Brenda Block, development director and interim executive director, spoke about the mission of the Hope Center for Kids.
She showed videos of the Hope Center in action and concluded with a fun video of current UNO student that went through the Hope Center, following his journey through the years, the people who influenced him and the kids he in turn influenced.
The Hope Center has seen a dramatic increase in kids served, from 75 only 5 years ago to over 250 today and now has a center in Fremont that partners with the Fremont Family YMCA. The center needs over 65 volunteers each week to work alongside the staff. She particularly emphasized the Employment Academy that trains kids how to be successful not only as students but also as future employees in the work force.
A weekly stipend is paid to students and 2 out of state college visits are provided for kids enrolled in the academy. The Center is a partner with 9 other agencies in the Step Up summer program that sponsors jobs for kids.
Thank you, Brenda, for educating our Kiwanis Club on all you do for our kids.