Services Available
We provide services to address basic needs and education/training to help you become financially independent.
Get a Center Card
Most services at the Center require a Center for People in Need ID Card (Center card). Details on how to apply for or update a Center card can be found here.
Services Available at the Center for People in Need
Food Distribution
We distribute food at the Center and four other locations in Lincoln four times a week. You must be a client with a valid, up-to-date Center card to receive food. To ensure everyone has enough healthy food available, your household may participate in up to two food distribution events per week.
Food distribution dates vary. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit cfpin.org or call 402.476.4357.
Diaper Bank
The Center is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network and distributes diapers every Tuesday during food distribution. Your household may participate in one diaper distribution per month.
Donation Room
In addition to food and diaper distributions, we help with basic household needs, like clothing, kitchen wares and linens. You may shop (for free) in the Donation Room once a month.
ELL classes
English Language Learning
The Center offers three levels of FREE English language instruction to clients. 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 10 am and noon.
For a placement test, visit the Center weekdays between 8 and 9:30 am or noon and 4 pm.
POP tuition assistance
People Obtaining Prosperity
Education is key to helping you attain economic independence. Through the Center’s POP program, you can attend Southeast Community College tuition-free!
This program has already helped more than 300 students complete 45 credit hours for free—greatly improving their office and computer skills. These achievements often lead to better employment (and more income) in fields like healthcare, office administration and computer technology.
Visit the Center to complete a POP program application or call 402.476.4357 to learn more.
TRADE training
Tackling Recidivism and Developing Employability
This program helps those who are incarcerated or being released prepare for life outside of a correctional facility. Former inmates face many barriers when reentering the community. It’s important you have or develop job skills and community support until you become reestablished and are able to earn a stable income.
TRADE participants can learn in-demand job skills and job-search skills like creating a resume, interviewing, and networking.
For more information about the TRADE program, call 402.476.4357.
General Assistance
Paperwork for government services isn’t always easy to fill out or file—especially if there’s a language barrier. We offer assistance filling out DHHS and Lincoln Housing authority paperwork. Our staff will also help you read mail or send a free FAX. Assistance staff is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. A Center card is not needed to use these services.