As social distancing quickly becomes the new normal, some Lincoln nonprofit organizations are adjusting their programming in order to continue to provide needed services. Community Action is no exception.
At its Gathering Place soup kitchen, hot, nutritious meals are being packed in to-go boxes for anyone in need to pick up from the Gathering Place front porch. Meals can be picked up Monday through Friday from 5:00-6:00 PM.
“Our priority is always meeting our community’s need for meals, and the need for this service has never been greater,” said Lisa Janssen, Gathering Place Program Administrator. “We are thankful for the support of our volunteers who continue to arrive each night to make this possible, and encourage anyone who may need a good grab-and-go meal to visit.”
In conjunction with Lincoln Public Schools closing, Community Action’s three Lincoln Head Start centers are not providing on-site services to children and families through April 3rd. The program is, instead, focusing its attention on supporting families by connecting them to community resources, addressing immediate needs, and bringing them needed supplies such as educational materials, diapers, wipes, and formula.
“The decision to suspend our center-based services through April 3rd was difficult, but the right one to ensure the health and safety of our employees and families based on guidance received from public health experts and our funding agency,” said Jill Bomberger, Early Head Start and Head Start Director. “We are dedicated to continuing to serve our families in alternative ways during this time.”
Bomberger says the program will be regularly checking in with families, making sure they have the supplies needed to support the development and health and safety of their children. Supplies like diapers and formula, she says, will be in high demand.
In addition, Community Action will be closing its office lobbies in Lincoln (210 O Street) and Wahoo (365 W. 1st Street) to walk-in visitors effective at close of business on Friday, March 20th. The agency will continue to provide services to its participants during this time while implementing additional prescreening procedures before doing so. Those requesting emergency assistance with rent and utilities may contact (402) 471-4515 to complete an application over the phone as usual.
Community Action is asking for support from the community to meet the basic needs of its participants at this time. Donations can be made at www.communityactionatwork.org or mailed to: Community Action 210 O Street Lincoln, NE 68508. For more information about how to help, contact Heather at (402) 875-9339.
