| Like many other American urban areas, the City of Lincoln is suffering from a wide variety of problems inherent in today's society. Inadequate housing, high school dropout rates, high rates of morbidity, and social isolation within its own community are all impacting on the quality of life of the region's residents. Yet, what sets this Nebraska city apart from other urban areas is that the region has the potential to redevelop into prosperous, safe neighborhoods, if they receive the proper support.
To address these problems, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Community Outreach Partnership Center will offer a centralized location for community development activities to benefit the target neighborhoods of 10 needy neighborhoods (Clinton, Hawley, Malone, and North Bottoms neighborhoods, as well as parts of the Downtown, Everett, Hartley, Near South, South Salt Creek, and Woods Park neighborhoods). Housed in the renovated space on the first floor of the historic Whittier Junior High School Building, which closed its doors in 1977, the center will be the first community-oriented office in the area to open its doors to the public, setting the tone for community organization and revitalization. Initiatives will focus on specific issues related to housing, community involvement, and the region's youth.
Among the partners in this collaborative effort are the Cooper Foundation, the Foundation for Educational Funding, Inc., Woods Charitable Fund, LINC Grant, Hispanic Community Center, Asian Community and Cultural Center, Clyde Malone Community Center, and the Indian Center, Inc.
|
