WIC & BFPC - There to help and support

In July, WIC (Women, Infants & Children) implemented a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program to help WIC mothers give their babies the best nutrition possible: breast milk.  The Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPC) are available outside of the normal working hours to talk with moms about breastfeeding and give ongoing education and support over the phone, in person, and in the hospital.  Take a look at one of our success stories below to see how the Peer Counselors are making a difference in WIC families’ lives.

There was a WIC  mom who really didn't want to talk with a BFPC.  She basically, in a very kind way, told me not to call because this was her 4th child and she knew what she was doing.  I have made sure to be at Connections and Le Leche League breastfeeding support groups because I knew that she would be there and we have been building a relationship because of this.  As it turned out after the baby was born she really needed help because her baby was a preemie and couldn't latch on to breastfeed well.  Later he developed terrible colic.  By attending these support groups, we have built a wonderful relationship.  I think that she is appreciative now.  She is now asking for my advice and she sits next to me at the support groups.
by Charity Allan

Peace, & A New Start

Our office met ‘Susie’ a few years ago.  She and her kids came in for a few years and then we sort of lost track, which sometimes happens when clients move on, gain employment and are on an even keel.  Susie once again came into the Franklin office very close to the New Year as a victim of domestic violence with the hope of moving back into the area, immediately.  We were able to find a place and assistance through HPRP funds and have the landlord sign off on the family within hours.  The children were able to find clothes for school and mom has now applied for eight jobs.  It was nice to have an option for this family and to help them know where they will be before the next school semester starts for the children.

by Bev McNiff

Community Services Coordinators

Not a Black Sheep!

Recently we saw a chain reaction that brought a smile to our faces.  A client came in requesting assistance to pay her utilities before they were disconnected. She told us of her life being the black sheep of her family and then she talked about her mother who is gravely ill.  The client had been taking care of her mother and did not think she was going to survive much longer. 
She went on to tell us about how no family member had ever thought she would amount to anything - she had not completed high school.  While filing out our intake form she noticed the poster regarding how we can provide funding to pay for G.E.D. testing.  She had an idea.  To surprise and honor her mother the client is going to complete her G.E.D.  Not only were we able to help short-term with utility assistance, we will be able to help her long term by paying her G.E.D. testing fees when she is ready.

by Katie Shaw

Community Service Coordinator

Hastings and Clay Center Area

Helping Small Businesses

SEED (Small Enterprise Economic Development) was started in 1994 as a program whose mission was to enhance family income through a new or expanding business venture. The objective is to create or retain employment for a minimum of one full or part time person. SEED is available to persons who have developed training or skills through employment, hobbies or working outside of their current jobs. Loan funds are available for equipment purchase, marketing and operating expenses.

One of the businesses featured was a sign company. The owner had experience as a graphic designer, had started her business at home and needed to expand into a retail location. SEED provided funds for the purchase of a computer and software program for preparing signs. The loan included operating expenses for six months. The loan was repaid promptly and the business has expanded to four full time employees.

The second business opened in 2007 for sales and service of small engines, primarily lawn mowers, large and small, chain saws, snow removal equipment and all equipment powered by small engines. The business had financing for start up, but as the owner did not have business experience, he needed advice about starting a new business and self employment. The SEED program partnered with SCORE to counsel the owner in the areas of record keeping, business insurance, registering with the State of Nebraska, remittance of sales tax, marketing and legal structure. The business is year around and has three full time employees. SEED is available to persons who want to start or expand their business. www.communityactionmidne.com

We are here to help. Call me, Bob Hobbs, 308-865-5675 or mncaloans@mnca.net or go to

A Fixed Income With Nowhere To Go

Early in February an elderly couple came to my office.  At first glance, you could tell “Ben and Susan” were desperate.  She was carrying a small portable oxygen tank and he had a fistful of overdue bills.  They explained that they had never asked for anything before, but now they were faced with eviction and disconnect notices for both electric (they are all electric) and water services.  Additionally, the phone was due to be disconnected and there were several overdue medical bills.  Both were on a fixed income of SSDI and had been able to make it until Ben was diagnosed with cancer a few months prior.  Since they live outside of Kearney, the added travel expenses for numerous treatments had really taken a toll on a very fragile financial system.  HPRP was the only answer for Ben and Susan’s numerous needs.  Over the next 6 months, the couple was able to re-stabilize with the help of HPRP and budgeting.  Just one week after exiting the HPRP program, the couple received a housing voucher from Kearney Housing which decreased their rent by $68 a month.  Ben’s cancer is now in remission.  I often wonder what would have happened to the couple if they had not walked into our agency.

by Denise Rice

Community Services