Willard History Timeline

Historical Time Line of The Willard Community Center

The information in this document has been gathered from years of Willard Community Center Board of Directors Board Books, annual reports, newsletters, letters from the City of Lincoln, surveys, historical reports, etc. The history is reported annually with each year being divided into four categories; historical information, funding, programming, and board members/administrative staff.  It is not a complete history but it should give the reader a better understanding of how the Center was established and where we are today.

1887 – The West "A" Community was developed around the railroad yards.  The community is bound by Coddington Avenue to the west, South Street to the south, Salt Creek to the east, and the railroad yards to the north.

1910 – The original wooden school burned.

1918 – The schools replacement, part of the Lincoln Public Schools District, was named Willard School after Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard (1839-1898).  Frances Willard was an educator and celebrated leader of the temperance movement.  She was the Dean of the Women's College of Northwestern University.  After serving five years as Secretary of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, she was elected its president in 1879 and held the office for nearly 20 years.  In 1883 she founded the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union and in 1888 became its president. She was a brilliant lecturer, giving as many as 400 addresses a year.  She was elected to the American Hall of Fame in 1910.

Willard School was dedicated in August.  It included kindergarten through 6th grade students are enrollment was set at 70 students.

1968 - Willard Elementary closed.  Children from the West "A" Neighborhood were bused to the new Lakeview Elementary School, 300 Capitol Beach Blvd.

1973 - The School District of the City of Lincoln deeded to the City of Lincoln the then closed Willard School through land trade arrangements which valued the school and its site at approximately $20,000.   

1974 - In October Lincoln Mayor Sam Schwartzkopf dedicated the Willard Center to include recreational facilities, library, nursing station, and a community room for neighborhood use.  The Center concept became a reality during the last year's City budget session when the Mayor and City Council approved a $20,000 budget request by neighborhood residents for the renovation (painting, cleaning, remodeling) of the former school building and upcoming City programs.  The Willard Center is the first one owned by the City and completely operated by the City in cooperation with a neighborhood association.  

1975 - The Center closed its doors due to a high incidence of vandalism and violence.

1976 –The building was operated by the West “A” Community Association as a neighborhood recreational center under an informal arrangement with the City.  The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department operated a program from September1, 1975 to August 1976, which was discontinued because of budgetary reductions.  However, Parks and Recreation continues to provide the center with some equipment and supplies and during the summer months, provides two part time staff people and supplies to operate a summer recreation playground program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade.   

1978 -The building was formally leased, with a written lease agreement, to the West “A” Community Association from the City of Lincoln from 1978 to 1980.  Three months later the recreation and library services were terminated.  The Center closed again.

The population of the West "A" Area continues to grow and more than triples from 1970 to 1978.  The population in 1970 was 647 and in 1975 reached 1,106 and totaled 2,223 in 1978.  The median family income in 1970 was $9,615 and in 1978 was $9,840 indicating a low-moderate income area.

According to a 1978 survey conducted by the Lincoln Office of Neighborhood Assistance, it is almost entirely single-family residential.  Over 85% of the 1,100 dwelling units are owner-occupied.  This survey indicates that approximately 15% of the population are 60+ years of age or senior citizens.

1980

Historical Info
The Center officially opened April 1, 1980 for the third time.  Five months later the Willard Community Center, Inc. was established.  At this time the service area included 750 households.

A West "A" Community Needs Assessment and Attitude Survey was conducted in July, sponsored by the Lincoln Office of Neighborhood Assistance, the West "A" Community Association, and University of Nebraska Department of Community Development, which strongly suggests a need for child care in this area and services for senior citizens.  

The Willard Community Center, a corporation, was created as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Nebraska on August 4, 1980

The insurance for liability on the Center was increased to cover the lot on Folsom and B Street, owned by Keith Schroder, to be used as a Community Park.  Development of this park will be in future plans.  

Currently there is no public park, pool, library, restaurant, gas station, operating church or health services in this census tract.  The Village Square Shopping Center was opened in January with grocery, drug, hardware and liquor stores.

Willard has the only Fall-Out Shelter in the neighborhood under the front stairway.

A monthly newsletter is delivered door to door by Boy Scouts.

Funding
February/March 1980 Lela Watts is hired by the West "A" Association as Executive Director, her salary funding coming from United Way.

A $12,000 Community Development Task Force Grant was awarded for building improvements and the City of Lincoln pays for the building utilities and maintenance ($12,340).

A new Senior Center for the Willard Center was approved in the City of Lincoln 1980/81 budget.

The City continues to lease the building and provides $40,539 in funding.

The City, through Community Development Block Grant funding, provided $56,766 for building renovation at the Center.  The Center was renovated and made handicapped accessible with the installation of the elevator. The active union/non-union tradesmen totaled 107 and donations of labor, materials and equipment of the tradesmen, local businesses, and contractors totaled $151,384.15.  

Lincoln Foundation provided one-year funding, $24,000, for a Youth/Teen Director and an Adult Program Director, both full time positions.

Programming
The programs were initially sponsored by Parks and Recreation, the Red Cross, 4-H, and the YWCA.  Willard's PreSchool, operated by the YWCA, opened fall 1980.
 
The Advisory Board listed seven programs, by priority, that is needed in the neighborhood.

After School for grade school age children
Teen Program for Jr. and Sr. high age teens
Preschool
Senior Citizen Program
Adult Program
Special Summer Program
Bike Repair and Maintenance Shop
YWCA starts a preschool program at Willard and has 40 participants, in two sessions.  Shoreline Schmidt and Robin West off - teachers

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Advisory Board Members were as follows; Mary Anne Gibbons, Michelin Young, Bev and George Wuethrich, Linda Wilson, Bunny Lassek, John Bode , Larry George, Ron Fritz, Francis Zegers, Gene Fortune, Helen Yonkey, John Sexton, Alvin and Freda Zichek, Char Cervantes, Cindy and Rick Lassek, Stacy Carey, Duane Kulhanek, Mary Jane West, Dan Navratil, Jerry McGinn, Curtis Sederburg, Greg Barth, Jim Carrier, Mike Rierden,  Mike Steinman, and Joan Journey.

Advisory Board Officers elected in May are as follows; President – Francis Zegers, Vice-President – Joan Journey, Secretary – Bev Wuethrich, and Treasurer, Gene Fortune.

Executive Director, Lela Watts
Dan Serlet is hired as Youth/Teen Director and Sandra Keene is hired as Adult Program Director

1981
Funding
The City provides a grant for the amount of $28,988 for FY 81-82

Programming
A Senior Center was established at Willard by the Lancaster Commission on Aging – the first meal served was March 9th.  The Senior Center serves 120 individuals ranging in age from 59 to 94 in the first three months of operation.

Three more programs are added to the list of programs needed at the WCC.  They are; Day Care, Adult Volunteer Bureau, and Neighborhood Youth/Teen Volunteer Program.

Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department Summer Nutrition Program starts at Willard and serves over 40 children per day.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
In July new officers were elected by the board they are; President - Mike and Judy Geidner, Vice-President – Dick and Char Fifer, Secretary - Al and Joan Journey, Treasurer – Francis and Marilyn Zegers  Additional Advisory Members are; Elmer Meiler, Mike Rierden, Mike Steinman, Dr. Richard Hammer, George and Bev Wuethrich, Helen Yonkey, Alvin and Freda Zichek, Steve and Hirley Morock, Gene Fortune, Barbara Eickmeier, Jim Carrier, Dorothy Welchoff, Mary Jane West, Dan Navratil, Jerry McGinn, Curtis Sederburg, Greg Barth, Allen Curtis, Stacey Carey, LaDonna Atkinson, Lyle and Melinda Lickiss, Glenna Showalter, Charles and Judy Calhoon, Kermit and Mary Feser, Wendall and Linda Wilson, Duane Kulhanek, John Sexton, Mark Gregory, Bunny Lassek, Sally Schaefer, and Dr. Otto Heiberg.

The Youth Teen Director position is absorbed through the City of Lincoln Human Services Department.

Lela Watts is Executive Director, Marilyn Holmquist is Adult Program Director, Bob Brown is Activities Director and Marie Reinhardt is Senior Center Director.  
Bob Brown resigns as Activities Director in July and Bill Welsh is hired in September

1982
Historical Info
The Willard Community Center, a corporation, receives tax exempt status under 501©3 of the Internal Revenue Code in January.

The City Council votes to close "B" Street from "A" Street west to property line.  

Duane Kulhanek organizes volunteers to pave the parking lot south of the building with a sidewalk to the building that is wheel chair accessible.

A Community Heritage Fair was held for three days in October with 400 in attendance.  Photos of Willard School and alumni were featured along with demonstrations, displays, meals, games and music.

The Restoration and Accessibility Project, which was the 1980 Handicap Accessible/Elevator project, was chosen as one of the top ten finalists, out of 583 entries, in the 1982 HUD National Recognition Program for Community Development Partnerships.   Willard Community Center received a Presidential Merit Award.

Funding
The City continues to maintain the property and pays utilities including the phone.
Approved funding from the City is $40,500 and United Way $22,300.

City County continues funding for the Youth Teen Program.  Funding from the Cooper Foundation for $7880.00 will fund the Adult Program Director position until January 1st.  

Programming
Lincoln City Libraries opens a new library for the neighborhood in October in the Willard Community Center on 3rd floor, in the north room.  Library hours are M-F, 2-6 p.m., M and F nights from 7-9 p.m. and Sat. 10 – 2. Sandy Schlinker will be librarian for 10 hours per week and will train volunteers.   

A Nurses Station is open with a permanent RN from 10-2 on the 2nd and fourth Fridays of each month.

Willard is a meal pick up site for Meals on Wheels Program.  Food containers are brought to Willard daily and volunteers deliver the meals to people who have a disability and cannot leave their homes.

A Willard Crime Prevention – Justice Center was organized and sponsored by the Willard Community Center in cooperation with the Lincoln Police Department.  The Justice Center was established to tap the wisdom of the community to assist the police with successful mediation of neighborhood disputes which would ordinarily result in the issuance of a citation or arrest.  A Justice Center Board and mediation group was trained to intervene in a conflict, attempt to reach an agreement, and reconcile the disputants. The goal is crime prevention and neighborhood mediation.  The Lincoln Foundation provided one year funding for a Justice Center and Mediation Board and an attorney, Rebecca Winston, was hired.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff

New board officers elected in May were as follows; President – Joan and Al Journey, Vice-President – Shirley and Don Kuhle, Secretary – Marge and Ron Malena, and Treasurer – Marilyn Zegers.  Additional Members are; Elmer Meiler, Mike Geidner, Dick Fifer, Helen Yonkey, Dwane Kulhanek, Dorothy Welchoff, John and Sheri Chess, Larry and Leora Clark, Larry and Marge Hart, Edith Barnhill, Dan Navratil, Dr. Charles and Margaret Harm, Marian Schultz, John, Woolf, Mike Steinman, Dr. Otto Heiberg, Dr. Richard Hammer, Mike Rierden, Curt Sederburg, Jim Carrier, Allen Curtis, Jerry McGinn, Greg Barth, and John Gulick.

Lela Watts is Executive Director, Bill Welch is Youth/Teen Director, Janelle Soderling, Assistant Youth/Teen Director, Bette Riegel is Adult Program Director, and Luwanna Tanner is the Senior Center Manager.

1983
Historical Info
A Family Life Conference was held at Grace Lutheran Church sponsored by the WCC and the Lancaster County Extension Service.

Funding
A proposal was submitted requesting $125,000 for a $500,000 gymnasium/pool project to be built on the south side of WCC.

The Ellen Craig Foundation gave $10,000 for the improvement of administration of the facility's cost effectiveness and efficiency.

The City continues to lease us the building and provides $40,539 in funding.

Programming
The Justice Center has Board members and mediation teams and is ready to hear cases.  The Justice Center moves out of the Willard Building in July.

Neighborhood events, sponsored by Willard, this year included Watermelon Feed, West “A” Days, Pancake Feed, Haunted Castle, Teen Dances, Holiday Bazaar and other monthly Family Night activities.

The After School Program has 40 children registered for either drop-in or daily participation with an average daily attendance of 15 per day. The cost is $10.00 per semester per child for after school care from 3-6 p.m. and $.50 a day for registered children needing drop-in care.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board Officers elected at the Annual Meeting in April for the 1983-84 year are as follows; Marge Malena, President; Marge Hart, Vice-President; Lora Bevington, Secretary; and Don Duncan, Treasurer. Additional Board Members were Leora Clark, Duane Kulhanek, Dale LeBaron, Roger Lott, Helen Yonkey, Dorothy Welchoff, Sheri Chess, Michael Steinman, Viola Carl, Dr. Earl Lampshire, Allen Thomsen, Sondra Barry, and Bernice Polivka.

Lela Watts Executive Director; Mary Groth, Administrative Assistant; Bill Welch Youth/Teen Director; Janelle Soderling, Assistant Youth/Teen Director; Bette Riegel Volunteer Adult Program Director. Melinda Lickiss , Center Manager and other Senior Center employees; Bernice Lamp and Ruby Smith.

In July, Carol Yoakum was named as interim Executive Director by the City of Lincoln, Janet Robinson was hired as a temporary clerk typist, Janelle Soderling was hired as Youth Director, and Cindy Nutt Terwilliger as Assistant Youth Director, Melinda Lickiss , Senior Center Manager and other Senior Center employees; Bernice Lamp and Ruby Smith.

1984
Historical Info
The City Senior Employment Program hires retired persons and provides cleaning and maintenance staff that work every day from 8 to noon at Willard.  

The Willard Senior Center is a commodity distribution site and 147 families received government designated surplus cheese and butter.

Funding
The Mayor’s Office eliminates $5733.00 for support of the Willard Library.  It closes in August.

