Programs and Services

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.

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, including face mask requirements for individuals who are not vaccinated. 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, bring a photo ID of any kind and you'll be given a temporary card. Each household may participate in one food distribution per week.

Masks are required for all staff, volunteers and participants during distribution, regardless of vaccination status, to protect everyone from COVID-19 and its more contagious variants.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased need for food and diapers, our Care Room is currently closed. We look forward to helping low-income families with personal care and household goods again soon. Thank you.

As a co-founder and the operational arm of the Junior League of Lincoln 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.

Masks are required for all staff, volunteers and participants during distribution, regardless of vaccination status, to protect everyone from COVID-19 and its more contagious variants.

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 300 students complete 45 credit hours at Southeast Community College -- greatly improving their office and computer skills while receiving practical education in fields like healthcare, office administration, or computer technology. These achievements often lead to better employment (and more income).

Apply now at cfpin.org/pop-ap. For more information, contact the POP program manager Lynette Maes at lmaes@cfpin.org or 402.476.4357.

Tackling Recidivism And Developing Employability is a community reentry program for current and formerly incarcerated individuals. The program focuses on providing hands-on job skill training and mentorship, while providing basic necessities, to help individuals successfully reestablish themselves in the community.

Participants may choose training in Computer Aided Drafting, forklift operation, welding or online manufacturing courses through toolingu.com. All participants are trained on building a resume, setting goals, interviewing and additional job-searching skills.

For more information about TRADE, contact program staff at trade@cfpin.org or 402.476.4357.