Lincoln Action Program (LAP) responds to community needs by providing families with opportunities to accomplish life changes. The agency annually assists more than 9,000 low-income individuals across Lancaster and Saunders counties [Nebraska] to increase their quality of life and economic self-sufficiency. Most of the families LAP serves have annual incomes well below the federal poverty level. Offering more than 50 programs, LAP seeks to meet basic and emergency needs, enhance educational and employment skills, and increase family functioning. Among the services provided are: an independently validated strengths-based case management system; several literacy initiatives; Head Start services; computer literacy instruction; youth education and development efforts; perishable food distribution; and homelessness assistance.
The Free To Grow program focuses on a central-city census tract of approximately 160 blocks in Lincoln which is home to more than 1,500 children. This tract has one of the highest rates of poverty, domestic violence, child abuse, and crime in the city. Despite these concerns, the area is vibrant and features strengths including an outstanding elementary school, strong neighborhood organizations, and an ethnically and culturally diverse population. Additionally a new community center will open in 2003 and a new police station opened in the neighborhood recently.
Free To Grow's major partners include: the Lincoln Police Department; Clinton Elementary School; CEDARS, a youth-focused agency; CenterPointe, a substance abuse & dual diagnosis agency; Lincoln Council on Alcoholism and Drugs; the University of Nebraska Psychological Consultation Center; Neighborhoods, Inc., a home ownership and neighborhood revitalization organization; and the City of Lincoln Urban Development Department.
For more information, contact Sue Hinrichs at (402) 471-4515 or via email at shinrichs@lincoln-action.org.