The City Attorney prepares a one year automatically renewable contract with a 90 day termination clause.  The City will provide utilities and major repairs.  Willard will pay $1.00, per year, and will keep the building clean and provide minor repairs and decorating.  

Y’s Owl Preschool pays $550.00 per year for rent.

The United Way allocation is $28,648 and the City of Lincoln provides $38,133.

Programming
The Willard Senior Center and staff are supported by the Centers for Senior Services, operated out of the Mayor’s office of the City of Lincoln.  The name is changed to Lincoln Area Agency on Aging in August. Carole Polacek is hired as the Senior Center Director.

Programs held on a regular basis are AA, Al-anon, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, 4-H, Bluebirds, Baton, Aerobics, and Ceramics.  New Programs include Mother-daughter aerobics, Creative Writing, Explorers, Friday Card Club, and Overeaters Anonymous. Programs sponsored by other agencies are the Senior Center, Y’s Owl Preschool, Browsing Library, and the Health Station.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance has a station at Willard.

Willard starts a Summer Child Care Program.  Parks and Recreation provided care in the park from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. and Willard provided care the rest of the day until 6:00 p.m. 129 children registered with an average daily attendance of 33 children. In August Willard provided all day care when the Parks and Recreation Program ended.

The After School Program has 45 children registered with an average daily attendance of 33. Children attending Lakeview and Yankee Hill Elementary Schools are bused to Willard after school.  Children from Park and Saratoga Schools are brought over by their parents.  The cost is $10.00 per month per child and $.50 drop in fee.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board Members elected at the Annual Meeting were Don Duncan, President; Dorothy Welchoff, Vice President; Sondra Barry, Secretary; Duane Kulhanek, Treasurer.  New Members: Gust Fandrich, Nancy Riblett, Fred Uphoff, and Gerald Wood join Lora Bevington, Sherri Chess, Dale LeBaron, Mike Steinman, Viola Carl, Earl Lampshire, Bernice Polivka, Marge Malena, and Marge Hart.

Janet Clark resigns in March and Barbara Collier is hired as clerk typist.  Denise Siroky is hired for the same position August.

1985
Historical Info
Air Conditioning is installed on 2nd floor.

The vice squad is called in on a report of illegal gambling during Bingo!

Funding
Willard starts charging for room rentals, $8.00 per hour.

United Way commends Willard for expansion of user fees and reducing costs and gives full funding of $29,438 and allocates the money by program.  Management - $4,658, After School - $13,341, and Summer - $11,439.

The Cooper Foundation approves $3000.00 for our summer program.

The annual budget is now over $85,000.

Programming
In order to become more self sufficient Willard starts all day summer child care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children who have completed kindergarten and not yet entered 7th grade.  The cost is $45.00 per month for the first child and $25.00 for the second child for Willard members.  The cost for non-members is $50.00 and $30.00.  Willard registered 49 children and had a waiting list.  Vans and buses are leased to provide transportation for swimming and field trips.  The Parks and Recreation morning program moves to Coddington Park.

The After School and Summer Child Care are now licensed with the State of Nebraska and meet all licensing requirements.

We receive a Bingo License and charge a nickel a card to play on Wednesday mornings.

Two new groups in the building are Parents Anonymous and Ala-teen.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
The newly elected board officers voted in after the Annual Meeting are as follows; President – Don Duncan, President Elect – Dorothy Welchoff, Treasurer – Fred Uphoff, and Secretary – Emily Brickley.  New Members Nancy Baker, Viola Carl, Melinda Lickiss, Dale LeBaron, and Ed Schwartzkopf, join Sondra Barry, Lora Bevington, Earl Lampshire, Gerald Wood, Gust Fandrich, Duane Kulhanek, Bernice Polivka, and Marge Hart.

Janet Robinson Clark returns to Willard full time.  Twenty hours clerk typist and 20 hours child care.

1986
Historical Info
The Senior Employment Program no longer has employees at Willard so we hire a custodian for 20 hours per week.

Funding
Fun Night, Holiday Bazaar, Watermelon Feed/Softball Game (Southwest Business Association against City Hall), and Soup Suppers are continued as fund raisers.

Programming
After School Program rates increase to $40.00 per month for one child, $60.00 for two children, and $75.00 for three children in one family.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board officers are as follows; President – Dorothy Welchoff, President Elect- Marge Hart, Secretary – Donald Dunn, and Treasurer – Fred Uphoff.  Other board members are; Jane Agee, Carolyn Stutheit, Delores Malek, Sondra Barry, Don Duncan, Emily Brickley, Lora Bevington, Melinda Lickiss, Dale LeBaron, Viola Carl, Ed Schwartzkopf, Gerald Wood, and Duane Kulhanek.

Janet Robinson Clark is promoted to Assistant Program Director to replace Cindy Nutt Terwiliger.

1987
Historical Info
At the Annual Meeting a speaker from the NE Dept. of Roads comes to discuss the course of the West Bypass and the projected time table of the project.

The Board explores the possibility of a new building or additions to the old building and asks UNL to help with the research and the possibility of a feasibility study.

In November, West “B” Street is vacated and Willard has permission to use 100 feet on the east end of “B” Street as a parking lot.

Funding

Programming
Sharon Holliday starts using the center for dance classes and pays a rental fee for Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Lakeview and Yankee Hill Schools change class time to 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. so parents require Before School Care for their children.  Dan Navratil, principal of both schools confirms that buses can pick up children at Willard so a Before School program is started.   Rates are one child for a Willard member is $25.00 for before or after school care and $40.00 for before and after school.  For non-members the rate is $40 and $60.00.

Summer Child Care rates are $85.00 for one child, $130.00 for two children and $155.00 for three children in one family per month.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board officers are; Dale LeBaron, President; Jane Agee, President Elect, Donald Dunn, Secretary; and Fred Uphoff, Treasurer.  Other members; Sondra Barry, Lora Bevington, Emily Brickley, Pam Brunke, Viola Carl, Don Duncan, Dick Johnson, Evelyn Kulhanek, Betty Rupert, John Schneider, Ed Schwartzkopf, Carolyn Stutheit, and Dorothy Welchoff.

Rogene Cihal and Janet Robinson Clark become certified aerobics instructors.

1988
Historical Info
West “A” Neighborhood Association requested a $7500 grant to pave the new parking lot south of the Center from the Community Development Grant Committee and their request was approved.  Duane and Evy Kulhanek organized volunteer labor to smooth and finish the concrete.

The fence is removed and the two park areas on either side of the vacated “B” Street are merged behind the building by the City.

The new Willard Community Center sign is placed above the front door.  The Whitted Family designed and installed the sign and the letters were purchased by donations.

Asbestos is removed by a contractor for the City from the furnace as well as other areas of the first floor.

A 70th Reunion of Willard teachers, from 1945 forward, and alums is held on July 31st.  Over 200 are in attendance.

A special board meeting is held in September to set goals for the next 5 years.  A membership goal is to increase membership by 20% each year.  There are currently approximately 170 members paying $5.00 per year.  A facility goal is to expand the size, usability, and offering of the Center’s facility to insure that it is a full service community center. No program goals were defined.

Funding
The budget is $92,054 including the $63,164 allocation from United Way and the $33,645 allocation from the City County Joint Budget Committee.

Membership dues are set.  Rates are as follows; $5.00 for individual membership, $10.00 per family, $25.00 for sustaining memberships, and $50.00 for business memberships. Total memberships are 114.

Programming

Board Members/Administrative Staff
New board officers this year are as follows; Don Dunn, President; Duane Kulhanek, President Elect; Don Duncan, Treasurer; and Carolyn Stutheit, Secretary.  Other members include; Sondra Barry, Pam Brunke, Dick Johnson, Evelyn Kulhanek, Faye Marting, Betty Rupert, John Schneider, Mike Smith, Lora Bevington, Emily Brickley,and Lavern Thomas.

1989
Historical Info
Public Works meets with the area residents at Willard to explain the construction schedule for the widening of Folsom Street and connecting it to the K & L Bypass.  The project is to be completed in September.

The K and L Bypass opens with a ceremony planned by Southwest Business Association and the Mayor’s Office.  Willard organizes families to walk from Willard to the ceremony on the new bypass.  

The board agrees to hold off plans for a new or expanded facility, despite our crowded conditions, until the impact of the widening of Folsom Street and the K & L Bypass are assessed.

A “Get to Know Your Neighbor Street Dance and Beer Garden” was held on Sept 16.  It was sponsored by Willard Community Center, West “A” Neighborhood Ass., Southwest Business and Civic Ass., Yankee Hill Community Ass., and South Salt Creek Community Organization. Over 450 were in attendance.

The board approves $3000 to replace the flooring in the Senior Center and $1000 to replace the telephones with new ones which will use the existing wiring.

Funding
The board makes an investment plan, $6000 will remain in checking, $3000 will be invested in a CD for 3 months and $3000 will be invested in a 6 month CD at FirsTier.

We end the year with 140 paid members.

Programming
Licensed Bingo is now held on Wednesday and Friday mornings with an average of 30 people each day.

All third floor, including the gameroom and the exercise room, will be teens only from 7-9 p.m. A place to “hang out” every night was identified by the Mayor’s Committee on Youth.

Our exercise room consists of a weight machine, 2 exercise bikes and a rowing machine.

We now have 29 children enrolled in our licensed Before and After School Program at the Center.  We have 62 children in the Summer Program paying $13,136 or 69% of the program cost.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board officers are as follows; Don Dunn, President; Duane Kulhanek, President Elect; Carolyn Stutheit, Secretary; and LaVern Thomas, Treasurer.  Other members; Emily Brickley, Pam Brunke, Marge Hart, James J. Gallagher, Dale LeBaron, Faye Marting, Bob Pfeifer, Betty Rupert, John Schneider, Ed Schwartkoft, Mike Smith, Cindy Terwilliger, and Dorothy Welchoff.

1990
Historical Info
During the extreme cold we had to switch from gas to oil.  It caused a lot of attention to our heating system which was good.  They had to find the tank, make a wrench to open the tank and deliver oil.  

More improvements were made; a new counter top was installed in the kitchen, a small shed was built south of the building for storage of tools, new carpet was installed, etc.

The City installs soccer goals in the park.

Funding
We receive funding from the City of Lincoln (JBC) for the amount of $32,869 and United Way funds, $34,940.

West Lincoln Optimists Club donates $1000 that we apply towards the cost of new carpet for the building.

The board votes to place $9000 in a 6-month CD for investment.

We end the year with 2 full time staff and 7 part time staff and our budget was $102,000.

Programming
Before and After School rates increase to $60.00 a month and $30.00 for each additional child in the family.  49 children are registered.

The building is crowded so the Aerobics class is moved to Harbour West Clubhouse.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
New officers for 1990-91 are Duane Kulhanek, President; LaVern Thomas, President-Elect; Dorothy Welchoff, Secretary; and Cindy Terwilliger, Treasurer.  Pam Brunke, Jim Carrier, Donald Dunn, James J. Gallagher, Marge Hart, Dale LeBaron, Faye Marting, Bob Pfeifer, Betty Rupert, John Schneider, Edward Schwartzkopf, Mike Smith, and Carolyn Stutheit.  We had 163 members.

Carol Yoakum takes over as Senior Center Manager in addition to being Executive Director, after Deb Batton leaves the position.

Lau Rene Foster accepts the clerk typist position.

1991
Historical Info
Duane Kulhanek and Bob Pfeifer, board members, replace the railroad tie wall on the south side of the building with retaining wall blocks.

The board approves Wayne Giebelhaus Plumbing and Heating $1940 for the removal of existing urinals and installation of three wall hung urinals with parts and permits.

One of the bingo players, Clarence Edwards, donates a $500.00 bingo machine with a light up board, etc. to the Center.

Funding
Summer child care rates for one month; $150.00 for one child, $225.00 for 2 children and $300.00 for 3 children.

At the Annual Meeting the treasurer, Cindy Terwilliger, reported our revenue was $105,906.  This was $12,722 more than we expected.  $11,970 of that difference was in program fees and can be credited to our child care program.  Our expenses were $99,439, $1,947 more than we had planned but it included unbudgeted improvements to the building of $4,490.  We’re proud to report that we ended the year with an improved building and $24,576 in certificates of deposit and checking.

Wild West “A” Days continues to be our big fund raiser, which includes a street dance, food, beer, and raffle. Net income is $1,134.

West Lincoln Optimist Club donates $1500 to be used for future renovation in the girls bathroom and the exterior trim painting.

Programming
We increase our child care license from 49 to 60 children.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
New board officers for 1991-92 are as follows; President, LaVern Thomas, President –Elect, Faye Marting, Secretary, Dorothy Welchoff, and Treasurer, Cindy Terwilliger.  Earl Beard, Donald Dunn, Marge Hart, Karen Ostergaard, Bob Pfeifer, John Schneider, Ed Swartzkopf, Joe Smith, Cammy and John Amen, Jim Carrier, Dale LeBaron, Carolyn Stutheit, and Betty Rupert.

1992
Historical Info
The board approves to spend $1750 to share in the expense with the City to paint the exterior windows on 2nd and 3rd floor.

Funding
Lincoln West Optimists give $1500 for summer playground equipment.

Programming
Child Care rates for Before and After School is $80.00 and $40.00 for the 2nd child.  Before or After School is $50.00 and $25.00 for 2nd child.

81 children are enrolled in the Summer Program

YWCA Preschool renews lease on space for the two basement rooms for $750 for Sept. through May.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
LaVerne Thomas, President; Faye Marting, President-Elect; Lora Bevington, Secretary/Treasurer.  Ed Swartzkopf, Bob Pfeifer, Joe Smith, Dale LeBaron, Don Dunn, Dorothy Welchoff, Jim Carrier, John Schneider, Cindy Terwilliger, Marge Hart, Carolyn Stutheit, John Amen, Caron Ostergaard, and Betty Rupert.

