United Way Tour of Agencies
So happy we were able to get a spot on the tour of Agencies in Grand Island!
There has been so much to learn from the amazing people who have dedicated so much to the resources that help so many people.
Boys town- They offer parenting classes, in home family services, a behavioral health clinic and so much more!
Big Brothers Big Sisters- They have in school and community programs. The in school program matches high-school kids with elementary students and they meet 30 minutes a week. The community program matches 18 and up community member with kids. There has been such a positive impact on not only the littles, but the bigs too!
Literacy Council of Grand Island- They are helping people who need help with literacy skills and offer targeted classes for individuals working on their English.
Multicultural Coalition- This small office offers big help for people new to the U.S and community. They have a sliding scale for all income levels and with an appointment an individual can get help with a variety of issues. They help with the naturalization process, legal services and case management, and the help center helps people get to place of sustainability and self-efficacy. They can help in several languages as well!
Heartland CASA- CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The CASAs are the ones that help a child and advocate for them in court. They also have a Cases for CASA kids program to give a child the first 5 days of essentials when being moved from their home to other placement. It is such a phenomenal asset to kids in need.
Central Community College Adult Education- A free program with in person or remote classes to help adults in E.S.L or prepping and getting their G.E.D. There is continous enrollment so there isn't much or any waiting time to get started. The classes are available in the morning or evening.
They also work with the Hall County Jail to help individuals, who are in custody for some time, get their G.E.D too.
Legal Aid of Nebraska- This is a state wide nonprofit that aids people below the poverty line with legal services. The four areas they focus most on is housing, children and family cases, debt and finance, and income benefits.
Girl Scouts- Hope Stanton gave an amazing presentation about all the good she does with the Girl Scout Organization. They give girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds the chance to be a part of troop and the opportunity to go to camp and all the other experiences that come with being in a troop! Hope started a community troop so the girls could help in the community, and an after school program. The goals she has for of all her troops are to gain a sense of self, develop positive values, seek challenges, build healthy peer and adult relationship, and be problem solvers in their communities.
Boy Scouts- Often going by just “Scouts” since opening up to girls, they offer scholarships for scout dues, plenty of skills to acquire and friends to be made in the variety of programs they offer after cub scouts.
Teammates- A one on one mentoring program that has a nominated mentor guide the young mentee from middle school to graduation. The program trains mentors to identify the strengths in their partner To help them grow into successful adult.
Lutheran Family Services- With a whopping 46 programs that range from immigrant resettlement to behavioral and mental health services for military veterans. They work hard to make navigating the maze of paperwork and hurdles easier for people in difficult situation. They are also a statewide service to people in Nebrask.
Hope Harbor- This a shelter that specializes in helping families and woman find a safe place. They offer emergency shelter for woman and families leaving toxic situations either for a night or up to 30 days. They also have transitional housing with case management that help the women in building life skills and looking for housing and employment. They also provide community assistance to all people with laundry services and homelessness prevention.
American Red Cross- They are usually thought of when you hear about giving blood or being there for disaster relief, but they do much more. They install smoke alarms for free for qualifying families, have Information on creating will, and have trainings on fire safety and drawing up disaster plans.
The YMCA- The United Way and the Y started operation splash to educate children in lower socioeconomic situations on water safety. They give the children swim lessons with The goal of reducing the number of drownings.
Third City Community Clinic- gives individuals without A social security number or insurance the ability to be seen by a doctor and dentist. The clinic tries to supply patients with free medications as well. They also have a community garden that grows fruits and veggies as an added benefit to the community.
Willow Rising- Formally the crisis center, Willow Rising aids woman in the journey of leaving situations involving Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking. Their services extend from safe housing to being an advocate in court. They can also help woman with clothing, and furniture for women starting completely over. The most surprising benefit is the Domestic Violence Intervention Program that works to break the cycles of abuse through the offender.
Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addictions- The council started to help individuals struggling with alcoholism and then grew to include substance use as well. They have a lending library or book store with loads of literature that focuses on what addiction is and prevention education. They also have several youth programs that helps discourage substance use through life skills, education, and peer support.
This was an amazing opportunity to connect with all the wonderful individuals and agencies that are working toward making Nebraska better. One of the best experiences I have had on our road to becoming a nonprofit and making our own waves of change.
A huge thank you to United Way, the transportation from Aurora Public Schools, and Subway for our meal!!
