Mid-Nebraska provides vital services for area

Most of us like to help out people in need when we can. We’re quick to drop our spare change in the red bucket at Christmas time, and pitch in for a worth cause when we become aware of one.

We may even support a child or two in a distant country, or set up automatic withdrawals for our church or favorite charity.

Americans are among the most generous people in the world, Nebraskans especially, as evidenced by the outpouring of help for flooded regions of the state.

There are times, however, when sustained, organized assistance is needed that can’t be effectively supported by emotional triggers like holidays or natural disasters.

Barb Ostrum, local representative of the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska is the one most of us think of when we encounter a need we might not be able to handle ourselves. Soon to retire, she has gone above and beyond her official duties for many years, and will be impossible to replace.

But Barb represents a much larger organization, employing 246 people in 27 counties in south-central Nebraska and two Kansas counties, one of nine Community Action Agencies in Nebraska and 1,000 agencies across the United States being recognized during May’s National Community Action Month.

“Community Action implements innovation and needed programs services that alleviate poverty conditions and enhance economic security for individuals, families and communities,” said Meredith Collins, chief executive director of Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska.

By the numbers, in 2018, the agency:

- Served 15,487 individuals

- Distributed 125,378 pounds of food through Mobile Produce Pantries

- Provided 114,035 hours of community volunteer services.

- Worked with 461 children and families within the Early Head Start/Head Start Program.

- Assisted 5,680 unduplicated individuals with case management services.

- Served over 75,500 meals for area seniors in Kearney, Minden and North Platte.

- Provided 119,167 total boardings serving Adams, Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Hamilton and Kearney counties through the RYDE transit Program.

Note how important volunteers are to Mid’s services — 114,035 person-hours.

That’s a great way to leverage your personal desire to help others into more effective service.

For more information, check with your local Community Action Partnership office or visit www.communityactionmidne.com or its Facebook page.