Carol Yoakum retires as Executive Director but stays on as Senior Center Manager.  Janelle Soderling takes Executive Director position on August 1st.

Janet Clark is named Program Director

1993
Historical Info
The board invites Jim Morgan, Dan Navratil, and Dale Young to a board meeting to discuss the new school at Coddington and South Streets and to discuss the possibility of adding a Recreation Center that the Willard Board would operate.  Our guests told the board we would need 1.7 million for building costs and at least $80,000 a year for operating funds.  Keith Bartles said the architects will add outside entrances to the library and multi-purpose rooms so they are accessible without the school being open or for additions at a later date.  We will look into Keno Funds for possible funding.

Mark Wimmer reported to the board for the UNL Graduate Class – Community and Regional Plannning, that they will be doing a Needs Assessment of the West “A” area.  They were asked to do the assessment by the Human Services Commission who wants to determine if there are other needs here besides the Senior Center and Child Care.  The area to be covered will be South Salt Creek to SW 27th, West “O” to West VanDorn.  

Keith Bartlels comes to the Annual Meeting to show plans of the new Hulda Roper School.  Construction to start in the Fall of ’93.

Funding
United Way continues support for General and Administration, Before and After School Program and Summer Program for $25,276.00.

For the funding year 93-94 United Way approves funding for $26,500 to fund Management and General, and Summer Day Care.  JBC funds $29,403 for Management and General, Youth Teen Program and Adult Program.

West “A” Days makes $2008.

Lincoln West Optimists donate money for a computer.

Programming
The Child Care license is expanded to 115 children for the whole building.

In May, 70 children are enrolled in the Summer Program.  We have openings for 20 more.  The decline in enrollment is due to the loss of the State Health Department Free Sack Lunch Program.  The West “A” Neighborhood no longer qualifies as a low income neighborhood according to the new census tract.

Willard starts the half day Kindergarten Program.  The kindergarteners go to school in the morning , eat lunch at school, and then are bused to Willard for educational enrichment in the afternoon from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. and then are included in the after school activities with the 1st through 6th graders.  Sandy Delzell is lead teacher and plans all the curriculum.  Cost is $120.00 per month for kindergarteners.  Before and After school rates remain the same but we eliminate the 2nd child discount.

Volunteers continue to do work on the building doing a lot of painting and landscaping.

Unduplicated counts for the year are as follows;
Before and After School – 99
Summer Program – 74
Youth Teen – 604 This count includes Teen Peer, Boy and Girl Scouts, YWCA Preschool, classes, programs and facility use.
Adults – 1575 – This count includes aerobics, bingo, AA, OA, room rentals, Pitch card groups and pool room usage.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Faye Marting, President; Dale LeBaron, President-Elect; Dorothy Welchoff, Secretary; Bill Hergott, Treasurer.  Lora Bevington, Ed Swartzkopf, Bob Pfeifer, Joe Smith, Dale LeBaron, , Jim Carrier, Cindy Terwilliger, and Carol Yoakum.

1994
Historical Info
The board of directors embarks on long range planning and starts with the mission statement.  To meet the unduplicated expressed social, recreational, and educational needs of the multicultural residents of this Southwest Community in the most fiscally prudent manner while striving toward self sufficiency.

A Historic Structure report is completed by a Willard Staff, Tracey Lansvork, for a UNL project.  This report could be used if we ever decided to do any architectural changes or additions to the building.

Board members continue to do improvements to the building by removing the chalk board in the gameroom and plastering the wall.

United Way Day of Caring brought 6 volunteers from Smith Kline to paint the gameroom.

Air Conditioning is installed on the 3rd floor by Wellman Heating and Air Inc. for $9679.

Alice Franks has, for the second year, continued to do landscaping projects and planted new mums and iris along the front of the building.

Lead was detected in the paint in the 3rd floor north room, basement bathrooms and hallway.  The water was tested for lead and was negative.  All preschool children were tested and tested negative for lead poisoning.

Funding
Southwest Lincoln Business and Civic Association donated $1500 for the purchase of a new slide for the City Playground behind the Willard building after the old tornado slide was removed for liability reasons.

Region V Mental Health Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Program awards us with $1317 for prevention services for the Junior High Summer Youth Teen Program.

The board invested $20,000 in an interest bearing account.

The Center finished 1993 with a balance over expenses of $4989.72.

West “A” Days brings in a profit of $1739.46.

Programming
A Southwest Lincoln Teen Issues Workshop was held in February.  Dr. Robert Reier, director of LPS Student Services chaired the discussion.  Seven parents and 3 teens attended.  The major issue discussed was summer recreation for teens and its obstacles.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Joe Smith, President; Carol Yoakum, President-Elect; Dorothy Welchoff, Secretary; Bill Hergott, Treasurer Mike Smith, Jim Carrier, Cindy Terwilliger, Dallen George, Duane Kulhanek, Pat Schmidt, Don Wolfe, and Orville Meyer.

1995
Historical Info
Asbestos was found in the floor tiles in the front and back stair landings and the boy’s bathroom.  The City removed and replaced the tiles and installd new bathroom stall walls in the boy's bathroom.  

Willard has 2 full time staff and 28 part time staff and the budget was $156,000.

Funding
West Sertoma Club donated $1000 for rental of a van for the teens for the summer.

West “A” Days brought in $1867.17.

We received $25,276 from United Way and $29,403 from the Joint Budget Committee.

Programming
The child care utilizes the Food Bank for daily snacks for the children.  We received 4,406 pounds of food for an estimated $7710.50 worth of food for only $597.59.  

Willard and Lakeview School write a grant to Region V for 2-7 week parent education classes.  Willard provided space for the classes and child care during the classes.  12 parents attended each week.

Child care expands!  We have Before and After School Programs at Willard, in the new Roper Elementary School, and Lakeview Elementary.  The Kindergarten Program is also very popular.  We offer morning and afternoon sessions at Willard for Roper Kindergarteners.  At Lakeview, with the help of LPS, we have the Kindergarten Program in the little house east of the school rent free for the first year and furnished with LPS surplus furniture.  This program brought in a revenue of $70,887.  Expenses were $54,469.  The unduplicated participant count for the Before and After School Programs and the Summer Program was 200 children.  Sandy Delzell is hired as the Kindergarten Kids Club Coordinator of both sites.  

Rates are as follows; Before OR After School Care - $60.00 per month, Before AND After School Care - $100.00 per month and Half Day Kindergarten Care - $200.00 per month.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Carol Yoakum – President, Dallen George - Vice-President, Dorothy Welchoff – Secretary, and Bill Hergott – Treasurer.  Duane Kulhanek, Kathy McGinness, Orville Meyer, Gary Pearson, Pat Schmidt, Joe Smith, Jim Carrier, and Alice Franks.

1996
Historical Info
Cable is installed on 2nd floor.
The board approves spending $1200 for the purchase of new gameroom equipment and youth teen supplies.   A Foosball table, ping pong table, billiard supplies, and camping equipment was purchased.  They also approve the purchase of new carpet for the basement child care room and 3rd floor.

A flag pole was donated by Woodman of the World Insurance Society and a 5 X 8 flag was donated by the late Eldon Koch Family.  

The Lincoln Regional Center has their clients recover 19 folding chairs for us.

Willard gets our first computer and Janelle and Janet go to classes to learn the programs.

Funding
United Way approves $23,532 and JBC approves $25,000.

Willard has $53,000 in CD’s and $7,000 in cash with a profit at the end of the year of $9,217.

Programming
Summer Child Care Program expands to Lakeview Elementary School, at the little house east of the school.  Willard has 95 enrolled and Lakeview has almost full enrollment with 47 children.

Water aerobics is offered at Harbour West Trailer Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-10 am for 2 dollars per session.  Low Impact aerobics is also offered at the trailer park clubhouse Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 -6:30 pm.  

As of August 1996 Fall enrollment for Kindergarten Kids Club, the half day enrichment program taught by Sandy Delzell, stands at 6 in the morning program and 16 in the afternoon program at Willard.  Roper Before and After School – 54, Willard’s Before and After School – 31, Lakeview Before and After School – 14, and Lakeview Kids Club – 3.  These numbers all increase as the year progresses.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board Members – Carol Yoakum, President; Orville Meyer, Vice-Pres.; Kathy McGinness, Secretary; Dallen George. Treasurer.  Additional Members Joe Smith, Lori Maret, Dale Hardy, Sudie Bock, Steve Bauer, Pat Schmidt, Sydney Kolb, and Mollie Anderson.

Gary Love is hired as the Part time Youth Teen Director.  He will continue the Teen Peer Activities and will be trained through Lincoln General Hospital’s Education Unit to do Youth Violence/Anger Control Workshops.

1997
Historical Info
United Way Day of Caring brought 7 volunteers from Lincoln Action Program to paint cabinets and move donated furniture from a warehouse to Willard.  Furniture was donated from Speedway Motors.  Another group from Metro Groups and Bryan Hospital helped with a Barbeque and softball game with the teens.

The American Red Cross and Lincoln Fire Department sponsored a Family Fire Safety Festival at Willard in August.  It was an educational event for the whole family and an estimated 200-250 people attended.

Jake Bauer, a participant at the Willard Senior Center, remembered Willard in his Will.  The money was used to purchase the new front doors of the building.

The Need to Read Club was a Girl Scout Gold Award Project initiated by Jennie Danner.  After collecting books during the month of October there was a Book Fair for the community in November.

Lincoln Plating donates Valentino's Pizza for a party for the board and staff thanks to Steve Bauer.  Sweatshirts were given to the staff purchased from Willard funds.

Target donates a Christmas tree, fully decorated with beautiful glass ornaments.  

New Carpet is installed in the downstairs child care rooms and on third floor.

Willard continues to send out 2500  “Willard Wire” newsletters to everyone in the 68522 zip code, Southwest Business Members, United Way Agencies, and some in the 68502 zip code, Lakeview area and to other Willard members.

Ken Svoboda from Ray’s Lawn and Home Care has volunteered to do our front yard mowing and fertilizing this summer for free.  It was also discussed that they might consider doing snow removal this winter.

A new personnel policy was adopted in May.

An electric organ was donated by Doris and Dale Pierce and a piano was donated by an employee of Norm’s Plumbing.  

A southwest themed decorated Christmas tree was donated by Target.  

Funding
Instead of West “A” Days the board has a Sports Ticket Raffle and Ice Cream Social and clears $1432.82.

Willard Community Center memberships are $10.00 for family membership, $5.00 single membership, and $100.00 for a business membership.

Willard received $23,000 from United Way and $15,000 from Joint Budget Committee.

In September the Board approved to have a $42,266.85 CD earmarked for the Building Fund.

Programming
Two new adult hobby groups request to use Willard, they are the Star City Bird Club and Nebraskaland Metal Detectors Club.  They will provide educational programs for the children in lieu of rent.  Both groups meet monthly and have about 20 members each.

Summer child care rates raise to $60.00 per week plus a one-time swim fee for Willard and Lakeview sites.  Summer Safari rate for 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Roper is $30.00 per week plus activities.  Before (or) After School Care will raise to $80.00, Before and After School will increase to $120.00 and Kindergarten Kids Club will be increased to $240.00 per month.

At the annual meeting it was stated that we had 113 members.  Program information shared at the meeting is as follows;
The Teen program is divided into 8 subdivisions; Middle School Teen Peer Group, Citizenship Issue volunteers, Diversion Services volunteers, Open Gameroom, Outdoor Recreation/Education, Summer Programming afternoons and evenings, Community Service Opportunities, and Outreach Activities at School Community Nights.
The Adult Program is divided into three subdivisions; Information, Support and Self-Help Groups, Adult Classes and Programs, and Facility Use.  
Before and After School Programs are offered at Willard Community Center, Lakeview Elementary and Roper Elementary Schools.
Kindergarten Kid’s Club Program is offered at Willard and Lakeview.
The Summer Program is offered at all three locations; Willard, Lakeview and Roper.

At the beginning of the school year Roper has 84 children, Willard has 30 and Lakeview has 40 children enrolled.  Willard Kindergarten Kids Club has 4 children, this is a drop from 24 for the 1996-97 school year.  Lakeview has 7 in Kindergarten Kids Club which is held in the house east of the school and is licensed for 12.  Roper Elementary continues discussions about year round school options.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Carol Yoakum – President, Kathy McGinness – Vice President, Lori Maret – Secretary, and Dallen George – Treasurer.  Mollie Anderson, Sydney Kolb, Sudie Bock, Steve Bauer, Dale Hardy, Pat Schmidt, Cindy Loos, and Jackie Moline.

1998
Historical Info
UNL Community and Regional Planning Class, instructor SharonGaber, has agreed to do the neighborhood needs assessment starting in Jan. 99.  The United Way allocation team has requested this needs assessment.

Lester Electrical uses a room at Willard to teach 72 employees English as a Second Language Classes for 20 weeks.  They also do a supervisor training for 44 employees 2x a week for 4 weeks.

Principal Dan Navratil spoke to us at the Annual Meeting and discussed the changing school calendars, optional and traditional, for Roper starting the fall of 98.

Willard was the site for many dumpsters and volunteers for West "A"Community Association neighborhood cleanup.
 
In November we purchased a new copy machine.  

Willard participated in focus groups of the Lincoln Lancaster County Needs Assessment funded by United Way and the JBC in order to help them set priorities on what programs to fund.

The City of Lincoln continued to keep the building looking great by putting a new ceiling in the bathroom, patching the senior center walls and general upkeep of the building.

Willard continues to work cooperatively with Lincoln Public Schools, the City of Lincoln, United Way, Joint Budget Committee, Lincoln Area Agency on Aging, West A Community Association and Southwest Business Association along with the many agencies that come into the Center to provide necessary services to the residents of the West "A" Area.

