Cedars has broken ground on a $3.5 million expansion of its southeast LincolnÌýemergency youth shelter, a project the nonprofit organization announced Wednesday.
The 3,800-square-foot expansion will add a welcome center for youth and their families, an updated kitchen and dining room, activity area and recreation court for the shelter, which serves about 150 children each year.
During the pandemic, the shelter has increased its capacity and the planned expansion and renovation will help ensure a safe space for the youth staying there, Cedars President and CEO Jim Blue said in a fundraising video.
“It’s not only going to be about fighting this disease and future diseases, but it is going to be about creating an environment for the kids that we as Lincolnites, we as Nebraskans, can be so proud of,†ÌýBlue said during a virtual groundbreaking event.
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Already, Cedars, which is the only emergency youth shelter in Southeast Nebraska, has raised $2 million from donations led by gifts of more than $100,000 from Scheels and Union Bank & Trust, among others, to its fundraising campaign, The Heart of Cedars.Ìý
Louie Sikich, who leads the Lincoln Scheels store, said the project's sports court will not only give the children at Cedars a place to play but also help them build relationships.Ìý
"Essential improvements through The Heart of Cedars will help children feel more comfortable during their stay in what often is a challenging time in their life," Sikich said.
Other improvements include a dedicated entrance to help children feel comfortable when they come in crisis and a training and collaboration hub for staff, foster families and community partners to meet, according to a news release.
Construction at the site at 6601 Pioneers Blvd. began in October and is expected to be completed next year.
Lincoln residents who need a helping hand
Lincoln-area residents who need a helping hand this season
Lincoln Housing Authority
Contact Courtney at 402-434-5529 or email Courtney@l-housing.com
Sasha is a single mother of three girls and two boys, ages 3 through 14. Having completed schooling, she has worked hard to pay off student debt in hopes of becoming financially stable, but funds have been tight. She works full time. She says that even though it’s not always easy, she wouldn’t trade being a mother for the world. She would appreciate receiving socks, hats, gloves, and/or toiletries.
Jessica, whose daughter will soon be turning 2, is working full time, going to school and pursuing her CNA. She would appreciate winter coats for herself, large or XL, and her daughter, size 2T-3T; a winter hat and boots for her daughter, size 6 in toddler, and some groceries during the holiday season.
Kathy, a single mother of five children, ages 4-12, earned her GED and is working on an associate’s degree. She also picked up a job to help provide for her children during the holidays. Kathy is disabled, so things that may not seem difficult to most, can be extremely difficult for her. Kathy needs clothing for her children, a winter coat for herself, food for the holidays and possibly some toys.
Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court
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Fresh Start
Contact Meg at Fresh Start at 402-475-7777 or megd@freshstarthome.org
Amy came to Fresh Start after leaving a domestic violence situation. She is rebuilding her life and recently started a full-time job. She would like gas cards to help her get to work. Amy loves cooking and would like a new set of pans and baking sheets for when she moves out of Fresh Start.
Sally resided at Fresh Start earlier this year. She successfully completed the program, moved into her own apartment, and is participating in community support services. She just welcomed her first child and is adjusting well to parenthood. She would like diapers, a new set of dishes, and Walmart cards to buy additional items for her family.
Patricia just graduated parole and is maintaining her sobriety. She is working full time and pursuing her GED. She would like grocery gift cards, a new bath towel set and new queen-size bedding for when she moves into her own apartment.
Linda recently moved out of Fresh Start and into her own apartment. She celebrated one year of sobriety in October. She is furnishing her new apartment and would like new pots and pans, a new set of glasses, and new silverware or cooking utensils.
Fresh Start, a transitional shelter for women who are experiencing homelessness, helps residents become self-sufficient by developing a goal plan that includes securing income, finding safe housing, and addressing health needs. They always need toilet paper, grocery and gas cards, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent.
