Our Impact
United Way of South Central Nebraska exists to improve the quality of life in the Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties. We do this through the programs below and so much more. Read more about our programs and the difference they are making.
Our Impact by County – 2016 Stats
Adams County
Clay County
Nuckolls County
Webster County
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is all about inspiration and imagination. In 1995, Dolly developed the program so that every preschool child in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, would have their own library of books that would encourage in them a love of reading and learning. The program was so successful and generated such interest from across the country, Dolly decided to offer her Imagination Library for replication in any community that will support it.
How Does It Work? Each month, from the day the child is born until his/her 5th birthday, a carefully selected book arrives in the mail for the child to enjoy!
How Can I Help? The Imagination Library in South Central Nebraska is a program that requires ongoing funding to continue to serve children in the future. Please consider donating today. For more information call (402) 461-8412 or donate online!
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
What is 211?
There may be a time that you or someone you know needs help, but don’t know exactly what kind of assistance is available – let alone how to access it. 211 can assist by help clarify your personal situation and then utilize an extensive up-to-date database to determine the best resource(s) for you. 211 is where you go when you don’t know where to turn for help, acting as a single point of contact to thousands of social service programs.
211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa and Nebraska residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.
For example, 211 can offer referrals to these types of services:
- Basic Human Needs Resources: food pantries, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
- Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health care, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, substance abuse and intervention rehabilitation
- Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, educational programs
- Support For Older Americans And Persons With Disabilities: adult day care, aging and disability resource centers, congregate meals, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: child care, Head Start, family resource centers, holiday assistance, parenting, summer camps and recreation programs, summer meal programs, mentoring, protective services
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Services
This is a small portion of services that are available in the 211 database. Utilizing a comprehensive computerized database of more than 13,000 nonprofit and public programs and services, trained Information and Referral Specialists give personalized attention to each caller. Specialists can refer callers to a variety of service that best meets their needs. 211 is the number to call when you aren’t sure who to call.
Go to the website for more information! http://211iowa.org/
The 211 App: Find Help in a Tap!
The power of the 211 database is now available in the palm of your hand with the free 211 Iowa smartphone app. Simply download the app for free by following these simple steps:
- Click a link below to find the app on the App Store or Google Play, or search for 211 Iowa.
- Install the App on your phone
- Begin using by tapping Current Location, entering your zip code, or your city.
That’s all there is to it! No registration or account to set up… the 211 service is 100% free and confidential.
TEXT YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211 AS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION TO REACH 211
Toys for Tots
United Way of South Central Nebraska works in partnership with the Marine Corp through the Toys For Tots program and Salvation Army of Hastings to ensure children in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties will receive a gift. Locally, the Toys for Tots program provides holiday gift assistance for children up to age 14 whose families are not financially able to provide gifts for them during the holidays. Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gently-used books or stuffed animals are collected starting in November at several sites in our area.
All toys donated in and around Hastings are distributed locally. To sign your business up as a toy collection point or to volunteer, contact the United Way of South Central Nebraska office at (402) 461-8412.
Stuff the Bus
Make a difference in the life of a child by helping students in need start the school year with the basic supplies needed. Please help us stuff the bus with school supplies for students in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties annually in July.
FamilyWize Drug Savings Program
IT’S FREE: This is a free resource from the FamilyWize community service partnership. Use this FamilyWize card to start saving money on your prescription drugs today.
IT’S EASY: Simply present your card and prescription to a participating pharmacy to obtain the discounted price. You always receive the lower of the discounted price or pharmacy’s retail price.
HOW MUCH YOU SAVE: This card can save you and your family an average of 20% on 8 out of 10 prescriptions. Click here to see the discounted price of medications using this card.
NO RESTRICTIONS: Use your card as often as you need, for any prescription, for everyone in your family. There is no income limit, age requirement, eligibility or registration required.
Born Learning
Parents and caregivers of young children understand that the early years are important, yet many aren’t sure how to encourage early learning, or feel they don’t have time to do what it takes to help their child succeed in school. Many communities are concerned about children coming to school unprepared, but aren’t coming together to give parents more choices and children more opportunities.
Born Learning is designed as a tool for long-lasting community change that supports young children. It has three cornerstones:
- Awareness – Providing important information about how young children learn. Born Learning includes nationwide public service announcements – television, radio and print ads and targeted billboards – in English and Spanish. The PSAs communicate that everyday moments can easily be turned into quality early learning opportunities for young children, as they are born learning.
- Education – Providing easy, fun action steps that parents, grandparents and caregivers can use every day. Educational material provided by Born Learning makes it simple and easy for parents, grandparents, informal caregivers and professional child care providers to find out about, understand and apply the latest research to help children come to school ready to succeed.
- Action – Providing a visible platform for public policy and action. Born Learning puts research-driven products – along with tools and templates for education and outreach – into communities through a national grassroots network that’s creating innovative ideas to help local children.
Our goal is to inspire everyone who impacts young children to make the best possible decisions to boost school readiness. And we aim to give each of them the tools to make long-lasting community change. Visit United Way of South Central Nebraska’s Born Learning Trail at Libs Park in Hastings, NE.