Funding
The financial report at the annual meeting stated that Willard had revenues totaling $263,434.47 and expenses totaling $248,807.67 for a net income of $14,626.80.

In April the United Way and Joint Budget Committee came for another successful annual site visit.  Funding was approved.  

The Sports Ticket Raffle and Ice Cream Social brought in $1583. The only expense was the ice cream.

Programming
Janelle Soderling and Janet Clark go to Seattle, Washington to attend the 10th Annual School-Age Care Alliance Conference in April.  The workshop addressed issues being faced by Willard at the time, i.e. year round school, child care accreditation and working with public schools.

Lincoln Public Schools changes school boundaries so residents east of the bypass, around Willard, are now in the Lakeview district.  Everyone west of the bypass will go to Roper.  Willard loses bus transportation to Roper but gains transportation to Lakeview School.  In January we have 80 children at Roper (licensed for 150) and 34 at Willard that are bused to Lakeview.  We also have a Before and After School program at Lakeview School.  In January we started the year off working cooperatively with LPS to bring the child care house at Lakeview school up to child care regulation.  LPS provided the paint and fire panels and Willard continued to have the house cleaned daily and provide child care at the house, including Kid’s Club and Before and After School care.  Willard was also able to purchase chairs and other furniture from LPS surplus.

Roper Elementary offers the optional and traditional school calendars for families.  Child care will be available for both the traditional and optional calendars.  All child care will be offered at Roper School.  On non-school days (NSD) care will be offered at Willard.  Traditional Calendar Rates per week –
Before OR After School - $20.00 + $9.00 NSD
Before AND After School - $30.00 + $7.00 NSD
Kindergarten Kid’s Club - $60.00 + $1.00 NSD
Optional Calendar Rates per week –
Before OR After School - $20.00
Before AND After School - $30.00
Kindergarten Kid’s Club - $60.00
Intersession Breaks – $65.00
Summer Child Care Rates per week - $65.00

The Summer Child Care continues to be held at 3 locations with 64 at Willard K-3rd grade, 34 at Roper 4th-6th grades, and 41 at the Lakeview Child Care House K-6th grade.  Four vans are leased from John Hall Motors for the summer program.  Twelve junior high youth are volunteering for the child care program.  In June they clocked in over 500 hours. Along with volunteer hours these teens participated in education workshops on first aid, swimming safety and dealing with difficult children.  Twenty full and part time staff took great care of all the children.

Jennifer Rutledge is hired as the Youth Teen Director.  She recruits teens to use the Center every day after school and even offers transportation to Willard from Park School for a $1.00 a day with our leased van from John Hall Motors for $700 per month.  Tutoring and programming are offered daily.  This program came from a request from parents to provide supervision for their teenagers after school.  Jennifer also applied for a grant from Region V and received $450 for special events and incentives for the teen program.  The teen program took off and we continue to have an average of 20-24 teens for teen peer events.  This program is supplemented with United Way funding.

We had 110 elementary school agers at Roper and 45 at Lakeview for our Before and After School Programs.

Willard held our first "Good Clean Drive."  The child care children sponsored a donation drive for personal hygiene products for the clients at Daywatch, a place where homeless people can go during the daytime hours.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President, Carol Yoakum; Vice-President, Kathy McGinness; Secretary, Lori Maret; and Treasurer, Melanie Knapp.  Additional members; Jackie Moline, Dale Hardy, Sudie Bock, Steve Bauer, Pat Schmidt, Cindy Loos, Mollie Anderson, and Sydney Kolb.

1999
Historical Info
The Y2K Bug is bugging everyone.  Our insurance carrier sent out a questionnaire to make sure that we have contacted our suppliers and asked them if they were ready for 2000.  

Willard hosts the first annual Spring Candy Fling at Roper Elementary right before Easter.  Four hundred pounds of candy was thrown out on the ground in areas divided up by age groups and was all picked up in a matter of minutes.

Clay Smith speaks at our Annual Meeting and shows the plans for the grocery store development at Coddington and A Streets.

In June a city-wide Safe Night was held at the State Fair Grounds.  Through Jeff Scheer’s organization and creativity Willard provided all the carnival games for the youth that attended totaling over 200.

The City of Lincoln puts a new roof on above the furnace room and a new motor in the furnace.

After a visit from the City Fire Inspector he determines that our fire security system needs updating.  Janet Clark writes a grant to the NE Dept. of Health and Human Services Child Care Grant Fund and receives the full amount for the cost.  General Fire and Safety will do the work for $4812.40.  

The Railroad Transportation Safety District sponsors a project to construct a grade separation on "A" Street across the 3rd Street railroad tracks.  This project comes about due to the increased rail traffic along 3rd Street (over 40 trains per day), coupled with the mile long train lengths, increased noise and traffic delays and concerns about access to the surrounding residents and businesses.  This project increases the accessibility to the West "A" area and the Willard Community Center without worrying about train delays.

Funding
United Way decides to give the overage of the campaign back to the agencies in technical support.  Willard received $1000 in October for a new computer for the office.

We receive memorials gifts from Marge Baumann for $100 and Bill Marting for $230.

Programming
In March we survived the last of the three week school breaks for the optional school calendar.  Good riddance to trying to operate under two different school calendars and schedules.  

The Summer Program had a full enrollment of 140 children at three sites.  Child care continues to be our most stable source of program service fees.

In May the Kindergarten Kid’s Club completed another successful year with parent evaluations singing the praises of the program and teachers, Sandy Delzell, coordinator and Barb Schmidt.  

In July the Lakeview Child Care House is re-licensed from a house for 12 children to a licensed child care center for 30 children.

The Teen after school program (15-20 every day) and evening programming continues to grow even late into the school year.  Maybe it is because we purchased a Nintendo 64.

In July the Summer Program was in full swing with 27 staff and 6 Junior High volunteers.  Swimming and field trips were the favorite events.  The board agreed to purchase a cellular phone for each of the three sites to improve safety on field trips.

We start the school year with 120 children at Roper, Lakeview has 30, Kids Club is at 15 at Willard and 9 at Lakeview.

September brings rumors that Mayor Wesley and the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging will close the Willard Senior Center.  Letters of support flow to the Mayor but to no avail the Center closes at month’s end.  Our senior citizens can get transportation to the Lake Street Senior Center for meals and programming.  Willard continues to do Licensed Bingo, 10 point pitch card club and monthly pot luck lunches.

In November a new Playgroup starts at the center every Tuesday morning with 7 mothers and 13 children.  The playgroup comes from a request from the community to have programming for preschool age and younger.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board president, Kathy McGinness; Vice-President, Lori Maret; Secretary, Sarah Raymond; Treasurer, Shannon Miller.  Additional Members; Steve Bauer, Sudie Bock, Cindy Dittmer, Donald Duncan II, Syndey Kolb, Jackie Molline, Scott Renken, Sheila Vrana.

Jennifer Rutledge leaves position as Youth Teen Director and Jeff Scheer is hired.

In August Carol Yoakum, Senior Center Manager ,former Executive Director and former board president, takes a job with the Foster Grandparent Program.  The Willard board dedicates a fax line in her name.  Willard is becoming high tech.

2000
Historical Info
The Teen Program sponsors a Halloween Carnival on Halloween night.  Carnival games were set up in the basement and the neighborhood children could play the games and win candy.  

The Kindergarten Kid's Club sings at the Mayor's Office on December 20th.  They also sing for the parents, nursing homes and the Senior Citizens at Willard.

Funding
In July Willard received a $10,000 grant from Shopko's Charity Golf Classic that was used to purchase our first 15 passenger van, a 1998 Ford Club Wagon Super E350, for $9,635.00.

Willard gathered favorite recipes from the neighborhood and put together a cookbook as a fund raiser.  “Something’s Always Cooking At Willard” profited over $3000.00.

At the end of December we made $6054.23 over expenses.

Programming
Willard offered its first ever Summer Day Camp for teenagers, receiving financial support from Woods Charitable Fund and Time/Warner Cable.

Thirty Four children and parents participated in Playgroup, a free program designed to expose children to the socialization and experiences of group settings.

Willard took over the operation of the Preschool Program after the YWCA decided to discontinue the program.

The Kindergarten Kid’s Club program received conditional approval through the Department of Education to operate as an accredited kindergarten for the 2000-01 school year.  For the 1999-2000 school year this program had an unduplicated count of 63 children for both Roper and Lakeview programs.

232 children in kindergarten through 6th grade participated in Before and After School Child Care at both Roper and Lakeview Elementary Schools.

For eleven weeks of the summer an unduplicated count of 136 grade school age children were enrolled in the Summer Child Care Program.

Eighteen teenagers completed Willard’s annual Employment Class.  This class taught teens how to look for jobs in the paper, fill our applications, and how to interview for positions.  Nine participants were selected as Teen Volunteers to work as summer child care assistants.

Teenagers attending Willard’s After School Program, have access to tutors, a quiet study environment, sports, and the gameroom, making Willard a safe supervised place for teenagers to hang out after school.  During the year, Jan. to May and August to Dec., 75 unduplicated teens participated in this program.   On Tuesday and Thursday nights more than 70 teens attended Willard’s Teen Nights, getting involved with educational programs, alcohol and drug prevention programming, volunteering, and recreational activities.

Willard completed one year of support for area Senior Citizens without assistance from the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging.  A group of 65 members strong participated in activities including Bingo, a monthly pot luck lunch, field trips, and special events.

Aerobics are still offered at Harbour West Trailer Park Clubhouse.  Fifteen adults participate in low and high impact aerobics.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President, Kathy McGinness; Vice President, Lori Maret; Secretary, Sarah Raymond; Treasurer, Shannon Miller-Filing.  Additional Members; Steve Bauer, sudie Bock, Patty Callaway, Cindy Dittmer, Sydney Kolb, Jackie Moline, Scott Renken, and Sheila Vrana.

2001
Historical Info
Willard was selected as one of twelve agencies to do the “Fair For All” Project as part of our summer child care program through the Woods Charitable Fund.

Willard sponsored our 3rd Annual Spring Candy Fling at Roper Elementary School.  We handed out water bottles, gave away a lot of candy and estimated over 100 individuals attended.

Willard purchased our second van, a 1990 Ford 15-passenger van, previously owned by Freeman Public Schools, for $6,836.00.

Robert Danner, a child care staff and Willard neighbor, chose to update the Willard playground with lighting and new equipment for his Boy Scout Eagle Scout Project.

Lincoln Plating works in cooperation with Willard to provide classroom space for "English As A Second Language" classes for their employees.

Willard hosts its First Annual Senior Recognition Day to honor six senior citizens from this neighborhood that have contributed volunteer time or money to the Center.  The following seniors were recognized; Harold Bauer, Alice Franks, Lester and Bernice Lamp, Clara Schweitzer, and Helen Yonkey.

The City of Lincoln continues the upkeep on the building by painting all the exterior trim.

Willard gets hooked up to the Internet.  willardcenter@aol.com

Funding
United Way increased their allocation for the Teen Programs by $3092.

We ended the year making $29,687.95 over expenses.

Programming
Willard’s after school program for Park Middle School students rose in attendance to 35 unduplicated teens for a small fee of $35.00 per teen per month.

Tuesday Playgroup now hosts 17 parents and 31 children.

Kindergarten Kids Club is offered only at the Lakeview House and has an unduplicated count for the year, Jan-May and August–Dec., of 50 children.

220 in Before and After School Care at Roper and Lakeview for the year.

139 in the Summer Program

35 in the Teen After School Program and 108 unduplicated teens participate in Teen Night Activities.

16 Teens in Employment Class and 6 become eligible to volunteer in the summer for the Child Care.

69 Seniors Citizens participated and 15 adults were enrolled in aerobics.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President- Steve Bauer; Vice President – Sudie Bock; Secretary – Sarah Raymond; Treasurer – Shannon Filing.  Additional Members; Patti Callaway, Cindy Dittmer, Christie Hinrichs, Lori Maret, Jackie Moline, Margaret Rassmussen, Scott Renken, and Jeff Vercellino.

2002
Historical Info
Lincoln Plating continues to work in cooperation with Willard to provide classroom space for "English As a Second Language" classes and training opportunities for their employees.  They donate $500.00.

The City of Lincoln continues the upkeep or our building by providing window air conditioner units for the first floor.

Union College provided 12 volunteer painters to freshen up the preschool room and cabinets, while UNL provided 22 teacher’s college students to assist with the after school program for the teens.

Funding
A grant funded through the Woods Charitable Fund allowed us to incorporate educational enrichment in the summer.  “The World in Nebraska” was Willard’s way to bring multiculturalism to the summer program.  The teenagers also benefitted from this grant learning puppetry through an artist in residence.  Finally a technology grant through Woods Charitable Fund enabled us to purchase a new computer and printer for the teens.

Willard successfully held two fundraisers, Current Magazine Sales and Stampin’ Up Learning Stations, to start raising money for E-Z Fold roll a way tables.  Many individual donations were also included in the efforts.

Programming
Tuesday Playgroup – 19 parents and 31 children

Preschool Program – 46 unduplicated children in Spring and Fall sessions.

Kindergarten Kid’s Club, Before and After School Programs, and Summer Program unduplicated count 208 children.  Twenty Five part-time staff.

Teen After School Program, Teen Nights, Summer Camp and Employment Class – 163 unduplicated teens.  Five part time staff support the program.

Adult programs – Services for Seniors – 65 and 15 adults in aerobics.

