecting care with action. Through charitable giving, volunteer service, strategic partnerships and financial education, the foundation supports organizations and initiatives that help people and communities grow stronger.
Who We Are
Built on Service. Guided by Community.
The Hayes Cares Foundation is the charitable arm of Hayes & Associates, LLC, a CPA and consulting firm serving businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals.
Since 1983, Hayes & Associates has helped clients with accounting, tax, audit, business advisory, and other specialized financial services. The firm’s work centers on turning financial information into clarity, so clients can move forward with confidence.
“Community has always been the reason behind what we do. We created the Hayes Cares Foundation to give back with purpose to open doors for more people to succeed — because when one of us rises, we all rise together.”
– Frank Hayes
Our Board & Members
Our Board of Directors provides oversight and strategic direction to ensure every effort remains mission-focused and aligned with Hayes Cares’ commitment to responsible stewardship.
Jesse Tomair
President
Brandie Byrd Jr.
Treasurer
Windsong Bullock
Secretary
Latricia Harris
Scholarship Chair
Davida Stewart
Fundraising/Marketing Chair
Amanda Gaffney
Member
Austin Hanke
Member
Bryan Broekemier
Member
Eojin Kim
Member
Jade Griffin
Member
Josh Armatis
Member
Joshua Bruursema
Member
Logan Gubbels
Member
Paul Bierman
Member
Tes Shea
Member
Valeria Silva
Member
Zyler Keller
Member
Our Work in Action
Hayes Cares supports initiatives that meet people at the intersection of need and possibility. Our work is designed to make a difference that people feel and pay forward.
“This was a great overall course, and I’m extremely happy to have been a part of this. I feel confident when I walk into a room full of entrepreneurs and businesspeople that I can be part of those important conversations and potentially educate others on what I’ve learned from this course.”
— Kalani Quinn · Rib Shack Smoke House
Hayes Smart Start Graduate January 29, 2026 class
Our Signature Initiative
Hayes Smart Start: Financial Literacy for Small Business Owners
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs are building something meaningful while trying to figure out the financial side on their own. Hayes Smart Start was created to help change that.
Developed and launched by the CPAs and advisors at Hayes & Associates in 2025, this 10-week online course helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and self-employed earners better understand the story behind their numbers.
The course includes online lessons students can complete on their own schedule, an orientation session, optional in-person office hours and one-on-one support from Hayes team members. Participants earn a certificate upon completing the program.
A rising tide lifts all boats. Smart Start reflects the heart of Hayes Cares: pairing professional knowledge with community need so more business owners have the tools, confidence, and staying power to grow.
Scholarships
Hayes Cares is proud to support local students through scholarship opportunities created in memory of two former Hayes & Associates team members whose impact continues to be felt.
Since 2018, Hayes Cares has partnered with the Urban League of Nebraska to award annual scholarships to deserving students in the Omaha community. Each year, Hayes Cares contributes two to four $1,000 scholarships, helping students take the next step in their education and future careers.
The Pam Gorham Scholarship is awarded to students entering the fields of business administration and finance, while the Jackie Williams Scholarship is awarded to students entering communications or human resources.
The Urban League of Nebraska leads the scholarship process and does an outstanding job celebrating the students selected. Through Hayes Cares, we are honored to help continue that support and recognize the scholars who carry Pam and Jackie’s legacies forward.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Over the years, Hayes team members have contributed time, resources, and volunteer support to efforts connected to food security, housing, mental health, youth development, community health, financial education and nonprofit sustainability.
Examples of community involvement include support for organizations and events such as United Way of the Midlands, 100 Black Men of Omaha, Food Bank for the Heartland, NAMI Walk, Open Door Mission, Habitat for Humanity, the American Lung Association Corporate Cup and the KANEKO Soirée.
Every partnership represents a shared commitment to helping people and communities thrive.
A Look at Our Work
Get Involved
There Is More Than One Way to Care
People and organizations are working hard to build stronger futures in our community. Hayes Cares turns care into action by bringing our expertise and support directly to those people and organizations to make the biggest difference.
Join us in making an impact by donating to sponsor small business owners for Hayes Smart Start, our online financial literacy course. Access to CPA-level guidance can feel out of reach for many small business owners who desperately need to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Another way is to support our scholarship fund in partnership with the Urban League of Nebraska. Each year, we award two to four scholarships to deserving high school students going into the business administration, finance, communication, and human resources fields.
Hayes Cares also welcomes supporters who want to give, volunteer, or explore partnership opportunities in other areas of need.
However you choose to get involved, your generosity helps support people and organizations across our community.
News & Stories
Follow the latest updates, community stories, announcements, and foundation milestones from Hayes Cares.
Your Gift Helps Care Go Further
When you give to Hayes Cares Foundation, you help fuel programs, partnerships, and community support that make a lasting difference.
Every contribution matters. Your gift helps provide resources, strengthens nonprofit partnerships and supports community-based efforts that enhance opportunities and spark growth.
Donations Options
One-Time Gift
Monthly Gift
Corporate Sponsorship
In-Kind Donation