St. Monica's
Contact Melissa Aldrich at 402-441-3768 or melissa.aldrich@stmonicas.com
KristineÌýhas a daughter Zula, age 3, and is eight months pregnant with her second daughter. They’ve lived in a long-term residential treatment center since July. Kristine is graduating in February. She needs clothes for Zula (size 3T-4T) shoes (9T-10T), socks, hygiene products and drinking cups. Kristine needs diapers and wipes for the baby to come, infant clothing, hygiene products for baby and baby bottles.
Dawn, a single mom in treatment, and her 5-year-old son, Leo, recently lost his father and are trying to heal. They lost their home in March and will be starting over when Dawn graduates treatment at the end of the month. They’re getting an apartment and seeking a fresh start. Leo needs socks (size 7/8), shoes (13), markers and coloring books, drinking cups, hair and hygiene products, clothes (pants size 8, shirts 10/12, hats and gloves. He would also like a remote-controlled vehicle for Christmas.
Joanna Madrigal, 34, is a single mother of four: Isaiah, Leighlon, Loraly and Robbie (ages 16, 13, 12 & 10). Joanna has battled with addiction and trauma for over 15 years. Coming to Lincoln and entering a women’s long-term treatment facility has been a life-altering experience. The family could use winter clothing: Robbie (size 10/12 boys), Loraly (juniors S/M), Leighlon (youth L) and Isaiah (adults M).
CenterPointe
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Friendship Home
Sherry, 40, has five children, toddler to school-aged. The father of her children was arrested for domestic assault after he hurt her at one of the children’s birthday parties. She needs laundry soap, laundry baskets, a new vacuum and some movie passes. Contact Dani at 402-434-0167 or danib@friendshiphome.org.
Lorraine is a 73-year-old woman and has been with her husband since high school. He has been verbally and emotionally abusive throughout the last 40-plus years. She needs grocery gift cards, Walgreen’s gift cards to help pay for medications and new pots and pans because she loves to cook/bake for her grandkids. Contact Dani at 402-434-0167 or danib@friendshiphome.org.
Sadie, 25, has a 3-year-old, Sydney, and is pregnant with her second child. The father of her children strangled her when he found out she was pregnant and doesn’t allow her to see her parents for support. Sadie needs pull-ups for her daughter who is potty training, decorations for her child’s room and a pack-and-play for the new baby. Contact Dani at 402-434-0167 or danib@friendshiphome.org.
Roxanne, 30, has three children in elementary school. Her boyfriend has a gambling problem and spends the rent money placing bets. He is physically abusive to her. Having never lived on her own before, she needs silverware, dishes, a coffee maker, toaster and a pressure cooker or air fryer. Contact Dani at 402-434-0167 or danib@friendshiphome.org.
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Aging Partners
Mattie, 70, has breast cancer and several other chronic diseases. Living on a fixed income in west Lincoln, she must travel to medical appointments and to pick up prescriptions, driving an old car that has avoided major repairs. The air-conditioner broke this spring, so she drove all summer without it. She received some Casey’s gas cards from the American Cancer Society. Now that the seasons are changing, Mattie seeks donations to have her car heater/air conditioner fixed so she will be able to stay warm in the colder weather. Contact Velvet at 402-441-6109 or vhoskins@lincoln.ne.gov
Voices of Hope
Contact Yaquelin Cisneros at yaquelin@voicesofhopelincoln.org
Laura,Ìý32, and her four young children relocated to Lincoln after fleeing from sexual abuse. Laura does not have a support system in Lincoln. She spent her savings on relocating and is worried about providing Christmas gifts for her children. She needs store gift cards to buy gifts for her children along with gas gift cards to help stretch her paychecks as much as possible.
Sandra,Ìý27, was sexually assaulted by her landlord, forcing her to break her lease, seek a protection order, and try to heal from the trauma. Having had to search for a new place to live, she has spent her savings on a deposit and the first month’s rent. Sandra seeks help with household necessities such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dish soap, and cleaning products.
Scarlet,Ìý36, and her 4-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) recently left the home they shared with their Scarlet's ex-partner and abuser. Scarlet’s abuser ruined many of Scarlet’s and the twins’ belongings by pouring bleach on them before they left. Scarlet seeks support to replace items that have been ruined. The items requested include gift cards to buy bedding for her and the twins, winter clothing, and household items.