Lincolnites utilize Willard – Lincoln Area Soaring Society, Nebraskaland Metal Detectors Club, AA, AA 12 step program, UNL Kendo Club, Lincoln Plating English as a Second Language class, area business and training workshops, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly), Scrapbooking with Sandy, Lincoln Literacy Council tutoring/mentoring program, Child Care Licensing Training, neighborhood meetings, soccer and baseball practices, family reunions, baby and bridal showers, and much more.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President – Sarah Raymond; Vice President- Sudie Bock; Secretary – Trish Hill; Treasurer –Shannon Filing.  Additional Members; Dan Delzell, Candiss Kleen, Jackie Moline, Terry Neddenreip, Margaret Rasmussen, Scott Renken, and Jeff Vercellino.

2003
Historical Info
Volunteering continues to be important to Willard.  27 UNL students volunteered for Willard’s Teen Program, 16 Union College students repainted the girls bathroom and downstairs hallway, 6 high school seniors completed graduation requirements and 7 people completed diversion service hours.  All volunteers combined for a total of 765 hours of service to Willard.

City/County Property Management Department continues to keep our building in tip top shape and paid all utilities.

Ray’s Lawn and Home Care continues to do all the lawn mowing and snow removal.

Funding
Harold Bauer Estate donated $500.00 in memorials.  Lincoln Plating gave $500.00 and the bingo players gave $150.00 and individual donors brought in the $1665.00 to purchase the 3 E-Z fold tables.

United Way again approved our allocation request in the amount of $27,027 with a huge increase in designations, $7867.

Programming
Janelle and Janet attended the National School Age Care Alliance conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.  They brought back a lot of programming ideas for the child care.

Janelle and Jeff attended the Midwest Best conference focusing on specific outcomes and how to tailor programs around those outcomes.

The five year Community Learning Center Grant through the Nebraska Department of Education was approved.  Lincoln Public Schools and Willard Community Center entered into an agreement that Willard would provide site supervision and programming as part of the CLC from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.  We will receive $16,000 for the lead teacher for the core program and Kindergarten Wrap.  Willard will be the child care provider at Lakeview and the Kindergarten Kid's Club.  

All programs continue at Willard. Playgroup – 21 parents and 35 children

Preschool – 37  

Kindergarten Kid’s Club – 60

Roper Before and After School – 127

Lakeview Before and After School – 54

Middle School After School Program which now includes 6th graders. – 75

Teen nights – 80  Summer Teen Camp – 6th through 9th graders – 44

Adults – 54

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President – Sarah Raymond; Vice-President – Dan Delzell; Secretary – Trish Hill; Treasurer – Kaci Johnson.  Additional Members; Jennifer Rutledge-Baueries, Nancy Bidrowski, Angie and Rick Fitzgerald, Candiss Kleen, Terry Neddenriep, Margaret Rasmussen, Scott Renken, and Tracy Sorensen.

2004
Historical Info
The West "A" Neighborhood Association publishes the West Word Newsletter and Willard asks to have articles included in this publication every month.

The 5th Annual Spring Candy Fling was held at Roper Elementary School with well over 100 children in attendance to pickup 400 pounds of candy.

The first West “A” Neighborhood celebration at Coddington Market was held.  Willard helped to plan this event and shared the History of the West “A” Area through photo albums at a booth.

Lincoln Plating chose us to receive the proceeds from their 3rd Annual Spring Cycling Classic.  It was held right here in the neighborhood on Sunday, April 18th.  Willard received a check at the Lincoln Plating Champion Luncheon for $3674.  Cabinets were purchased for the preschool room and also a new sign for the front yard that can display messages.

Volunteer partners sponsored Camp Fun-A-Lot through a grant from Community Health Endowment.  Seventeen Willard teens helped sponsor this event and volunteered a total of 280 hours to help over 60 low income children at this 3-day camp.

Eight of the WCC staff grew up at Willard.  This means that they participated in preschool, child care or the teen program.

Funding
Lincoln Credit Association donated their Christmas Party money to Willard totaling $650.00 which allowed us to purchase 50 padded folding chairs from Sam’s Club.

United Way approved our allocation of $27,027 for the teen program with designations of $7346.

Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee approved our allocation of $7500 for the teen program.

Programming
The Lakeview CLC continues to have a positive impact on the families in child care at Lakeview Elementary School.  The number of families enrolled has increased from 41 to 56.  The parents like the educational enrichment centers and tutoring help for their children.  We continue to receive $16,000.

A new employee handbook was completed and distributed to all the staff as of Summer 2004.

58% of the children enrolled in the Roper Child Care Program in 2004 started in our Kindergarten Kid’s Club.

Tuesday-Thursday Teen Night Statistics 2004 - Willard provided 45 recreational opportunities, 27 Volunteering opportunities, 27 Educational Opportunities, 147 Unduplicated Teen night participants, 68 participants in volunteer opportunities, for a combined total of 644 hours of volunteering.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President – Dan Delzell; Vice-President – Candiss Kleen; Secretary/Treasurer – Kaci Johnson.  Additional Members; Jennifer Bauereis, Nancy Bidrowski, Angie and Rick Fitzgerald, Ryan Mohling, Terry Neddenreip, Margaret Rasmussen, Scott Renken, and Ken Svoboda.

2005
Historical Info
Willard hosted the Southwest Lincoln Business and Civic Association Luncheon in Feburary.

The board reviewed and rewrote our Mission Statement.  "To provide lifelong learning opportunities to our diverse community through social, educational and recreational programming.  We will achieve self sufficiency through continuous improvements and return on investments. "

Cinco De Mayo was celebrated with all the children at Lakeview Elementary School on May 5th.  Willard provided a video about life in Mexico and Pinatas filled with candy for every class.

Willard helped plan the West "A" Day Neighborhood Celebration held on May 7th and offered kid’s games and provided West “A” History Photos.

We Continued our relationship with Cub Scout Pack 21 of which we have been the chartering organization since 1982.

The family of Kenny Gardner held the first annual “It Was Fun” Kenny Gardner Memorial Golf tournament that raised $4861.00 for the teen program.  Kenny Gardner was an area golfer that loved helping kids.  When Kenny passed away in April, his family granted Kenny’s wish that his memorial money be donated to Willard.  The family decided that a golf tournament would be started to earn more money in Kenny’s name.

Brandon Mills earned his Eagle Scout Award by building three custom cabinets to be used by the preschool and teen programs.  Brandon determined what we needed and built them to our specifications.  

Teens raised $240.00 for Hurricane Katrina relief through two projects.

Funding
Willard was able to add $10,000 to an existing CD.

United Way granted an allocation of $20,568.00 for the teen program with designations totaling $7434.00.

Lincoln Lancaster Joint Budget Committee approved our allocation of $7500.00 for the teen program.

Willard received the proceeds from the Lincoln Plating Spring Cycling Classic for the amount of $5047.00 at their May Champions Luncheon.  With the proceeds we purchased all new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen and south room.

The kitchen and south room updates have increased weekend building rentals to at least two a month for family celebrations or community gatherings.

Lincoln Community Outreach Foundation awarded the teen program with a $7000.00 grant to help fund the program.

Willard has a very good year and the books show us with a $52,000 profit at the end of the year.  We also have $85,000 in the checking account.

Programming
We now have to pay a rental fee to LPS for the use of the school for our child care program.   Roper had 171 unduplicated children this year and Lakeview CLC had 83 children in grades K-5.  Kindergarten Kid’s Club at Willard had full enrollment of 24 and Lakeview reached full enrollment for the first time with 20 children.  The Summer program at Roper for K-3rd grade had 80 children and the summer program at Willard for 4-8th graders had 50 children.

The teen program served 176 middle school and high school teens.  Participation in our After School Program increased to 119 unduplicated students.  Our after school students maintained a combined cumulative 3.2 grade point average.  64 youth volunteered a combined 374 hours through the Willard Action Club.  Our Drama Club produced and preformed the plays of “The Muppet Show” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”  Summer camp participants increased to 52 participants and teen nights were attended by 131 unduplicated students.

Adult program – 40 adults.   Aerobics increased to 22.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Dan Delzell is Board Chair, Kaci Johnson is Vice Chair, Jennifer Baueries is Secretary and Corrine Sturdy is Treasurer. Additional members –Nancy Bidrowski, Angie and Rick Fitzgerald, Candice Kleen, Ryan Mohling, Terry Neidenreip, Margaret Rasmussen, Scott Renken, and Ken Svoboda.

2006
Historical Info
Willard assists the West "A" Neighborhood Association by helping with the West "A" Neighborhood Celebration held on May 20th at Coddington and "A" Streets.  Willard invites 11 crafters to come to sell items for a rental fee of $10.00 each.

We purchase a 2005 Ford 15 passenger van for $14,900.  It cost $1510.75 for taxes and license.

Willard hosts Park Middle School teachers and parents to a coffee at Willard before school as an informal meet and greet and to open communication between teachers and parents on Sept. 21st.

Bizco wins the bid and the board installs a new phone system in Willard with an outside intercom and capability to talk to individual rooms at the cost of $4500.00.

Tenneco uses our building for staff training classes for the months of October and November.

Funding
United Way allocates $21,488 to the teen program for youth development: asset building and we received another $6,177 in designations.  We were given a satisfactory rating for financial documentation, application, logic model, answers to team questions and program presentation.  

Lincoln Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee allocates $7500.00 for the teen program.  

Lakeview CLC Grant drops to 80% of funding beginning the fall of 2006.

The Board of Directors move that whenever we have over $40,000 in the checking account it automatically sweep into a money market account.  

The Lincoln Plating Spring Cycling Classic was held April 22 & 23 at Pioneers Park, instead of in the neighborhood.  Willard was the beneficiary again and received $5500.  Willard provides all the volunteers for the event to control access to the park and a holds a kid's parade and activities for the children.  265 cyclists participated.

The Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament was held on Oct. 8th and raised $3252.00 for the Teen Program.  The Board of Directors held a thank you reception for the Gardner Family at their November Board Meeting.  Cookies and Cider were served and a tour of the building followed.

The Board of Directors vote to add $10,000 to an existing CD making the value $28,836.71 with 3.94% interest.  Willard has a second CD valued at $29, 250.67.

The Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament was held on what would have been Kenny's 64th birthday.  Twenty one teams participate.  The tournament raised $3150.00 for the teen program.   The board invites the Gardner Family to Willard for coffee and desserts to Thank them.  

Programming
New proposed child care rates for summer and fall;
Roper Child Care Monthly Rates – Before School - $115, After School - $170, Both - $215, Kindergarten Kids Club - $75 a week.
Lakeview CLC Monthly Rates – Before School - $100, Before School Free and Reduced Lunch Rate - $72; After School - $128, After School F/R Rate - $88, Both Before and After School $152, F/R Rate $108, Kindergarten Kids Club - $65, F/R Rate - $45.  Non School Weeks and additional $90 a week for full time and $75 a week for part time and $45 a week for half days.

Room Rental fees go from $25.00 to $30.00 per usage.

In the teen program 10% of participants meet the federal guidelines for poverty.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Board President – Margaret Rasmussen; Vice-President- Corrine Sturdy; Secretary – Ryan Mohling; Treasurer – Candiss Kleen.  Additional Members – Nancy Bidrowski, Laurie Earhart, Linda Jones,Terry Neddenreip, Cathy and Jeff Plager, Scott Renken, and Ken Svoboda.  Rob Brenner joins the board and Cari Johnson steps in and completes Ryan Mohling's term in October.

A Thank You/Good Bye Reception was held for Jeff Scheer on Sept. 7th for his 7.5 years at Willard as the Teen Director.

Cole Pomeroy is hired as the new Teen Director.  He worked for us as a UNL volunteer and was hired as a staff for the teen program.  He is a recent graduate of UNL in Secondary Education.  

2007
Historical Info
West Gate donates $175.00 to the child care program to take all of the kids to the Men's Husker Baseball Game during Spring Break.  

Willard paid to have the windows tinted on the south side of the building and remodeled the women's bathroom for $19,000 with funds from our Money Market and help from the City of Lincoln.  

Willard held a special lunch for the City County Property Management Team to thank them for their years of service to Willard. The new City budget placed Willard under the management of the Lincoln City Libraries.  

Police officer and board member Rob Brenner helps Janelle and Janet develop an Emergency Manual to address safety and emergency procedures for Willard and the child care sites.

Willard Teens are sponsored by Volunteer Partners to attend a Youth Volunteer Conference in Kansas City, Missouri in June.  Cole Pomeroy and two teens participated.  The conference focused on teaching leadership skills.

The Board recognizes Janelle Soderling at a surprise party for her 25 years at Willard.

Lynn Johnson from the City contacts Janelle about our interest in sharing space at Willard and partnering with Boys and Girls Club.  One of the site requirements of the Boys and Girls Club is to only allow youth.  Willard caters to all ages and would like to continue this practice so the arrangement does not seem practical.  In November Park Middle School opens the new Park Teen Center run by Boys and Girls Club.  The Park Teen Center may impact our teen numbers but it has a different focus.  

Cathy Plager and Janelle Soderling attend the Nebraska Nonprofit Summit.

Lincoln Industries brought their Wellness Team over to Willard and together with the teen program decorated the building for Christmas.  Cookies and punch were enjoyed by all.  The teens also rang bells for Salvation Army and the building was full with Holiday rentals.

Below are some factors that may have influenced our decrease in revenue for this year.
1. The number of families who are receiving State Assistance, Title XX has increased from 7 children in 2006 to 19 children in 2007.  This means that the State pays an hourly rate ($3.00) for those children, instead of our regularly monthly fee resulting in less child care fees for these children.
2. Uncollected child care accounts turned over to collection were $7107 in 2007 compared to $2332. in 2006.  
3. Summer 2007 had only 10 weeks compared to 12 weeks in 2006 which accounts for a loss of $10,390 in program service fees.
4. Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department initiated a new regulation this year requiring child care sites to have a Certificate of Compliance for a fee of $150 per site for a total of $600.00. (Willard, Roper, Lakeview, and Lakeview Child Care House)
5. Gas prices increased 37% over last year and prices also increased significantly for food and supplies.

