Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties

These photos from Our summer Family Camp are something special. We've touched many lives over these past three weeks, and it has been a fantastic experience, not just for the parents and children but for our team and our staff, being able to make this positive impact in the lives of our community.

Passionate about advocating for children in your community? Discover the Learning Community's impact in improving life in Omaha for so many families. #education #impact https://lnkd.in/gs2VqKN7

We sincerely thank the US Army Corps of Engineers for their invaluable support of our Family Summer Camp this year. Their assistance in guiding the children through interactive activities focused on water-related topics like rivers, lakes, and dams made our camp a truly enriching experience. @us-army-corps-of-engineers-omaha-district

Subcouncil Spotlight—Cynthia (Cindy) Johnson Council member representing District 1 Q: Can you share with us your background and what motivated you to become a Subcouncil Member? A: I was encouraged to apply for an open seat in district one. With an extensive background in health care as an audiologist, I have spent my entire professional career advocating for access to education for people of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing. Education is key to everyone's ability to achieve their goals and build the life they want. The mission of the Learning Community is to close achievement gaps for students which is another way I can continue to be an advocate. Every child deserves an education and removing barriers is incredibly important. My parents were great role models and instilled in me the desire to serve others in the community where I live. Being on the LCCC is giving me a tremendous opportunity to serve my community in areas that I am passionate about: education and children. Q: How do you see your role as a Subcouncil member making a positive impact on the community? A: Being new on the council, going out to the schools and seeing the programs that the Learning Community helps fund has shown me up close that we are making a difference in the lives of families and children. Our children are our future and every penny invested in them will come back to our community in well rounded, educated people which keeps Douglas and Sarpy Counties great places to raise families.

Families at the Learning Community Center of South Omaha have the chance this summer to participate in a week of camp for the entire family. This year they get to 'Make a Splash,' and do all things 'water!' Activities range from making hydroelectric water wheels and water races to wild animal visitors and making their own pickles. Eight community partners are joining the fun this year and bringing their expertise to our families. These partners include: Keep Omaha Beautiful, Omaha Stormwater, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wildlife Encounters, NE Game & Parks, Whispering Roots, Latino Center of the Midlands, and the Omaha Children's Museum. Families wrap up their summer camp week with an excursion to Schramm Park Education Center, where they get to explore the aquarium, ponds, and participate in classroom programs.

The Educational Navigators from our South Center build and enforce relationships amongst families. Accessible at-home visits from Navigators allow for a more comfortable environment that directly aids in problem-solving and making progress with difficult issues families face. To learn more about the Educational Navigators and Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, head over to https://lnkd.in/gUnYTuRE

Our partners reflect the greatest strengths of the Omaha metro area, and we are proud to create robust programs with them by our side. Among these exceptional partners is Metropolitan Community College, which plays a crucial role in the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Through this partnership, we create opportunities to improve skills in any field, ensuring that education is accessible and manageable. Metropolitan Community College’s commitment to helping individuals apply themselves toward brighter futures aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we strive to build a better tomorrow by empowering our community through education and skill development.

Families turn dreams of a college education into a plan in our college planning workshops. Through a partnership with the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Service Learning Academy, families discover that college is within reach for children AND parents. In weekly field trips to the UNO campus, families learn about college life, the benefits of a college degree, the application process, and how to make college affordable.

Learning Community Center of South Omaha parents in GED classes increased their skills by three to four grade levels. WHY THIS MATTERS: Most parents find earning a GED is a requirement to succeed in the workforce, qualify for career training programs, or pursue a college degree, which will ultimately help the family find the economic stability that they need.