Our programs and services are aimed at addressing the basic needs of low-income individuals and families while providing access to the training and education necessary to improve employment and increase wages.
Wearing a mask in the Center is optional. We appreciate your cooperation!
The Center's Care Room is open from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays! We're happy to assist families in need with clothing and household goods again. Each family with a Center Card may "shop" for a limited number of clothing or household goods items once per month.
A Center Card is required to participate. If you do not have a Center Card, complete an application at cfpin.org/center-card or fill out a paper application the next time you visit.
If you have any new or gently-used items that you no longer need, consider donating them to the Center. We accept the following donations:
We do not accept large furniture, large appliances, electronics, or any items that are dirty, broken or unusable.
Donations can be dropped off at the Center on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 3901 N. 27th Street, Door #1. Please do not leave donations outside the building during non-business hours.
The Center provides general, non-monetary assistance to low-income individuals and families with a variety of issues, including applications for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, aka food stamps), Aid to Dependent Children, Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, etc. We also help refugees and New American's with day-to-day tasks made difficult by language barriers or unfamiliar systems, rules and procedures. Assistance is available in English, Arabic and Kurmanji.
Contact Salim Merza at smerza@cfpin.org or 402.476.4357 x105 for an appointment.
As home to Lincoln's first Diaper Bank, the Center strives to protect and provide for Lincoln's most vulnerable residents—babies—with monthly diaper distributions for low-income families. Diapers can be an insurmountable expense for low-income families, costing as much as $80 per month. Babies suffering diaper need—the insufficient supply of diapers to stay clean, dry and healthy—may experience increased health disparities, including diaper rashes, urinary tract infections and more. A lack of clean diapers for her child can negatively impact a mother's mental health. And diaper need can impede a parent's ability to get and maintain employment, as most daycare facilities require children to have a sufficient supply of disposable diapers to attend.
To participate in the Center's diaper program, simply visit during distribution hours and let the folks at check-in know that you need diapers.
EduTech is a free educational program focused on preparing students for a career in the well-paid, growing area of technology.
EduTech, which will use curriculum developed by Google, will enroll 40 participants each year. Groups of 10 will take classes for 4-6 months and have access to supports like food, diapers, clothing and household goods distributions, gas vouchers, childcare vouchers, stipends for interview clothing, etc. to ensure success!
Apply now at cfpin.org/edutech. For more information, email knajjar@cfpin.org or call 402.476.4357.
We offer three levels of free English Language Learning classes for anyone for which English is not their primary language. New students are tested to identify their skill level, then they progress through the program at their own speed. Our instructors are highly skilled and dedicated to teaching English and basic American culture. Classes are held Monday through Friday between 9 and 11 a.m.
Preventative measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Contact us at info@cfpin.org for more information.
The lack of consistent access to adequate food negatively impacts health and impedes children's physical and mental development. The Center is dedicated to keeping our community fed. Distributions are held every weekday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at 3901 N. 27th Street.
A Center Card is required to participate. if you do not have a Center Card, complete an application at cfpin.org/center-card or fill out a paper application the next time you visit.
Opening Doors, formerly known as TRADE, is a community reentry program for current and formerly incarcerated individuals. The program focuses on providing practical training to translate new and existing abilities into reentry success.
Participants may choose job-skill training in forklift operation, proficient Microsoft Office computer classes, welding or online manufacturing courses through ToolingU.com. All participants are trained on effective communication, workplace etiquette, workplace diversity, basic computers, job readiness (including resume writing and mock interviews), goal setting, boundaries, core values, empathy and communication and conflict resolution.
For more information about Opening Doors, contact program staff at openingdoors@cfpin.org or 402.476.4357.
Education is key to helping low-income individuals obtain economic independence. Through the Center's People Obtaining Prosperity scholarship program, participants can attend Southeast Community College tuition-free! The Center also provides some basic needs to remove barriers that might prevent low-income individuals from pursuing an education.
This program has already helped more than 600 students complete 30 credit hours at Southeast Community College -- greatly improving their job skills while receiving practical education in fields like healthcare, office administration, computer technology and so many more! These achievements often lead to better employment (and more income).
Apply now at cfpin.org/pop-ap. For more information, email pop@cfpin.org or call 402.476.4357.
