Programs
The Good Neighbor Community Center provides fundamental assistance and emergency necessities to low-income individuals or anyone in need of our services. Should you have a CLARITY card, kindly bring it to your appointment; however, it is not mandatory to receive services.

Non-Perishable Food Program

GNCC distributes non-perishable food items such as canned goods, frozen meat, dried beans, and pasta through our Shopper's Choice Pantry. Individuals with pre-scheduled appointments are granted the opportunity to visit our pantry and select food items for themselves, considering their family size and the availability of food. Clients are permitted to receive non-perishable food every 30 days.

NOTE: An appointment is required prior to visiting the pantryto obtain non-perishable food

Perishables Food Program

Every Monday and Wednesday, Food Bank of Lincoln delivers perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk, which are subsequently distributed. No appointment is necessary to access this program, and there are no eligibility restrictions as long as you are in need of food. Through our partnership with the Food Bank of Lincoln, we are able to obtain food directly from stores in Lincoln, which is available in our building on Tuesday and Thursday. You are welcome to come for additional food on those additional days or after we have completed the food lines on Mondays and Wednesdays to see what is available from the stores or left over. While limited space remains a challenge for this program, we are actively collaborating with the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Collaborative to secure a new location. We eagerly anticipate sharing progress updates regarding the new facility, which will accommodate both GNCC's perishable and non-perishable food programs. Stay tuned.

NOTE: No appointment is necessary for perishable food items.

FoodNet

Every Sunday from 1 pm to 2 pm, GNCC partners with Allon Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church who are on site to provide primarily perishable food items. The program takes place at GNCC. Individuals are randomly selected to go through the line and select food items from what is available on those days.

NOTE: No appointment necessary

Shopping Floor

GNCC gratefully accepts donations from the community, which are subsequently distributed to those in need at no cost. Items provided through this program include but are not limited to clothing and accessories, shoes, handbags, appliances, small furniture (due to space constraints), and other household items. After registering with our office manager, each client is permitted to shop for donated items at no charge. DONORS: We request donations of clean items from the community. Kindly note that we are unable to collect donated items but are delighted to accept them at our center from Monday to Thursday between 8 am and 4 pm and on Fridays from 8 am to 12 pm.

NOTE: Currently, no appointment is necessary to visit the shopping floor; however, shopping is not available on Monday or

Wednesday mornings.

Diapers

GNCC offers diapers in sizes 1 to 5 once per month for each child in the family. Wipes are also available and can be requested when obtaining diapers.

Personal Care Items (for all)

These items are distributed based on availability.

Senior Hygiene Closet

We are pleased to partner with the Lincoln Hygiene Network and other community organizations to support our senior citizens (55+) with personal hygiene products. Please feel free to visit during our front office hours. Products include but are not limited to shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, moisturizing cream, bar soap, adult cleansing wipes, and incontinence pads

Fans

In the summer months, we offer fans to clients in need.

New Quilts

Newly arrived refugees and immigrants to Lincoln and Lancaster County are offered new quilts to assist them during their transition. Additionally, quilts are provided to individuals who have lost their belongings due to theft, fire, flood, or other unfortunate incidents. The rest of the clients are encouraged to select blankets and bedding from our shopping floor.

StarTran Low-income Bus Pass Sales Site

GNCC sells monthly StarTran low-income bus passes for $8 and low-income HandiVan passes for $16. Prior to purchasing a pass, StarTran necessitates a valid photo identification card which we have to see.

NOTE: Currently, no appointment is needed before one can come in to purchase a bus pass

Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The GNCC collaborates with Union College and the University of Nebraska to provide a valuable service to families in need. Through the Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, these dedicated volunteers assist families with filing their tax returns at no cost. This not only saves families the expense of professional tax preparation but also ensures that they receive the maximum tax refund to which they are entitled.

Grandparents’ (Christmas) Room

During the holiday season, grandparents are given the opportunity to shop for their grandchildren in alternate years. To qualify, recipients of gifts must be ten years of age or younger. To ensure the legitimacy of the request, grandparents are kindly requested to provide proof of their grandchildren's existence, such as a Social Security Number or a birth certificate.

Note: Please call to make an appointment or inquire if you are eligible.

