Communities Empowering Youth


NE-Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND
Program Type LEND,UCEDD Fiscal Year 2011
Contact Barbara Jackson, Ph.D.
Email [email protected]    
Phone 402-559-5765    
Project Description
The UCEDD will serve as the indepandent evaluator of the CEY propject. The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) will lead five faith and community based partners (FCBOs) through an assessment and capacity building initiative entitled South Omaha Community Learning Collaborative (SOCLC), a system building strategy based on the national Systems of Care approach. NCFF and FCBO partners will use the McKinsey Organizational Assessment Tool to establish baseline capacity in four critical areas. Based on assessment findings, services will be provided to increase organizational capacity of each collaborative member by one status level annually, and by three levels over three years.

Annual activities include: a) 250 hours of technical assistance and training unique to each FCBO using a skilled Project Facilitator, NCFF staff, and other providers, b) 52 hours of collaboration training and peer exchange through quarterly group learning circles and workshops, and c) financial awards to purchase capacity building goods and services.

SOCLC partners provide services in a distressed community defined by three neighborhood association borders and the South Omaha Weed and Seed Target Area. Children and families residing here experience higher than state rates of child abuse and neglect, crime, poverty, unemployment, low academic achievement, and less favorable health outcomes.