Learning Community Foundation and Donors Work Together for Healthy Children
Working together for healthy children meant turning the Learning Community Center of North Omaha into a temporary distribution center. In a matter of just weeks, huge stacks of baby formula and diapers filled the community room. The new Learning Community Foundation took the lead and raised some $60,000 to help families in Learning Community programs take care of their children. Learning Community CEO, Dr. Bradley Ekwerekwu, said the generosity will sustain families through the start of a challenging school year.
The supplies of diapers and baby formula mean a lot less stress for families in Learning Community centers. Even after successfully making the switch to virtual classes, most parents found themselves also teaching children at home. At the same time, the pandemic created real hardships. Some families experienced delayed unemployment checks, small business disruption and transportation issues. Others suddenly found household budgets collapsing thanks to increasing costs for groceries and internet data.
Lorraine Chang, Learning Community Foundation president said COVID-19 creates conditions that challenge health, safety, and learning.
“It’s critical to support the healthy early childhood development of these babies and toddlers during this pandemic.”
Lorraine Chang
Learning Community Foundation President
HELPING FAMILIES STAY STRONG
The Learning Community Foundation thanks the donors listed below. Working together for healthy children helped families in our community centers stay strong.
- Sherwood Foundation
- Kiewit Foundation
- Mutual of Omaha Foundation
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Schaefer Charitable Fund
- Gene Spence
- North End Teleservices
- Jamie Berglund
- Women’s Fund Giving Circle
- Dan Esch
- Loretta McNally
Learning Community staff did a great job negotiating volume discounts. As a result, these much-needed supplies will last well into the summer months.
Learning Community centers in north and south Omaha take a two-generation approach. In other words, Learning Community teams work with the whole family. Parent courses include ESL, GED, workforce training, financial literacy, parenting skills, homeownership, Love & Logic, healthy relationships and college planning.
About the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
The Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties is an educational subdivision focused on outcomes and opportunities for children and families. It achieves impact through a collaborative network of metropolitan area school districts and community organizations. Independent evaluations demonstrate consistently strong results in early childhood education and family engagement. Recognized nationally for advancing a two-generation approach, the Learning Community creates opportunities to address the needs of children and families together. A 12-member Coordinating Council, elected by the public, guides policies to challenge the opportunity gap and strengthen our communities. Visit: LearningCommunityDS.org
