OMAHA, Neb. -- The Wesley House Leadership Academy is getting $4,000 as a winner of "Oprah's Big Give Omaha."

Recently Wesley House students painted pots for a Habitat for Humanity luncheon.

"At the Wesley House, we are a leadership academy and we believe the way to start leaders out is by showing then that giving is better than receiving. If you can give, you will receive," said program director Brandy Jackson.

The Wesley House started in 1872as part of the original Omaha City Mission. The organization's new mission is to give motivated children in difficult circumstances the opportunity to pursue their own highest potential for leadership, intellect and personal growth.

Executive Director Paul Bryant said he drives home the message that smart people win.

"We are an oasis of hope on an island of despair. Our vision is to inspire young people, families and a community to reach for greatness," Bryant said.

The children are surrounded by greatness in the form of jerseys that belonged to Omaha's Gale Sayers, Bob Gibson, Marlin Briscoe and Bob Boozer, which hang on the wall. But while athletes inspire, Bryant said he isn't looking for sports skills from his fourth- through sixth-grade charges.

"We learn about the stock market, learn about business, financial statement, analyzing business opportunities. These are future economic leaders here," Bryant said.

ABC's Big Give donation of $2,000 was matched locally by the Richard and Helen Kelley Family Foundation. Bryant called the part of north Omaha that Wesley House calls home "ground zero." Children are surrounded by teenage pregnancy, gangs and unemployment, he said, and the Wesley House gives them a way out.

"(The money) keeps our doors open. We are not a United Way agency," Bryant said. "Any time we get recognized by organizations that have solid reputations, that have influence, it's a plus for us."

To emphasize the need for any and all donations, Bryant said that on Easter Sunday, the Wesley House van had its windows broken out.