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:
The Community Impact Network uses the Collective Impact Model that emphasizes:
- Common Agenda
- Shared measurement
- Continuous communication
- Mutually reinforcing activities
- Backbone support
Our Staff
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.
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.
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.