Community Action of Nebraska would like to cordially invite you
to an Open House Senator's and Legislative Aides and Community Partners
March 13, 2012 7:30 am to 9:30 am
State Capitol Building Room 1023
The Open House will unveil our Survey Report on Financial
Behaviors Among Adults 19- 44 Years Old.

The purpose of the report is to help Community Action Agencies and other service providers in Nebraska increase awareness of financial behaviors and enhance financial education programs that fit the needs of the adults 19 to 44 years of age.
Please RSVP by March 2, 2012 to Ronni Lanham @ rfickle@canhelp.org or call 402-471-3714
Hope to see everyone there!

A Holiday Thank You

The following letter of thanks was delivered to the Housing Department with a festive plate of homemade Holiday goodies:

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Boss and all the guys who worked on my old house … who done just a good job on it and made it so much better and nicer for me.  You guys did a wonderful job and it’s so warm now and to think this summer I can open my windows and doors which I’ve never been able to do.  Thanks again guys and hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Your great admirer,  … …”

This elderly homeowner has three part-time jobs to pay the utility bills for the home she has lived in her entire life.  Through the Weatherization Assistance Program her home received attic and sidewall insulation, a new furnace and new windows and doors.  She shared with the crew that she has never had anything new in her life, as the addition to the home was built with used materials.

Hopefully, the weatherization measures will not only make her home more comfortable, but allow her to eliminate one of the part-time jobs!

Jackie Harpst - Housing

In the Spotlight - January Edition

In the SPOTLIGHT this month

RSVP DIRECTOR – Cheri Theesen

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska’s Volunteer Services include the following programs:  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Compassionate Connections, and the Senior Companion Program (SCVP).

RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.  Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities.  RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with thousands of local and national organizations.  There are several places in Buffalo and Kearney Counties that RSVP volunteers can serve to meet the needs of the communities.  Volunteers are given the flexibility to serve as much or as little as they want, according to their schedules and lifestyles.  Volunteers can learn new skills or use the ones they have already acquired.  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program came to the Buffalo and Kearney County area in 1998 when Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska received a grant to fund the program from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  There are currently 165 volunteers who served approximately 20,000 hours last year.

Compassionate Connections is a program that provides services to individuals so they are able to remain independent in their homes.  When a referral is made an initial assessment is completed.  If appropriate, a volunteer is placed to assist the individual.  Services provided include friendly visitation, light housekeeping during recovery, errands and transportation needs for shut-ins.  There is currently a need for more volunteers in Compassionate Connections as the request for assistance has surpassed the ability of our current volunteers.  New volunteers are needed!!

A new outreach of RSVP and Compassionate Connections is the Independent Living Support Class.  RSVP received a permanent increase in funding to incorporate this opportunity into the program.  This class teaches volunteers the skills needed to be an effective support to individuals in their homes.  This class will be taught in Kearney, Ravenna, Minden, and Wilcox twice a year.  The class currently being taught is in Kearney at the Peterson Senior Center.

The Senior Companion Volunteer Program is funded by Health and Human Services.  It is a program designed for the limited income senior who is 55 plus years old.  A small tax free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits are offered.  The mission of the SCVP is to recruit and train volunteers to assist individuals in maintaining their independence.  Whether it is someone lonely and isolated, physically or mentally disabled, or living with Alzheimer’s disease, Senior Companions help people in ways true friends help one another.  Senior Companions can be placed in private homes or independent living facilities.  Currently there are 49 senior adults being served by 4 Senior Companions.  We are currently looking for new Senior Companions to serve in this capacity.  If you know of someone, please contact Mary Jane McLaughlin at 865-1354.

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

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