Community Resource Sharing Newsletter

Everyone knows that having a baby costs a lot of money. Diapers are expensive, formula and wipes are expensive, and the prices just keep going up. But not everyone knows just how difficult it has become for families to access necessary items like these, leading to situations where children’s basic needs cannot be met. Nearly half of all American families find it difficult to afford diapers. Programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) do not cover diaper purchases. That’s why Community Prevention is hosting a diaper drive to help alleviate the burden for families in our community. Bring an unopened pack of diapers or pull-ups of any size and be entered into a raffle! Donate at the United Way office at 3214 25th St. in Columbus on July 19th from 10AM-1PM. We and your fellow community members thank you for your contributions and look forward to seeing you there!

6 Regions, One Nebraska 

According to opportunity.nebraska.gov, in 2024, the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative was created to allow separate regions in Nebraska to make focused, data-driven decisions and to select a project they feel will positively impact the future of their local community. Each of the six regions received an initial financial investment, matched by private dollars, to establish a team in their region will receive financial incentive for initial regional projects in Resident Recruitment, Youth Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Infrastructure or a selected regional project. 

Our region has decided to focus their project on increasing the number of child care professionals in our area. Equitable Early Childcare and Education is a current priority area of Community and Family Partnership, and we are eager to explore what this means for our local counties. Right now, a $2,500 stipend is being offered for those who wish to become an in-home child care professional. Becoming a child care professional gives you the ability to work from home in an industry that is always needed. There are experienced mentors available to help and grant funding available. Child care professionals are the workforce behind the workforce and are vital for our communities and economy to thrive. 

Please see the flyer for additional information.

Ready to be a changemaker for families? Join the Bring Up Nebraska Network! 

Bring Up Nebraska is a call to action to help families thrive and is supported by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. Bring Up Nebraska is focused on prevention and strengthening families BEFORE crisis to empower them within their communities. It is about uniting those with shared agendas, implementing systems and providing evidence-based training to support meaningful opportunities and creating partnerships. 

Helping families thrive and focusing on preventive efforts is a priority area of Community and Family Partnership and more voices are needed. The more people involved in the shared mission of improving the quality of life for young people and families, the more impact we can have. Let’s do this together. See more information in the flyer below or visit BringUpNebraska.org.

The Fourth of July can be especially difficult for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, especially those sensitive to loud noises, crowds, or reminders of combat or trauma. Here are strategies that can help PTSD sufferers cope:

1. Prepare Ahead

• Plan your environment: Decide whether you'll stay home, visit a quieter area, or go somewhere with fewer triggers.
• Use noise-canceling tools: Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can reduce the impact of fireworks.
• Inform those close to you: Let friends or family know how you’re feeling so they can offer support and avoid surprises.

2. Create a Safe Space

• Stay indoors in a calm, quiet, and familiar environment.
• Close windows and curtains to muffle noise and reduce light flashes.
• Use calming music, white noise, or a fan to drown out external sounds.

3. Practice Coping Skills

• Grounding techniques: Keep objects nearby that help you stay present—like textured items, calming scents, or a cold compress.
• Breathing exercises: Deep, slow breathing can calm your nervous system. Try 4- 7-8 breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale 8).
• Distraction techniques: Watch a comforting movie, read a favorite book, or do a relaxing hobby.

4. Set Boundaries

• Don’t feel obligated to attend events or gatherings if you’re not comfortable.
• Say “no” to invitations that feel overwhelming without guilt.

5. Medication & Therapy Support

• Check in with a therapist ahead of time to plan coping strategies.
• Ensure medication is filled and taken as prescribed.
• If you have a service animal, make sure they are prepared and comforted too.

6. Connect with Others

• Reach out to others who understand—veteran groups, online support communities, or trusted friends.
• Let someone know where you’ll be and keep your phone nearby for quick support if needed.

7. Consider Alternatives

• Celebrate the holiday your own way: write, create art, cook a favorite meal, or honor it in a peaceful manner.

Have you visited the Schuyler Community Book Garden??

Check it out!

Like what you see? Want to share the news?

Download your own copies of these flyers by clicking on the picture!