At the end of the year we are ahead only $4890.00.

Funding
Grants from Sowers Club and Time Warner Cable totaling $2400.00 allowed us to purchase two laptops and computer software to implement "Safety Shots" a photo ID system for use in our child care.  

Lincoln Industries allowed us to use a tent that was installed for one of their events, including tables and parking lot, to hold a community garage sale in June and we raised $1800.00.

The 3rd Annual Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament raised $3500.00.  Thirty teams participated.

Lincoln Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee allocates $7388.00 for the teen program and United Way stays the same at $21,488.  

This is the last year of the 5 year grant for the Lakeview CLC but a LeaAnn Johnson applies for a continuation grant for another 5 years to the Department of Education.

Tenneco provides a $400.00 gift certificate for landscaping in front of the building.  

Close to My Heart Scrapbooking and Stamping Club holds an all day scrapbooking event fund raiser which brought in $570.00 for the adult program.

Programming
We no longer offer the Kindergarten Kid's Club Program as Lincoln Public Schools offers all day kindergarten.  We move out of the Lakeview Child Care House as we no longer need it for half day kindergarten.  We also move out of Roper Elementary as they will be under construction all summer building a new addition to the school.  

Preschool sessions for 3-4 year olds are offered M-W-F or T-Th from 9 -11:30 am with extended care before and after from 7 am to noon for an additional cost.

110 children, K-8th grade, are registered for the summer program at Willard.

We serve an unduplicated count of 270 school age children at Roper and Lakeview CLC for the year.

The rent at Roper increases from $700.00 to $728 monthly and will be the same for the next three years.

With the help of United Way, JBC and Kenny Gardner golf tournament we now offer more scholarships for the teen program.  Thirty eight percent of registered after school participants currently receive scholarships.   This is a 200% increase from last year.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Corrine Sturdy is Board Chair, Cathy Plager is Vice Chair, Lauri Earhart is Secretary, Candiss Kleen is Treasurer.  Rob Brenner, Dan Delzell, Cari Johnson, Linda Jones,  Janea Lant, Terry Neddenriep, Ken Svoboda, and Kathy Winkenwerder.

Staff and years worked at Willard; Janelle Soderling (25), Rogene Cihal (20),  Janet Clark (19), LauRene Foster (17), Kim Pinder, Liz Scott and Mary Sneller (over 7), Lucy Norris, Gina Benne and Sarah Rousseau (5), Cole Pomeroy (4).  The majority of our child care staff tend to stay an average of 2-3 years.   
Our full time staff had a total of 50 years of experience at Willard.  Our part time staff had a total of 142 years of experience at Willard.

2008
Historical Info
The Willard building was rented out 50 times for one-time events such as family reunion, celebrations, or neighborhood meetings.  Half of these rentals were for families of diversity.  The neighborhood ethnicity is changing.  Rental fee is $25.00 per event.

Every room in the building got a touch up this year.  Our funds in the money market account allowed us to paint five rooms, install new carpet in four rooms, new tile in the offices and many other improvements which included refinishing cabinets, new curtains, the pool table was recovered and a new computer was purchased for the office.  

The Willard board and staff developed a new Employee Handbook and Policies and Procedures Manual.  

We receive notification that the Lakeview CLC Grant from the Dept. of Education will be funded for another 5 years.  The lead agency for the Lakeview CLC goes from City Parks and Recreation to Family Service.  We continue to provide the licensed child care.

Lincoln Industries donated 8 football tickets to the Teen Program to the Red/White Game held in April.  The teens had lunch with Lincoln Industries employees and had a great time at the game.  A first for many of the teens.  

West "A" Neighborhood Association again holds a Neighborhood Celebration in May.  Janelle sets on the planning committee and organizes the craft fair for the event.

Due to City budget cuts the maintenance of the Willard building and the libraries is moved from Lincoln City Libraries to Grubb and Ellis Realty, an outside contractor.  The amount allocated to Willard is $25,000 for utilities and $5000 for actual maintenance with no charge to Willard.

Brandon Earhart completes his Eagle Scout Project at Willard.  He installs a new front sidewalk going to the south parking lot with the help of his fellow scouts, family, and Ray's Lawn and Home Care.  The Willard Senior Citizens pitch in money to purchase the stair railings.

The Northeast Family Center's Academy of Rock requests to use the building on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. They will use the 3rd floor.  They teach kids ages 1st to 5th grades and 6th grade to high school how to play guitar, drums, etc.  They will put on a performance for the public with all proceeds going to Willard in lieu of rent.   Willard stores all their equipment and they in turn donate a large TV to the Center.

Our goal is to have children grow up at Willard.  This year we had 27 children in the Teen After School and Summer Program that had previously participated in Willard elementary or preschool programs.  
We also had 10 child care staff members that either grew up in the child care programs or were involved in Willard programs during their formative years.  

Funding
Our auditor informs us that we have a credit risk by not having all of our deposits federally insured.  Currently our bank, West Gate Bank, covers up to $100,000 and we have excess of that amount.   Through West Gate Bank we utilize the CDARS Program where deposits are placed in a CD and insured for over $100,000.

United Way goes to 2 year allocations and the teen program drops to $18,000.  The Lincoln Lancaster Count Joint Budget Committee (JBC) transfers the teen program to City Parks and Recreation and the allocation stays at $7388.00.  

The 4th Annual Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament raised $6100.00 for the teen program.  The Gardner family bought t-shirts for all the volunteers with the logo "It Was Fun!"

Programming
We announce in January that we will expand preschool to provide full time care for 20 children and part time care to 10 children.  We were full in March with a waiting list.

Willard announces in January that we are adding a Before School Program in addition to the After School Program for Park Middle School students to meet the needs of the families in the area and to give kids a safe ride to and from school.  In March we already have 6 teens enrolled.  

Students enrolled at Roper in August total 150, which is license capacity.  Roper now has a waiting list. The student count for Lakeview CLC is 78 and the Teen Before and After School Program has 29.

Willard's Preschool and Before and After School Programs are growing.  The unduplicated count for the whole school year at preschool was 25, Roper Elementary was 218, Lakeview Community Learning Center was 115 and 51 teens.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Corrine Sturdy is Board Chair, Cathy Plager is Vice Chair, Lauri Earhart is Secretary and Irene Williams is Treasurer.  Additional board members are; Rob Brenner, Cari Johnson, Linda Jones, Janea Lant, Joyce Person, Terry Neddenriep, Ken Svoboda, and Kathy Winkenwerder.  Mary Wenzl replaces Linda Jones in August.  

2009
Historical Info
New tile was installed in the east preschool room.  

West Gate Bank donates lasagna and cookies for the staff as they go through a two night training on the new Employee Handbook.

Willard again assists the West "A" Neighborhood Association with the Neighborhood Celebration in May at Coddington Market.  Janelle organizes crafters for the event and also attains a Restricted Limited Period Bingo License for the day so that families can play Bingo for a quarter a card and win money.  

Tom Madsen of Madsen's Bowling and Billiards donated a pool table and pool cues to the Center and also had Cornhusker Billiards put a new cover on it.  It is valued at $2000.  It came with a personal visit from Tom and several stories of professional players that have played on it.

In August the maintenance of the building gets moved from Grubb and Ellis Realty to the City Parks and Recreation Department budget.    

The United Way Day of Caring brings out nine community volunteers.  Cornhusker Bank had 5 volunteers come out and teach the teens the proper way to swing a golf club and how to putt at the Pioneers Golf Course.  Lincoln Industries sent over 4 volunteers to paint the basketball markings on the basketball court and the yellow stripes on the front steps and the north parking lot.

Pamela Prater celebrated her 60th birthday in October with a party held at WCC.   Her friends honored her by bringing her gifts for the Willard Child Care Program.  We received games, craft and art supplies, sports equipment, and toys for all ages.

The City Parks and Recreation Maintenance Crew call in the professionals in November when the sewer backs up in the basement of Willard.  The sewer line was full of tree roots and had to be replaced from the building through the north parking lot.

Funding
Our building fund CD is valued at $64,054 and is at 2% interest.

Willard received a NE Dept. Health and Human Services Child Care Grant for $1000 to assist in the construction expenses of installing a chain link fence on the north side of our building for the preschool program.  Parks and Recreation picked up the remaining costs to help us meet child care licensing requirements. They also added additional fencing to the end of the basketball court to increase safety.

The Northeast Family Center's Academy of Rock donated the proceeds of their fundraising concert to Willard.  Proceeds totaled $440 which will be used for the Teen Program.

The 5th Annual Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament raised $8600.00.  The registration is full with 144 golfers.

In December we received a grant from the Compassion Capital Fund Grant through Region V Systems for $23,608.  With this money over the next year we were able to develop a web page, do a community needs assessment, provide training and strategic planning sessions for our board of directors and purchase a computer, printer and digital camera for the office.

Programming
Willard serves over 583 students plus their families from Roper, Lakeview and Park Schools.  Many more families are served by the Center through Senior Citizen activities and adult aerobics or they come for Boy and Girl Scouts, hobby, craft groups, and other community groups who all depend on the use of the staffed building to hold their activities.  

The Summer Program registers 108 children with an average daily attendance of 80. The Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department provides the children with breakfast and lunch every day.

In August enrollment in our programs is very high; Before and After School at Roper has 132 children, Lakeview CLC has 61, preschool has 26, the Teen Before School Program has 20, the biggest enrollment ever, and an unduplicated count of 35 teens for both Before and After School.  Only one new child care / teen staff was hired to accommodate the child care ratio.  All the rest are returning employees.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Cathy Plager is Board Chair, Corrine Sturdy is Vice Chair, Lauri Earhart is Secretary and Irene Williams is Treasurer. Additional board members are: Mario Herrara, Cari Johnson, Joyce Person, Ken Svoboda, Mary Wenzl, Kathy Winkenwerder, and Ryan Zabawa.

Sarah Allen is hired as our part time afternoon preschool teacher.

2010
Historical Info
Lincoln Industries held their first Employee Holiday Gift program for "employees in need" and Willard was asked to be the pick-up location for their gifts.  It worked out great!  Willard got to play Santa Claus and Lincoln Industries donated $500 for our help.

West Gate Bank donated $93.94 for the preschool program to purchase a book case/storage unit.

Loir Vidlak is hired, with money from the Compassion Capital Fund Grant to do Board Development through a series of board trainings held at the Cornhusker Hotel.   In August the board votes on the approval and implementation of the strategic plan, mission, vision and goals that were developed during those training sessions.

Wiese Research is hired through the Compassion Capital Fund Grant to do a neighborhood needs assessment.  Gary Lorenzen gave a presentation at the Annual Meeting showing the findings of the needs assessment.  The objectives of the needs assessment were to survey the residents of the 68522 zip code and determine satisfaction of programs and to look for strategic and tactical planning opportunities.  Topics discussed were that Willard was doing a good job and that we had a lack of diversity in the sampling.  Other needs addressed were: Health Clinic, Willard needs a facelift, and a surprise was that we needed to offer more services for Senior Citizens.

The board votes on the approval and implementation of the strategic plan, mission, vision and goals that were developed by Lori Vidlak.

Angela Paolini, a resident of the West "A" Neighborhood, has a passion for art and for nurturing creative minds.  She donated $2500 to the Teen Program to start an Art Club to include any teen that had an interest in discovering the benefits of expressing themselves through art.  Angela continues to donate to the club ensuring that they always have the needed supplies.

Willard gets a web page with the help of Firespring.  We now have enrollment forms, parent handbooks, and other documents that parents can download from the internet.  We also have a private portal area for board members only where they can access board minutes, financials, and other board material.

United Way Day of Caring Volunteers from US Bank took the teens to the Pioneer Golf Course Driving Range to learn golfing techniques.  Seven volunteers from Pfizer did landscaping and cleaning around the building and Willard grounds.

Lincoln Industries had an employee Christmas Drive and collected over 470 items for the Willard Child Care Children.  They came with a van full of games, toys, craft items, puzzles, and so much more.

Foundation for Educational Services donates office supplies.

The Department of Corrections donates a pick up load of clothing and miscellaneous items left from inmates.  We distributed the items to the teens in the Teen Program.

In response to our Neighborhood Needs Assessment we work in cooperation with "Clinic With a Heart" and ask nurses from the Bryan School of Nursing to complete the first steps of getting a health station started at Willard.  They did two surveys and found out that blood pressure checks were the top priority need.  "Clinic With A Heart" tries to find us a volunteer nurse to come out here and start the program. "Clinic With a Heart" moves to 1701 S. 17th St. and decides to focus all their efforts on their free clinic at that location.

Willard and Lakeview CLC become sites where low income families can sign up for Toys-4-Tots.  Willard has 7 families/20 children sign up and Lakeview CLC has 49 families/134 children register.

We had 40 staff members with a combined total of 227 years of experience working at Willard.  We employ and average of 39 staff, two full time and 37 part time.

Fifty seven volunteers work 640 hours for Willard.  In Nebraska volunteer hours are valued at $16.67 per hour so volunteers saved us $10,669.00.

Funding
Willard Teen program gets a cut in funding from United Way from $18,000 to $10,000 and will no longer receive any funding from Parks and Recreation.  

The Teen Program Director position is eliminated in July due to funding cuts when the need is the greatest.  The number of low income families continues to increase. Lakeview is at 61% free and reduced lunch children, Roper is over 40% and Park also has children in this category.  We see an increase in vandalism and teens need more activities to keep them occupied.  

Willard was informed that the City of Lincoln will not be funding the annual budgeted maintenance/utilities amount of $27,000 and $7388. for the teen program totaling $34,388 as of Sept. 1st.  Willard signs a Grant Funding Agreement with the City from Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011 and is given partial funding of $16,978 as part of a phase out plan.  

