Community Action Partnership

Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) at Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties places senior adults (55 years or older) in Head Start classrooms to provide mentorship and support for children age 0-5.

In partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors, the FGP uses a dual approach to benefit both the senior volunteer and the child. Volunteers stay active in the classroom and attend trainings that often include tips for physical health like chair yoga, or mental wellness tips such as meditation or self-care strategies.

Not only do volunteers often experience higher life satisfaction, but the children are being prepared for kindergarten with school readiness skills.

Read more in their October highlight.

Setting the Record Straight

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina is an epidemiologist and data scientist with a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, professor at Yale School of Public Health, and author of Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter (YLE) - and a source we trust.

The misinformation in the past month has been at staggering levels. Check the YLE Substack articles for science backed information and clarity on (1) COVID vaccination, (2) measles, hep B and other childhood vaccines (3) vaccination and autism (4) Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy.

Bottom line: Get a COVID shot; vaccines do not cause autism; infants and children should get all the vaccinations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics; balance of evidence shows no causal link between Tylenol use and autism. Read the YLE articles.

Lincoln Lancaster County Health Dept. Sports Sign-up Program

Participation in organized sports increases physical fitness, improves mental well-being, and strengthens social connections for youth to lower risk of chronic diseases, substance use, and help build social and emotional skills. 

To address barriers to sports participation, the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department partnered with the Lincoln Community Centers to develop a new resource for our community: Youth Sports Sign-Up events.

The events are a one-stop shop for families to learn about a variety of sports options, connecting families with youth sports programs that have affordable registration fees and/or financial aid and scholarship opportunities. A variety of sports programs host booths for families to learn about cost, registration deadlines, participation expectations, and register for upcoming sports seasons and apply for financial aid on-site. 

Read more in their October highlight.

Maternal Child Health Summit

Nebraska's infant mortality rate is worsening compared to the rest of the country according to the latest data.

Partnership for a Healthy Nebraska, along community partners are convening stakeholders on November 20 to discuss barriers in accessing prenatal and postpartum care and other maternal and child health issues. Attendees will explore issues, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions.

The summit will include subject matter panel discussions led by community advocates and experts, with interactive audience participation. If you work in or are interested in issues surrounding maternal and child health, contact Kaitlyn for information about the summit.

For information about where to find community resources to support a healthy prenatal and postpartum journey, including healthcare coverage, visit these pages on the Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln web site.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month dedicated to raising awareness, supporting research, and promoting early detection.

Breast cancer impacts millions of women and their families annually, but with early detection and proper care, survival rates could improve significantly.

Regular mammograms are key to early detection. If you haven’t had a screening recently, now is a great time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

 Click on the video to learn more.

• 6 Pillars for Emotional Wellbeing – A Parent’s Guide: Relational Connectedness
• Dance for Parkinson's
• Women's Health: Urinary Tract Infections
• Women's Health: Infant Mortality in the Black Community
• Community Health Endowment: Place Matters 6.0

Find more LNKTV Health videos:

• on their website,
• You Tube channel,
• TV channels, and
• on KZUM FM radio podcasts!

YMCA Locations Host

Winter Coat Drive

All four Lincoln YMCA branches will be participating in a coat drive to benefit the People's City Mission this year, October 1st - 21st.

See details and drop off locations.

Asian Center Hosts Festival

The Asian Community Center’s annual Harvest Moon Festival invites everyone to a family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. Enjoy cultural performances, music, food, and activities. Oct. 5, 4 - 7 PM, Antelope Park.

Community Crops: Growing Ag

Lancaster County Extension Office

Oct. 7, 4:30 - 6PM: Growing Community Gardens.

Oct. 21, 4:30 - 7PM: Connecting USDA Programs to Urban & Small Farmers

More information, register.

Lincoln Homeless Coalition, Dept. of Veterans Affairs Host

Project Connect

Project Connect Lincoln, a free one-stop event for people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, will be October 8th, 9AM - 3PM at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Local community organizations will offer health services, social services, employment assistance, tax services, legal services, bike repairs, services for Veterans, and more.

More information.

Pioneers Park Nature Center

Twilight Treks - Join a Nature Center guide to discover the sights, sounds, and stories of the evening landscape. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a low-light hike. Preregistration required, $5/person per trek. Oct. 10, 6:30 - 8PM, Frank Shoemaker Marsh.

Hand in Hand - Playful and educational nature program focused on exploration, stories, and outdoor adventures, mostly outdoors, guided hikes and hands-on activities for kids 2.5 – 7 yrs w/ adult. Prairie Bldg, Oct. 21, 3 – 3:45PM.

Learn more, register.

Feeding Hungry Kids

We Can Do This feeds hungry kids at partner locations on the weekends. Additionally, they operate a nutritious food pantry, a personal care pantry, provide school supplies, and host holiday celebrations for kids in need. You can support their effort by attending their fundraiser on Oct. 19th, 2 - 4 PM at the Haymarket Lazlo's.

Have some good food and conversation, unlimited drinks, and go home with some great items from their silent auction. $25/per ticket.

Learn more/order tickets.

Aging Partners and UNL Host Digital Literacy for Seniors

Aging Partners will offer free one-on-one digital assistance workshops for seniors on October 15 and November 12. The 90-minute sessions will be from 3:30 - 5PM at Victory Park, 600 S. 70th St. The workshops will aid seniors in using technology like smartphones, iPads and laptops, teaching seniors how to enhance communication through video calls, promote mental stimulation with brain-training apps, and provide access to online health resources. Call Aging Partners at 402-441-7158 to register.

Molina Healthcare, LLCHD Host

Women's Health Fair

FREE Women’s Health Fair, Oct. 25, 10AM - 2PM that including (and more):

• free Comprehensive Metabolic Panel blood draws.
• free STI testing.
• period products
• mental health resources.

Email Kellie or Samia for more info.