Community Resource Center
United Way and our local partners are working to bring a Community Resource Center to Kearney. The Community Resource Center is a top concern for United Way in the next five years as we address our strategic priorities. This center will be a localized access point for accessing services. It will aid people in finding information. The building will help in connecting with others and host training opportunities.
In every community, there are challenges that often go unnoticed, hidden in the shadows of everyday life. Kearney is no exception, with a 13.9% poverty rate that highlights the urgent need for a shift in how we approach assistance. The United Way of the Kearney Area (UWKA) has long been at the forefront of supporting various agencies that provide vital services. However, as the landscape of the nonprofit sector evolves, so too must our strategies in effectively addressing the needs of our community.
For years, the United Way of the Kearney Area (UWKA) has funded a range of organizations like CASA, the SAFE Center, the Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership, and the Jubilee Center. While these agencies play crucial roles in supporting our residents, they often find themselves competing for the same donations. This competition, coupled with a changing philanthropic environment, has led UWKA to rethink its approach.
We have recognized that to make a more significant impact, we need to move beyond indirect service provision. This realization has sparked the creation of the Community Resource Center, a new initiative designed to address the most pressing needs in Kearney directly.
The Community Resource Center aims to bridge the gaps in our service delivery systems. We want to ensure that no individual or family falls through the cracks, especially those who may not be aware of the resources available to them. By centralizing services and streamlining access, we can better support those in need and foster a sense of community empowerment.
One of our primary goals is to confront the 13.9% poverty rate head-on. It's not just about providing temporary assistance; it's about creating pathways to long-term stability and success for our residents. This involves connecting individuals to not only immediate support but also to educational and employment opportunities, financial literacy programs, and other resources that promote self-sufficiency.
As we embark on this journey to establish the Community Resource Center, we invite everyone in Kearney to join us. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where every individual has access to the resources they need to thrive. We believe that with collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to our neighbors, we can bring about real change and reduce the poverty rate in our area.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Community Resource Center or how you can get involved, please stay tuned to the UWKA Facebook page for updates. Together, we can create a brighter future for Kearney, one where no one gets left behind.
More information coming soon
Watch for more information about future listening sessions and a Community Advisory Committee to be coming soon.
For more information about the Community Resource Center, contact Savannah@uwka.org or call our office at (308) 237-6840.