Disability Services Nonprofit Duet Lays Off Dozens of Staff Amid Financial Struggles

Families express concerns over the impact on their loved ones receiving care from the organization.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:09am

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Duet, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities in Omaha, Nebraska, has laid off around 30 staff members amid financial difficulties. Families of those served by Duet are worried about how the layoffs will impact their loved ones, while the organization's new executive director says the cuts were necessary for continued financial stability.

Why it matters

The layoffs at Duet highlight the challenges nonprofits can face in maintaining critical services, especially those supporting vulnerable populations like people with disabilities. The situation raises concerns about the long-term viability of the organization and the potential disruption to the care and support provided to its clients.

The details

Duet's executive director, Tiffany Milone, who has only been in the role for a couple of months, says the recent staff layoffs were necessary for the organization's continued financial stability. Multiple former staffers, including Shirietha Patterson who had worked at Duet for three decades, have expressed frustration and heartbreak over the layoffs. Board attorney Chris Jerram stated that a comprehensive investigation into the organization's finances was launched in 2025, and an audit of the 2024-25 fiscal year "shows a deteriorating financial condition compared to the previous year." Board member Lisa Kramer acknowledged that hindsight is 20/20 and that it's difficult to speculate whether different actions could have prevented the situation.

  • Duet launched a comprehensive investigation into its finances in 2025.
  • An audit of Duet's 2024-25 fiscal year showed a deteriorating financial condition compared to the previous year.

The players

Duet

A nonprofit organization that provides services to people with disabilities in Omaha, Nebraska.

Tiffany Milone

The new executive director of Duet, who has only been in the role for a couple of months.

Shirietha Patterson

A former Duet employee who had worked at the organization for three decades.

Chris Jerram

The board attorney for Duet, who stated that a comprehensive investigation into the organization's finances was launched in 2025.

Lisa Kramer

A board member of Duet, who acknowledged that hindsight is 20/20 and that it's difficult to speculate whether different actions could have prevented the situation.

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What they’re saying

“What's gonna happen to all the people we served, all the people we love? If they keep laying people off.”

— Jodi Derby, Family member of a Duet client (3newsnow.com)

“It was a really rough day for folks at Duet.”

— Tiffany Milone, Executive Director, Duet (3newsnow.com)

“There's a lot of emotions, I think, that are involved. Frustrated. Heartbroken after 30 years.”

— Shirietha Patterson, Former Duet employee (3newsnow.com)

“Hindsight's always 20/20.”

— Lisa Kramer, Board Member, Duet (3newsnow.com)

“I'm feeling a little scared, but I think they will work it out.”

— Cindy Heant, Family member of a Duet client (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

Duet's leaders say staff working directly with patients were not impacted by the layoffs and that those operations will continue. The organization's board has launched a comprehensive investigation into the organization's finances to determine the root causes of the financial struggles.

The takeaway

The layoffs at Duet highlight the challenges nonprofit organizations can face in maintaining critical services, especially those supporting vulnerable populations like people with disabilities. The situation raises concerns about the long-term viability of the organization and the potential disruption to the care and support provided to its clients, underscoring the importance of strong financial management and oversight for nonprofits serving essential community needs.