The board implements an immediate salary freeze due to our funding cuts from United Way and the City of Lincoln.

The Community Connections Committee from Lincoln Industries volunteers to have workers who have skills in maintenance and electrical repair, as well as others from within the organization, to help with quarterly maintenance and repairs at Willard.   

Ray's Lawn and Home Care volunteers to do additional mowing and snow removal to help out also.

The Kenny Gardner "It Was Fun" Memorial Golf Tournament brought in over $11,000 for the teen program.  Forty four teams were registered.

The board votes to increase the building rental fees from $25 to $35 per room and $60 for two rooms.

The end of the year showed a positive balance of $17,030.

Programming
Willard becomes the lead agency for the Lakeview Community Learning Center.

At the start of the new school year Roper has 130 children registered, Lakeview has 62, the Teen Program has 30 and preschool has 21.

We sign a rental agreement with LPS Roper School.  The contract is for 4.78 hours a day for $818 per month for the first year, $918 a month for the second year and $941 a month for the third year. This is for the Before and After School Program for August through June.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Cathy Plager is Board Chair, Corrine Sturdy is Vice-Chair, Lauri Earhart is Secretary, and Irene Williams is Treasurer.   Additional members are; Jason Brownell, Cari Johnson, Joyce Person, Ken Svoboda, Mary Wenzl, Kathy Winkenweder, and Ryan Zabawa.

Janet Clark resigns as Child Care Director in July after 22 years and Amy Bornemeier takes the position.  
Cole Pomeroy resigns in July after 4 years and accepts a position with Lincoln Public Schools at Park Middle School.
 

2011
Historical Info
A new checking account was established for Emergency Maintenance Expenses.  A Willard Senior Citizen account was closed with $10.75 left in the account and we opened a new account with an additional $500.00 added for a total of $510.75. Janelle will be able to sign checks on this account for emergencies.  

The City Fire Inspector came out and did an inspection for our licensed child care and told us that we must move coat racks and pop and candy machines out of the hallway as nothing can block exits, emergency lighting needs to be installed in every room and magnets need to be installed on the preschool room doors so they can stay open but close automatically in case of fire.  He also told us that water sprinklers need to be installed throughout the building if we want to have licensed child care on 3rd floor.  Volunteers are utilized to take out the old blackboard in the Bingo room, plaster the wall, paint and hang up new coat hangers in the bingo room and south room.   Four men put in 41 hours to make the required changes for the inspection.  General Fire installs magnets on the preschool room doors.  We make the decision not to have licensed child care on 3rd floor.  Senior Citizen bingo is moved to 3rd floor for the summer.  

Repairs to the building include; replace ceiling in basement preschool room damaged by water drain line leak, front steps need repaired, the boiler needs to be brought up to code.  

Eight volunteers from UNL also come out and paint the hallway and cupboards on 3rd floor.  

Sudie Bock, principal at Lakeview Elementary School and Dan Navratil, principal at Roper Elementary School both will retire at the end of the school year.  Scott Nelson takes over at Lakeview and Tim Muggy takes over at Roper.  Both schools are under construction.

Willard’s bylaws are updated and board members are now allowed to serve 3 consecutive 3 year terms.

Peter Katt, attorney, is hired to look at our operating agreement and to help us negotiate with the City.  Willard signs another operating agreement with the City from Sept. 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012.

General Fire donated a Firelite 5-zone Dialer and Annunciator for the building to replace the previous one that had not been properly installed the value of equipment and labor was $1280.00.  

The City has a Commercial Audit done on the building by Honeywell Building Solutions.  The site findings included a description of existing conditions highlighted by specific problems that led to the Honeywell engineering team to suggest proposed improvements.  

The board approves a staff salary increase of 2% based on satisfactory performance and all base pay is increased by the 2%.

Lori Vidlak is again called upon to give a presentation to the board on how to go about the making decisions about the building process, capital campaign, etc.  She gives us a Facility Development Plan and Timeline.

Gary Churchill is hired to be the weekend building manager.  We pay him $25.00 for every time he goes to Willard to let in parties that have rented the Center for an event.  We charge a $50.00 rental fee with a $50.00 deposit for a 6 hour rental.  We hope that this will eliminate giving out keys to the building and someone that can make sure the building is cleaned and secured after the event.

The Boys and Girls Club start offering a Before School for teens at Park Middle School.  Their After School Program continues to grow.

Steve Zoucha, with Lincoln Stars Hockey, has given Willard Center 50 tickets to the Nov. 4th game.  We have the opportunity to sell them for $15.00 each and make a 50% profit.  Sales don’t go well so Steve allows us to have the tickets for the staff.  We had a great turnout and the staff was thrilled to go to a hockey game.

The Coddington and West “A” Street Russ’s Market allowed Phantom Fireworks to set up a tent in their parking lot and in return Russ’s received a percentage of all firework sales, totaling $291.67.  This year Tyler Popp, Russ’s Manger and Willard board member, asked that his store’s portion of the fireworks proceeds go to the Willard Center.  Russ’s Market also donates a two piece chicken dinner for the board members at the December meeting.

The Locona Center starts to hold their tutoring sessions for students at Willard every day from 4-6 p.m.  The Locona Center’s mission is to provide literacy and community service programs to Sudanese Americans, refugees, immigrants, and other low-income populations in Lincoln, Nebraska.

John Henry’s Plumbing and Heating completes the updates and repairs on the boiler so it is now up to code and ready for winter at the cost of $6085.63.

The roof of the building continues to leak where the elevator and back stairwell connects to the building.  We have it repaired again by Weathercraft.  

Willard and Lakeview School are again sites where low income families can sign up for Toys for Tots.  Willard signs up 29 children and Lakeview signs up 115.  

Funding
Willard had a 9 month CD mature valued at $7149.77.  With interest rates low we open a 2nd money market account.

We receive a grant from ServeNebraska for $50.00 to help with expenses of garbage bags, gloves, and pizza for the teens for the Neighborhood Clean-Up Event.   

A $500.00 memorial was given from Warren Jensen, Janelle's father,  to purchase 24 folding chairs.

The Boy Scout Troop 55 donates $250.00 for appreciation for the use of the building every week.

The 7th Annual Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament brought in over $14,000.  The board names the gameroom on 3rd floor the "Kenny Gardner Gameroom".

Dorothy Welchoff, past Willard Board Member and neighborhood advocate, passes away in November.  Her memorials come to Willard for a total of $745.00 and were used in the child care and teen programs.

Willard ends the year with a change in net assets of $15,418.

Programming
We register 110 preschool through 8th grade children for the Summer Program at Willard .  We increase the transportation/swim fee to $10.00 per week per child.  This is a huge increase over last year’s fee of $75.00 for the summer.  The weekly fee per child is $105.00 per week.  Scholarships are available to middle school age youth for the summer from the Kenny Gardner golf tournament.  

The Middle School Teens host an Art Show for the public to present all the projects they have been working on since the beginning of the Art Club.   Art instructor is Brooke Bredenberg.

The Teen Program collaborates with Boys and Girls Club and helps to sponsor "2011 Day for Kids" at Park Middle School.  We hope to collaborate on future projects.  Our teen program is down to 23 teens and 7 of those on either on full or partial scholarship.

The web site has been in operation for one year.  We can post calendars, parents can pay for child care through their pay pal accounts and more people are coming to volunteer, rent the building and register for programs based on the information on our web page.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff
Cathy Plager is Board Chair, Corrine Sturdy is Vice-Chair, Irene Williams is Secretary, and Ken Svoboda is Treasurer.   Additional members are; Jason Brownell, Cari Johnson, Kassy Knudson,  Angela Paolini, Tyler Popp, Mary Wenzl, Kathy Winkenweder, and Ryan Zabawa.

Amy Bornemeier resigns and Sarah Reinke starts as Child Care Director in January.  

Elizabeth Scott and Mary Sneller, both teachers for the preschool program for the last 12 years, retire at the end of the school year.

2012
Historical Info
Discussions continue with the board of directors, Peter Katt, and the City of Lincoln about a lease with an option to purchase the building.  The board also looks at options to build a new facility.

Willard adds a Social Media Policy to the Employee Handbook to address proper protocol on the internet.

The City gives us an extension on the Operating Agreement until Sept. 2012. In July they give us another extension until Dec. 31, 2012.  In October we sign another agreement with an extension until March 31, 2013.

Willard hires Bahr, Vermeer, and Haecker Architects to do a feasibility study on the building at the cost of $7,585.85.  The Willard board uses the BVH Study and the Honeywell Report to help with the negotiations with the City.  The City agrees to pay half the cost of the BVH Study of $3,792.93 as the building assessment is of value to both parties in negotiating a possible agreement for acquisition of the building.

The water heater goes out so we have it replaced by John Henry’s Plumbing for $890.00.

The City agrees to have the front steps repaired by Dickey and Burnham for $2390.00.  The railings will remain in place.

The City removes the old playground equipment on the west side of the building.  Only the basketball court and the sandbox will remain.  A brand new playground is installed on the south side of the parking lot.  

The Nebraska Department of Corrections again makes a huge donation.  They bring in 7 boxes of full of art supplies, clothes, and other odds and ends.  The art supplies consisted of over 200 art canvas panels of different sizes, paint, art books, colored pencils, and the list goes on and on.

Katy and Jamie Dowell donated a Little Tykes Play Cottage to the preschool program.  

Changes in the bylaws were approved at the Annual Meeting.

We have Magic Hammer Door Service replace the south exit door for $1285.00.

Two new groups use Willard during the summer months.  They are High Five Fit Club every Tuesday and Indian Hills Community Church is hosting a Bible School outside in the Park on Wednesdays.

A volunteer from Lincoln Literacy comes to Willard every Wednesday to help a resident of the neighborhood learn to speak English.  

During the summer many items were donated.  We received a van full of stuffed animals and a trunk load of board games and puzzles.

Roper Elementary School completes another addition to the school due to the high attendance.  This addition includes 16 classrooms, gym, lunch room, and kitchen.  It will be able to be locked off from the rest of the school and could be used as a Junior High in the future.  We had hoped to be able to use more space for our before and after school program at Roper but Facilities and Maintenance wanted to double our monthly rent as the new space is considered a second facility. Rent would have been almost $1900.00 per month.  We decide to use the space we currently have and pay $941.97 a month.

In July John Henry’s replaces the window air conditioner in the east preschool room for $945.00.

The Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory tested the water in the building for lead.  There was none found.

We are able to get an Americorp worker through an Education Community Health Outreach Americorp Projectgrant with Parks and Recreation.  Kristina Alas is hired to work part time at the Lakeview Community Learning Center to provide an after school tutoring session 3X per week for English Language Learners.  This takes the place of the Lacona Center tutoring sessions for the Sudanese students in the Willard neighborhood that took place at Willard last year.  Twenty five students participate and family events are planned every month to get the ELL families more involved in the school community. We will pay $2150.00 for this part time position for 11 months.  An intern from UNL, Jason Tyler, will be assisting with the ELL tutoring program.  He is in the Family Science program with a focus on special education and needs 150 hours for school credit.

Boys and Girls Club start offering a supper meal for the teens in their program at Park Middle School.

The United Way Day of Caring was held in September.  Eight volunteers from Union Bank took teens to the driving range at Pioneer Golf Course and 7 volunteers from Lincoln Industries came and painted all the stripes on the parking lot, basketball court, and 4 square games.  They also cleaned up the flower beds.  

Executive Director, Janelle, is given permission to spend $750.00 on repairs for the building without board approval.  

Our insurance company, First Non Profit Insurance, sent out a risk management auditor to look at our policies and procedures.  It was determined that we will need to get proof of insurance certificates from every company that does work in our building. Also we will need to check driving records of all staff that will be driving the Willard vans.  We will also need to update our policies to include the welfare of children in our care concerning matters of staff relationships with the children, notification of arrest, criminal charges, child abuse, sexual assault, or weapons.  

Board Chair, Irene Williams, works out a deal with Konica Minolta for us to purchase a copy machine for $550.00.  We will still pay for the maintenance agreement but it will be cheaper than leasing a copy machine from Toshiba.

ABC Electric installs a new ceiling fan in the 2nd floor south room and does several other electrical repairs for $729.94.

We have been blessed with two generous managers from the Dollar General Stores at 68th and O Street and 14th and Superior.  After every Holiday the managers call me after they have completed their clearance items and I go and pick up what is left.  We have gotten all kinds of very useful items that we can use in all of our programs.

Funding
$425.00 from Education Quest Foundation which was the company match from Irene Williams for the Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament.
$250 from Nelnet, Inc. for the Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament.
$285 from Lincoln Industries from an employee coffee sales event and approves a grant request for $500 for scholarships for the Teen Program.
$485 from the Dale Maxson Memorial Fund.  Dale was a long time resident of the neighborhood.
$300 from the the Boy Scout Pack and Troop 55 for the use of the building for 8 dens of scouts and Troop 55 and parent meetings.  Willard continues to be their Chartering Organization.  

The Lincoln Community Foundation sponsors a “Give To Lincoln Day” on May 17th.  Willard participates and receives $775.00 through online donations, $774.00 in personal donations and a match portion from LCF was $276.35.  Total amount collected was $1825.35.

United Way allocated us $10,000 per year for the next two years.  This amount is the same as the last two years.  The review team commendations stated, “Kids are actively engaged in academic performance monitoring and civic engagement and parent engagement.”

The Kenny Gardner “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament was the biggest and best yet.  This year the Gardner’s raised $15,600 for the teen program.  Over the last eight years they have raised $67,500.

The board approves to raise the rates for child care as of January 2013.  