Refugee and Immigrant Support Services

As a community center, the Good Neighbor Community Center provides support services to all refugees and immigrants in Lincoln and Lancaster County. They receive essential and emergency assistance and are eligible for all of the programs described above. We are honored to have staff members who speak several languages: Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, Dari, French, and Swahili. This enables us to provide enhanced support for refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA Hope Project), Asian refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan and India, and African refugees and immigrants who speak Swahili or French

Resettlement:

We collaborate with community partners and resettlement organizations to facilitate the successful integration of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln and Lancaster County. We provide essential resources and support services to empower individuals and families in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Home visits may be conducted to assess specific needs, and these families are given priority access to our center, where they can obtain clothing, food, and enroll in educational programs and support groups. Interpretation services are provided to aid in appointments and the translation of various documents. In partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska, we offer on-site legal assistance every Thursday afternoon. Interpretation in Arabic is available during this time. To schedule an appointment, please contact Zainab Al-Baaj. GNCC is a recipient of the Minority Health Initiative (MHI) grant, which aims to: • Leverage Lancaster County MHI efforts to enhance collaboration in the community, fostering health equity • Reduce barriers to accessing affordable and culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare and education • Provide mental health awareness and increase access to affordable, culturally and linguistically appropriate support services

Friday Women’s Support Group:

Each Friday (when public schools are in session), we host educational gatherings featuring various speakers covering a wide range of topics, including health, public safety, culinary arts, career development, and parenting. Prior to the commencement of each session, participants engage in an English language learning opportunity from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with teachers assigned based on individual English proficiency levels. Following the English language session, participants assemble to listen to the esteemed guest speaker of the day.

Peer Support Group:

The Good Neighbor Community Center has a Peer Support Specialist that offers support groups for mental health issues.

Maternal Care Support Group:

This group is intended to provide a secure and supportive environment for mothers to share knowledge, practical assistance, and emotional connections.

Circle of Security Group:

GNCC supports mothers and their daughters from Afghanistan through the KENO fund, which is designed to assist programs for children and families in preventing crisis situations through early intervention.

English, Citizenship, Health, Finance, and Computer Classes:

GNCC offers all of these classes from Monday through Friday. Our staff rotates these courses to cover all of these areas effectively. Please note that classes are currently not available on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Transportation:

GNCC may provide transportation for refugees who lack their own transportation to attend GNCC for a variety of services or other essential services within our community. Before scheduling an appointment and relying on GNCC for transportation, please confirm with the GNCC staff member assisting you that they will be available to transport you to your appointment.
© Good Neighbor Community Center | 2617 Y St. Lincoln, NE 68503 | 402.477.4173 | Designed by Tom Randa
Programs
The Good Neighbor Community Center provides fundamental assistance and emergency necessities to low-income individuals or anyone in need of our services. Should you have a CLARITY card, kindly bring it to your appointment; however, it is not mandatory to receive services.

Non-Perishable Food Program

GNCC distributes non-perishable food items such as canned goods, frozen meat, dried beans, and pasta through our Shopper's Choice Pantry. Individuals with pre-scheduled appointments are granted the opportunity to visit our pantry and select food items for themselves, considering their family size and the availability of food. Clients are permitted to receive non-perishable food every 30 days.

NOTE: An appointment is required prior to visiting the pantryto

obtain non-perishable food

Perishables Food Program

Every Monday and Wednesday, Food Bank of Lincoln delivers perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk, which are subsequently distributed. No appointment is necessary to access this program, and there are no eligibility restrictions as long as you are in need of food. Through our partnership with the Food Bank of Lincoln, we are able to obtain food directly from stores in Lincoln, which is available in our building on Tuesday and Thursday. You are welcome to come for additional food on those additional days or after we have completed the food lines on Mondays and Wednesdays to see what is available from the stores or left over. While limited space remains a challenge for this program, we are actively collaborating with the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Collaborative to secure a new location. We eagerly anticipate sharing progress updates regarding the new facility, which will accommodate both GNCC's perishable and non- perishable food programs. Stay tuned.

NOTE: No appointment is necessary for perishable food

items.

FoodNet

Every Sunday from 1 pm to 2 pm, GNCC partners with Allon Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church who are on site to provide primarily perishable food items. The program takes place at GNCC. Individuals are randomly selected to go through the line and select food items from what is available on those days.

NOTE: No appointment necessary

Shopping Floor

GNCC gratefully accepts donations from the community, which are subsequently distributed to those in need at no cost. Items provided through this program include but are not limited to clothing and accessories, shoes, handbags, appliances, small furniture (due to space constraints), and other household items. After registering with our office manager, each client is permitted to shop for donated items at no charge. DONORS: We request donations of clean items from the community. Kindly note that we are unable to collect donated items but are delighted to accept them at our center from Monday to Thursday between 8 am and 4 pm and on Fridays from 8 am to 12 pm.

NOTE: Currently, no appointment is necessary to visit the

shopping floor; however, shopping is not available on Monday

or Wednesday mornings.

