The Center for People in Need provides comprehensive services and opportunities to support low-income, high needs families and individuals as they strive to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The center accomplishes these things by:

1. Assisting other human service agencies that are providing for the social and economic needs of low-income, high needs families and individuals.
2. Providing for the emergency, basic needs of families through delivery of direct services.
3. Advocating for systemic changes through federal, state and local policy makers.
4. Developing and supporting educational programs, increasing job training, and improving computer skills for low-income workers.

The center is located in former Rod Kush showroom and warehouse on North 27th Street. Programs are available at no charge to welfare-to-work clients, immigrants, vocational rehabilitation participants, displaced workers and those lacking the most basic employment skills. The target population is the nearly 25% of the low-income population in Lancaster County who do not have a high school diploma or GED.The programs offered through the Center benefit those without the financial means to pay tuition or the necessary pre-requisites to be accepted into other programs.

Job training and work experience programs are offered for skilled and semi-skilled occupations. Selected training focuses on areas where state labor data indicates participants will have the best opportunities for employment and advancement. These areas include warehouse safety/forklift operation, inventory, merchandise stocking, janitorial training, food service, computer/basic office skills and the Pathways out of Poverty green construction program (through a partnership with Southeast Community College).

The 24-seat computer lab is an essential component of this project. The computer lab acts as a technology-based classroom where participants can access on-line training and view instructional DVDs. Utilizing the computer lab for instructional delivery also encourages participants to develop basic computer skills. Computer instruction is available in Spanish, Arabic and other languages. The classes are provided at no charge to low-income clients.

There are a variety of ways to assist the Center for People in Need with their goals. You can provide general support to their agency, select a specific program or special event, remember them through a planned gift, or give directly to the need of a family through our Seeds For Change program. To donate cash or by check, mail or drop off your donation to the Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th St. Unit 1, Lincoln, NE 68521. Or donate online.