Victoria,Ìý25, left her abusive husband and applied for a protection order that was served. Victoria’s abuser continually violates the protection order and has been stalking her and leaving threatening objects on her porch. Victoria notifies the police, but he disappears before they arrive. Victoria needs security cameras for her home to capture the violations of the protection orders.
Tabitha Meals on Wheels
Richard is a disabled veteran whose physical limitations prevent him from being able to prepare meals. He’s a great candidate for Meals on Wheels but can’t afford the service. $43.75 provides Richard with a week’s worth of warm, nutritious meals, plus a daily visit and well-being check by a volunteer. Contact Susie at 402-486-8509 or Susan.Egr@Tabitha.org.
Susan, a widow and retired teacher, lives alone and no longer drives. She wants to remain in her home, so she relies on Meals on Wheels for a daily meal, although she cannot afford it. $6.25 per day gives Susan the independence she desires through a delivered meal and a friendly visit from a volunteer. Contact Susie at 402-486-8509 or Susan.Egr@Tabitha.org.
Cedars
Contact Mandy Suing at 402-437-8815 or asuing@cedarskids.org.
Logan,Ìý20, is experiencing homelessness and has had to couch-surf at friends’ houses just to have a safe place to spend the night. He had a difficult childhood, but he did maintain a small group of close friends who haveÌý supported him. Logan is also a father to a young daughter, but due to his homelessness, he does not get to spend as much time with her as he would like. Cedars has helped Logan find a safe place that will allow for his daughter to come stay with him at times. He would be grateful for cooking utensils, dishes, athletic clothing (adult size L or XL), and gift cards to Walmart and Best Buy.
MonicaÌýandÌýJulioÌýrecently immigrated to Nebraska from their home country with their two children, ages 2 years and 4 months. They are grateful to live in the U.S., but still face challenges while they adjust. Cedars has helped the family receive access to parenting resources, quality child care, and the essentials for their new home. The family would be grateful for any additional help around the holidays. They need a vacuum, pots and pans, queen-size bedding/comforter set and baby wipes.
AliciaÌýandÌýMorganÌýare providing supportive care in their home for two teenage girls who needed a safe and stable living environment. They also have three teenagers of their own. The teenage girls have been through experiences that would be difficult to navigate without supportive foster parents like Alicia and Morgan. CEDARS has connected them to community resources and provided them with basic necessities. This family would benefit from an air fryer, kitchen dish set (plates and bowls), and gift cards to grocery stores and coffee chains.
AstridÌýhas five children (ages 13, 10, 7, 5, and 2 months). She does not have any family in town and lacks a local support system. One of Astrid’s children has a developmental disability which requires additional care. Her three middle children are enrolled in a CEDARS Community Learning Center. CEDARS has continued to help the family by providing before- and after-school care, behavioral support, and clothing. This family would appreciate a vacuum, bakeware set, diapers (any size), art supplies, and school-age board games.
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Lancaster County Adult Drug Court
Contact Ashley at 531-207-5065 or aborchers@lancaster.ne.gov
BillÌýused the treatment tools from Drug Court to remain sober through some traumatic events. He is a father who could use help to buy gifts for his children, ages 10 to 16 (all boys).
Community CorrectionsÌýneeds self-care items for men and women entering its program, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body soap and grocery gift cards.
The Bridge Behavioral Health
Contact Stacie at 402-477-3951 extension 106 or development@thebridgenebraska.org
Andrew,Ìý35, is a resilient soul battling addiction with unwavering determination. His path has been marked by struggles, but his strength in seeking recovery is truly inspiring. As he rebuilds his life, having access to clean, comfortable clothes can boost his self-esteem and help him take one more step toward his recovery. Andrew is a size XL and can use a new wardrobe including a winter coat, shirts, hoodie, pants, socks and underwear.
Jennifer,Ìý30, is seeking help for her prescription pill addiction. In her quest to build an addiction-free life, Jennifer has found solace and self-expression through art. She would love art supplies and adult coloring books to help fill the gaps between educational groups and therapy sessions.