Diapers

GNCC offers diapers in sizes 1 to 5 once per month for each child in the family. Wipes are also available and can be requested when obtaining diapers.

Personal Care Items (for all)

These items are distributed based on availability.

Senior Hygiene Closet

We are pleased to partner with the Lincoln Hygiene Network and other community organizations to support our senior citizens (55+) with personal hygiene products. Please feel free to visit during our front office hours. Products include but are not limited to shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, moisturizing cream, bar soap, adult cleansing wipes, and incontinence pads

Fans

In the summer months, we offer fans to clients in need.

New Quilts

Newly arrived refugees and immigrants to Lincoln and Lancaster County are offered new quilts to assist them during their transition. Additionally, quilts are provided to individuals who have lost their belongings due to theft, fire, flood, or other unfortunate incidents. The rest of the clients are encouraged to select blankets and bedding from our shopping floor.

StarTran Low-income Bus Pass Sales Site

GNCC sells monthly StarTran low-income bus passes for $8 and low-income HandiVan passes for $16. Prior to purchasing a pass, StarTran necessitates a valid photo identification card which we have to see.

NOTE: Currently, no appointment is needed before one can

come in to purchase a bus pass

Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The GNCC collaborates with Union College and the University of Nebraska to provide a valuable service to families in need. Through the Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, these dedicated volunteers assist families with filing their tax returns at no cost. This not only saves families the expense of professional tax preparation but also ensures that they receive the maximum tax refund to which they are entitled.

Grandparents’ (Christmas) Room

During the holiday season, grandparents are given the opportunity to shop for their grandchildren in alternate years. To qualify, recipients of gifts must be ten years of age or younger. To ensure the legitimacy of the request, grandparents are kindly requested to provide proof of their grandchildren's existence, such as a Social Security Number or a birth certificate.

Note: Please call to make an appointment or inquire if you are

eligible.

Refugee and Immigrant Support Services

As a community center, the Good Neighbor Community Center provides support services to all refugees and immigrants in Lincoln and Lancaster County. They receive essential and emergency assistance and are eligible for all of the programs described above. We are honored to have staff members who speak several languages: Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, Dari, French, and Swahili. This enables us to provide enhanced support for refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA Hope Project), Asian refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan and India, and African refugees and immigrants who speak Swahili or French

Resettlement:

We collaborate with community partners and resettlement organizations to facilitate the successful integration of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln and Lancaster County. We provide essential resources and support services to empower individuals and families in their journey toward self- sufficiency. Home visits may be conducted to assess specific needs, and these families are given priority access to our center, where they can obtain clothing, food, and enroll in educational programs and support groups. Interpretation services are provided to aid in appointments and the translation of various documents. In partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska, we offer on-site legal assistance every Thursday afternoon. Interpretation in Arabic is available during this time. To schedule an appointment, please contact Zainab Al-Baaj. GNCC is a recipient of the Minority Health Initiative (MHI) grant, which aims to: • Leverage Lancaster County MHI efforts to enhance collaboration in the community, fostering health equity • Reduce barriers to accessing affordable and culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare and education • Provide mental health awareness and increase access to affordable, culturally and linguistically appropriate support services

Friday Women’s Support Group:

Each Friday (when public schools are in session), we host educational gatherings featuring various speakers covering a wide range of topics, including health, public safety, culinary arts, career development, and parenting. Prior to the commencement of each session, participants engage in an English language learning opportunity from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with teachers assigned based on individual English proficiency levels. Following the English language session, participants assemble to listen to the esteemed guest speaker of the day.

Peer Support Group:

The Good Neighbor Community Center has a Peer Support Specialist that offers support groups for mental health issues.

Maternal Care Support Group:

This group is intended to provide a secure and supportive environment for mothers to share knowledge, practical assistance, and emotional connections.

Circle of Security Group:

GNCC supports mothers and their daughters from Afghanistan through the KENO fund, which is designed to assist programs for children and families in preventing crisis situations through early intervention.

English, Citizenship, Health, Finance, and Computer

Classes:

GNCC offers all of these classes from Monday through Friday. Our staff rotates these courses to cover all of these areas effectively. Please note that classes are currently not available on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Transportation:

GNCC may provide transportation for refugees who lack their own transportation to attend GNCC for a variety of services or other essential services within our community. Before scheduling an appointment and relying on GNCC for transportation, please confirm with the GNCC staff member assisting you that they will be available to transport you to your appointment.
© Good Neighbor Community Center | 2617 Y St. Lincoln, NE 68503 | 402.477.4173