Neighborhood Centers
(North Omaha, Sarpy & Pottawattamie, Counties)

These long-term community programs are designed to enhance the lives of residents in specific neighborhoods. Services are available for individuals, parents, girls, senior citizens and at-risk families who need wrap-around services. Call 451-6244 in Omaha, 291-6065 in Bellevue, 339-2544 in Papillion, or (712) 322-1407 in Council Bluffs.

Family & Child Care Resource Center (Metro Area)

This neighborhood center is open to the entire metro community in an effort to enhance the quality of parenting and child care services and available to children. Loaned materials are available by personal checkout or by mail request and return. Free information, training and support are offered to parents as well as child care providers. The center is located in the Heartland Family Service North Omaha Office. For more information call 457-7769.

Ruth K. Solomon Girls Center (Metro Area, primarily North Omaha)

The Ruth K. Solomon Girls Center, named after one of its most ardent supporters, is the oldest girls center in Omaha. In 1966, it was established as the Kellom Girls Club, a neighborhood project organized by residents of Hilltop-Pleasantview Public Homes. The club was transferred to a building in Logan Fontenelle Public Homes in 1973. In 1986, the center was renamed to honor Ruth K. Solomon, a co-founder and major benefactor of the program.

Any girl five to eighteen years of age may become a member of the Family Service Solomon Girls Center. School-year hours are 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. Summer hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Girls may attend every weekday. The center is located at 6720 North 30th Street, as part of the Heartland Family Service North Office. Call 455-1755 for more information.

Solomon Girls Center offers year-round educational, cultural, social and recreational programming to the daughters of approximately 250 families in the area. The mission of the Center is to provide activities and guidance enabling each girl to find her own identity; develop her potential; and achieve a sense of responsibility to herself, her family and her community. Activities promote skill development and provide assistance in dealing with the issues that challenge today's girls and young women. The ultimate aim of the Center is to provide its members with those qualities that enable them to have positive social interactions and relationships.

The Summer Arts Academy is offered at Marian High School and is funded by United Arts Omaha and Nebraska Arts Council. Three artists-in-residence conduct activities in dance, drama & vocal music. An annual production is presented each summer which involves most of the members in aspects of writing, staging, set construction, costuming and/or performing.

An annual scholarship awards luncheon is held in the spring. $1,000 scholarships are presented to each of two girls to begin or continue a post-high school education of her choice. A well-known keynote speaker presents a special message to nearly 100 girls in attendance who are guests of ticket sponsors.

Senior Center (Metro Area, primarily Central Omaha)

The Senior Center supports the recreational, social and nutritional needs of the senior citizen over 60 years of age. The center offers area residents a variety of activities including classes, speakers, movies, discussion groups, exercise sessions, excursions, and parties, which are scheduled regularly every month. In addition, geriatric counseling is available, as well as direct assistance in obtaining needed services. A hot lunch is served at noon. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Transportation is available within a limited area. There is no fee to join the center. Call 553-5300 one day in advance to reserve a noon meal or for information.

“Transitions” (Pottawattamie County)

To support the “Pottawattamie County Homeless Link” collaborative, Heartland Family Service provides a transitional housing shelter, which offers a stable home complemented by wrap-around services to help homeless families get back on their feet. The shelter is located in Council Bluffs. Eligible families – those motivated to participate in a two-year program -- may live at the shelter for two years at a greatly reduced rent. This extended support is enough time to find an appropriate job, stabilize finances and arrange permanent housing. At the same time, Homeless Link participating agencies will serve the tenants through a collaborative approach, teaching self-sufficiency skills and encouraging their personal skills development. Call 322-1407 in Council Bluffs for more information.

Bellevue Multi-Service Center (Sarpy County)