March Bridges Out of Poverty Training Cancelled

The Bridges Out of Poverty Training that was scheduled for March 25th has been cancelled. But not to worry - additional dates will be released soon!

In addition to offering this impactful training on set days and times, we are changing our model of training so it works better for your schedule.

Would your agency like to be trained together at a time that works for you? Let us know! We can work with your schedule to present this training. We will schedule a date that works best for your and your staff. The best part? There is NO CHARGE for this 3.5 hour training and each participant will receive a book at no additional cost.

CFP Annual Report Recap

From July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, CFP has been engaged in efforts that influence systems, improve practices, or advocated for community needs. These activities are vital to advancing long-term change and strengthening the conditions that support children, youth, and families.

Here’s a sampling of the policy, practice, and/or advocacy work CFP has participated in, supported, facilitated, or funded. Local collaboratives like CFP are contributing to broader systems change with this work.

• Colfax County courtroom practice change. County Attorney Bruce Prenda collaborates with Centro Hispano to bring immigration information into the courtroom so that it is present where the people who need it are. 

• Collaborative Coordinator involved in First Five Nebraska’s Policy Leadership Academy cohort.

• Advocated for LB71 Child Care Subsidy Rates

• Week of the Young Child signed by City of Schuyler Mayor

• Proclamations of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month signed City of Genoa, City of Columbus, Platte County Supervisors and Colfax County Commissioners.

March is National Nutrition Month

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health, as the brain requires a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health and neurotransmitter function. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, and antioxidants, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to cognitive decline and mental health disorders. Additionally, maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular, balanced meals can prevent mood swings and irritability. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can negatively impact mental health by promoting inflammation and impairing neurotransmitter function. Therefore, making mindful food choices and adopting a nutrient-rich diet can significantly contribute to overall mental well-being.

Hopeful Horizons

“Creating Hopeful Tomorrows with Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention”

www.hopefulhorizonsne.org

Pinwheels for Prevention

Let’s paint our communities BLUE in April to focus on Child Abuse Prevention Month. Friday, April 10th, is known as “Wear Blue Day” both nationally and statewide.

This day is used to bring attention to the issue of child abuse and how we can collectively prevent it. Another important piece to child abuse prevention is the use of blue pinwheels. Pinwheels symbolize the lightheartedness of childhood and hope to focus on how children in our communities can live in safe and thriving families.

What can you do?

1) Encourage your friends, families and workplaces to wear blue on Friday, April 10th. Take photos and share with on social media with hashtag #WEARBLUECFP. The group will post their favorite childcare, business, and school and those winners will get a traveling plaque.

2) Get involved in our efforts. Want to help distribute signs or pinwheels? Let us know and we

will find a way to get you involved.

3) Prevention efforts. See something? Say something. Prevention is the first step in helping our

families thrive.

So, in April when you see a blue sign, a pinwheel or a blue jar, remember that it takes all of us

to help prevent child abuse, one little step at a time.

Food Access Resources

One word that we like to use to describe ourselves is "connectors." We connect people to resources, to help, to others that can help. With the rising food insecurity needs, a food matrix was created that has resources, as well as information regarding 2-1-1 and Find Help to connect participants to the resources they need. Please find these items below.

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.

Like what you see? Want to share the news?

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