What We Do

The Community Impact Network of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster Counties serves as a connecting and partnership hub that aligns the work of all to support the success and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in this region of Nebraska.

We do this by:

Helping meet short-term, emergency needs such as…

  • Rental and utility payment assistance
  • Gas vouchers
  • Work-related expenses

Helping anyone develop their own solutions through…

  • Coaching for budgeting, parenting, employment, and more
  • Application and enrollment assistance (for federal programs, Medicaid, etc)

Working together as a community

Coordinating stakeholders in a comprehensive and collaborative response to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the community.

NEED HELP? BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS HERE

The Community Impact Network uses the Collective Impact Model that emphasizes:

  • Common Agenda
  • Shared measurement
  • Continuous communication
  • Mutually reinforcing activities
  • Backbone support

Our Staff

Chandra Essex
Chandra EssexCentral Navigator
Chandra is a long-time educator and advocate for others. She worked in higher education for 19 years, is trained in the field of high school counseling, and has extensive experience in facilitating leadership development programs for college students. Chandra joined the Community IMPACT Network to work with families and unconnected youth who are seeking assistance through community resources, while also building a collaborative network of individuals who are making our community stronger.
Brady Rhodes
Brady RhodesCollaborative Coordinator
Brady is a long-time educator, non-profit administrator, facilitator and community organizer with 30 years of teaching, management, development and implementation experience. Much of his work with schools, community organizations and nonprofits has focused on developing collaborations that grow individuals and communities.
Zayra Navarete
Zayra NavareteBilingual Central Navigator
Zayra is a starting navigator and advocate for others. With her bilingual skills she has helped improve and make it easier for communities to communicate their needs. She has business experience as she has her associates in business administration and is one year away from her bachelor’s degree. Zayra joined the Community Impact network to help make an impact in the community, especially the spanish speaking community.

Our Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is a diverse group of community stakeholders who play a vital role in the work of the Community Impact Network. They are tasked with managing the strategic work of the Collaborative: maintaining a long-term vision, strengthening the partnerships within the Network and aligning the communities to a common agenda for community success.

Andy Springer – Good Sam Society (Hastings Villa)
Dan Peters – Hastings Community Foundation
Deb Ross – Head Start Child and Family Development
Doug Ourada – UW SCNE Board – Eaton Manufacturing
Drew Harris – ESU 9
Adam Story – Hastings Police Department
Mark Funkey – UWSCNE Board – CCC
Matt Baack – Skalka & Baack Law Firm LLC
Janis Johnson – South Heartland District Health Dept
Susan Lindblad – Hastings Public School
Paul Hamelink
Jodi Graves – United Way of SCNE
Chandra Essex – Central Navigator (Ex-officio member)

Our Action Teams

In February and March of 2021, dedicated community members participated in a series of Community Forums over a six-week period. The goal of the forums was to collectively name what is needed and wanted in this part of Nebraska to help everyone thrive. The process identified four Key Focus Areas. Each Focus Area was then the centering pole around which an Action Team formed to further explore that area and begin working on solutions. The Focus Areas and associated Action Teams include:

  • Resource and Resource Access
  • Representation and Equity
  • Supporting Vulnerable Populations
  • Building an Urgency for Community Resilience.

Each Action Team has a unique leadership and meeting cadence and is always open to new team members.

FORUM RESULTS – ENGLISH
resultados de foro – español

Our County Core Teams

Geographic representation and equity will always be an essential element of our collaborative.  One way we are working to address that challenge is through representative teams from Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties.  These vital teams are made up of several well-networked individuals who can accurately represent the needs and issues of their region as well as share out resources and opportunities available through the Collaborative.

How to Get Involved

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in participating in one of the Action Teams, a County Core Team, or the Steering Committee, please contact Brady Rhodes at coordinator@unitedwayscne.org or at 402-461-8417.