Programming
Willard provides the staff and transportation for 1 Willard teen and 26 teens from Park Boys and Girls Club to go to a Lincoln Stars Hockey game with donated tickets.  Many of our teens attended Parent Teacher Conferences instead of the game.  

Fourteen Teens from the Teen Program participate in the West “A” Neighborhood Clean Up on April 14th.  The teens cleaned up Folsom Street from South to VanDorn.  We were able to purchase fluorescent vests, garbage bags, and pizza for the teens through a grant from ServeNebraska.

116 children are enrolled in the summer program.  All children go on a field trip once a week and swimming twice a week.

At the beginning of the School Year we have 134 enrolled at Roper, 60 at Lakeview, Preschool is full with 30 (13 full time and 17 part time) and only 14 for the teen before and after school program.  These numbers increase in all programs as the school year progresses.

In November the board approves to raise the program service fees 2% for all programs as of January 2013.  Rates will now be;
Teen Program – Before School Only - $63; After School Only - $79; Before and After School $115
Summer Program – For 4 to 5 Days - $110 a week; 1 to 3 days - $95 a week
Preschool - $110 a week for full time; $110 a month for part time
Roper Child Care – Before School only - $142; After School only - $199; Before and After School - $247; F/R lunch or more than one child - $125.
Lakeview CLC - Before School only - $120; After School only - $147; Before and After School - $175; F/R lunch Before School - $85; F/R lunch After School - $105; F/R Lunch Before and After School - $126.
Adult Program – Aerobics - $20 for 10 tickets.

Board Members/Administrative Staff
First Executive Director of Willard Community Center, Lela Watts, passes away in January.  Willard received a $50.00 memorial in her name.

Cathy Plager resigns as Chair and Board Member.  Irene G. Williams is elected as Board Chair for a 1 year term.  Corrine Sturdy is Vice Chair, Ken Svoboda is Treasurer and Angela Paolini is Secretary.  Additional members are; Jason Brownell, Cari Johnson, Kassy Knudson,  Angela Paolini, Tyler Popp, Mary Wenzl, Kathy Winkenweder, and Ryan Zabawa.

2013
Historical Info
Board Chair, Irene Williams, continues negotiations with City Representatives Nicole Fleck-Tooze, from the Planning Commission and Jocelyn Golden, Assistant City Attorney.  The City presents a Real Estate Sales Agreement and agrees to sell us the Willard building and land (front yard to 66 feet past the building to the West) for $2,623.17.   In addition to the price we will be getting help to fund our HVAC system through Re-Energize Federal Funds and Lincoln Electric System Sustainable Energy Program.
The Planning Commission votes to approve the change in zoning for Willard Community Center from Public to Residential.

In February Nicole Fleck-Tooze gave a presentation to the City Council about Willard purchasing the building, Irene Williams thanked the City for their support and Janelle Soderling gave a brief description of current programs at Willard.

Kassy Knudson, Lincoln Industries, agrees to be the Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.  Kathy LeBaron agrees to be on the committee and already commits $40,000 to the campaign.

Our licensed Bingo game was audited by The NE Dept. of Revenue.  We are asked to make some updates and are excited about the easier way to figure the pay outs to the winners.

The boiler motor quits and we are without heat for a week.  The blower motor had to be rebuilt and parts had to be manufactured.  Thanks to John Henry’s Plumbing and Heating they came in and set up a temporary furnace to just heat the basement.  We survive a week of very cold weather without heat throughout the whole building.

The board approves new policies for the Employee Handbook addressing the reporting of any suspected molestation or abuse of a child, ongoing education of persons who work with children, supervision of children, transportation, possession of a weapon by employees, staff relationships with children, notifications of arrest, criminal charges, licensure, and child abuse complaints, etc.

Duane Kulhanek passes away on December 27th at the age of 86.  Kulhanek was key in the development of the Willard Community Center, serving on the board of directors from 1980 to 1986.  

Funding
Board Member, Jason Brownell, and his business partner, Drew Endicott, sponsor Willard at the Giving Spirits Event on March 21st at The Grata Bar, 27th and Yankee Hill, from 5 -8 pm.  General Excavating donated a Fire Pit and Jason’s company Gendarme Lawn Service will install it for free.  Raffle tickets were sold and participants paid $10.00 at the door for a donation to Willard and a free drink.  We made $2517 selling raffle tickets, $1350 was made at the event, $500 for the corporate sponsorship and with the help of an anonymous donor we made $5000.

Long time member of the Willard Senior Center, Margaret Hugleman, passes away   in January.  Her memorials were given to Willard for a total of $600.00.  The Senior Citizens would like to purchase a new Bingo Machine in her name.  

Clarice “Hap” Loomis donated a round of golf, or 9 holes, at Chet Ager Junior Golf Course, for nine teenagers in honor of her friends 90th birthday.

With the help of Jason Brownell and Craig’s List we sell the 1990 15-passenger van for $900.00.

BVH Architects present us with a proposal and timeline for work to be done in the building.

Dec. 2013 – A Holiday Charity Fair was held at Willard on Sunday, Dec. 15^th.  Fourteen vendors, ranging from Pampered Chef to hand made jewelry, set up at the Center and were available for customers from 10 am to 4 pm.  Each vendor gave $25.00 per booth and a silent auction was held to benefit Willard. We received a total of $418.00.

Willard signs the Boy Scout Charter for another year after the Boy Scouts of America agree to accept any boy regardless of sexual orientation.  We currently have 6 Boy/Cub Scout groups meeting in the building almost every week.

Sixteen families with 49 children signed up for Toys for Tots at Willard this year.  Lakeview CLC signed up 36 families with 121 children. 

Staff enjoyed a Christmas Party at Hollywood Bowl on Dec. 6^th.   We had a high attendance and Ms. Williams, board chair, came and shared with the staff the plans for the future building renovation.

Programming
We decide to offer a discounted rate for Spring Break care for all of our child care children.  We reduce the rate from $108 for the week to $50.  We enroll 75 children for the week compared to 40 last year.  

Board Members/Administrative Staff
The board approves the position of a part time Teen Coordinator for the Teen Program and hires Nathan Davis.  

2014

Historical Information

Drywall Unlimited repaired the falling ceiling on 3^rd floor and other plaster jobs in the building.

BVH Architects submitted a special permit and the County Planning Commission approved the front yard setback and back yard parking when we expand the building.

Foundation for Educational Services allowed us to come and shop their leftover office supplies on January 31^st.   We were able to get file folders, desk organizers, and other office supplies that we needed.

Carol Yoakum, former executive director of Willard Community Center from 1983 to 1992, passes away on February 9^th.  Her celebration of life was held on February 17th.  Janelle Soderling talked about Carol’s time as executive director and shared funny stories.  All of her memorial money, $1780.00, came to Willard to purchase supplies for the new preschool we will open at 1030 West “Q” Street in August.

West “A” Neighborhood Health Fair was held at Roper Elementary School on April 13^th from 2-4 pm.  The purpose of the Health Fair was to help West “A” residents meet the new health care professionals that have moved to this area such as Coddington Family Medical, Complete Children’s Health, Coddington Dental, etc.  With a $2000.00 grant from Community Health Endowment we were able to do the advertising, flyers, hire Homer the Saltdog mascot and the Balloon Lady, invite 23 vendors, give away prizes, etc.  It was a great event but had poor attendance due to terrible, heavy rain.  All the neighborhood vendors said they would do it again next year.    

Willard Community Center was listed in the United Way Annual Report for increasing our Workplace Campaign by 96% and we were also listed as a top Resource Under Management Supporter with a 111% increase over last year.  That means that all of our money that our employees donated went into the United Way general fund and was not designated.  Our employees were very generous this year.

In May Girl Scout Troop 20300 spread mulch around plants in the front of the building, picked up trash and raked along the fence.

Boy Scout Troop 55 and Cub Scout Pack 55 followed suit on June 2^nd by spreading more mulch, painting primer on the exterior doors and dug up unwanted yucca plants.

Willard again serves a free USDA breakfast and lunch to all the children in our summer child care program and any child in the neighborhood ages 2- 18, Monday through Friday.  This program is a cooperative effort of the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department and many community agencies.

In July, Steve Clymer, from BVH Architects showed the board the renovation floor plans for Willard.  The board gave suggestions for changes such as changing the main entrance to allow for more space in the preschool rooms.  The more square footage we have the more children we can enroll to help cover the costs.

On September 5^th, five United Way Day of Caring volunteers from Lincoln Industries came to the Willard Pre-K House to help us wash the siding on the house, do reading activities with the preschoolers and play baseball with them.

On Sunday, September 7^th from noon to 4 pm a Church Group came in and painted the 2^nd floor south room as a community service project. 

Dave Dinsmore is hired to do Handy Man Services for Willard.  He repaired doors, installed a new locked mailbox, repaired floor tiles, etc.  It is great to be able to call him when we need to have something repaired.

A new business, Third Rail Content, discovers Willard and uses a room in the building to video people for commercials.

We purchased two new computers for the office from Dell for $1283.98.  Inspiron 3647, Windows 7 Professional, 64 bit.  Thank you to Irene Williams and her crew at Foundation for Educational Services for researching the computers and finding what we need and also Matt Meierdierks, Sarah Reinke’s brother in law and computer tech for Lincoln Industries for helping us to order the computers and determining what Microsoft package we would need.

Nifco came out and made changes and repairs to our boiler in preparation for the winter season.

Willard and the Lakeview CLC were sites for families to sign up their children to receive Toys for Tots.  Willard signed up 29 children and the CLC signed up 157.  Carolyn and Allen Kortmeyer donated their time and car trailer to pick up all the toys and delivered them to Willard and Lakeview CLC.

Funding

The Capital Campaign Committee approves the brochure and campaign materials.

A new account has been set up at West Gate Bank for capital campaign dollars.  Signers on the account are board members Kassy Knudson, Emily Martin, and Mollie Mertens.

The Capital Campaign Committee receives its first donation of $100,000 from James and Rhonda Seacrest.  Lincoln Industries has agreed to match the $100,000 over a 5 year period.  Ms. Kathy LeBaron donates $40,000. The Capital Campaign is off to a great start!

A brokerage account at Smith Hayes Financial Services was set up in order to accept the sale of stocks for our capital campaign.  Contact people to approve the sale of the stocks will be board members Kassy Knudson and Carine Robinson and executive director, Janelle Soderling.

The 10^th Annual Kenny Gardner “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament was another huge success.  Inspro Insurance and Lincoln Auto Auction sponsored the tournament this year.  The tournament was full and brought in $19,235 bringing our 10 year total to $105,310.  The Gardner Family is amazing to continue to hold this tournament for the teen program every year.

Amazon Smile deposits $10.00 to our bank account.  When you purchase items on Amazon you can sign up for Amazon Smile to donate a percentage to your favorite charity.  We are hoping that this catches on and we continue to receive more in donations.

The Capital Campaign Committee continues to give tours of the building to possible funders.  Representatives from Lincoln Community Foundation and US Bank came out for tours in October.

Two long time Willard staff members, Wes Gorans and Erin Butcher, made a video for us to present to the Next Gen Grant Group for funding for the Pre-K House.  The video showed all the programs that Willard provides along with testimonials from parents.  Wes and Erin did a great job representing Willard and we received $2000.00.

Santa Claus Deliveries that came to Willard - Angie Riley and family continue to donate to the child care programs.  This time they donated six huge Christmas bags full of new toys, games, puzzles, etc.  The estimated value of their gifts was $650.00. 

Other families have also donated a PS2 game system and 20 games, and many other assorted games and toys through the year. 

Inspro Insurance donated $340.00 from their employee “Pay to Wear Jeans Day” to the child care program.

West Gate Bank had an employee toy drive and donated 4 sacks of toys to Willard.

Mike McNiff from Nifco donated a large tray of cookies for everyone to enjoy.

Nebraska Correctional Services donated 4 adult bicycles.

The Willard staff celebrated the end of the year at Hollywood Bowl again this year.  We had a great attendance of 33 staff and 10 guests.  The Willard Board of Directors sponsored the party and all the staff received a card containing $15.00. It is a great way for the staff to feel appreciated and respected for the work they do.

Programming

Staff complete the semi-annual report for United Way for the Teen Before and After School Program.  We reported that we had a 91.6 cumulative GPA, or an “A” average, for the 20 out of 22 teens in the program.  Two teens have individual IEP’s and don’t receive a traditional grade report.  Twelve of the 22 teens grew up at Willard and have been in our programs since preschool or grade school.  Twelve of the 22 teens are taking one or more differential learning courses.

In March we continue to move forward on starting a new preschool for 4-5 year olds in the Lakeview School area at 1030 West “Q” Street.  This is the same location that we previously had a Kindergarten program.  Scott Weiscamp with Lincoln Public Schools Facilities and Maintenance has been working with us on updates, expenses and the contract.  In June we agree to pay LPS $5000.00 for all of the renovations they have done to the house such as new flooring, plumbing, painting, repairs, etc.   The contract states that rent will be $1.00 per year for 5 years.  Willard will pay all utilities and cleaning. It goes before LPS committees and was approved in July.  The Fire Marshall, Health Inspector and our Child Care Licensing Specialist all passed the Willard Pre-K House.  Kim Larson will be the lead teacher with other support staff helping to cover the hours of 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.  It will opened on the first day of school, August 12, 2014 with 17 children enrolled with full enrollment at 20.

92 children sign up for care at Willard during Spring Break.

The Summer Program has 120 children registered with an average daily attendance of 80 to 85 children.  Each age group goes on a field trip once a week and swimming twice a week.  The preschoolers don’t go swimming but like going to the Trago Spray Park.

When school started in August the Roper Child Care site was full with 160 children enrolled.  This is the highest enrollment ever at this site.  Lakeview Community Learning Center was at 55.  Willard Preschool for 3-4 year olds was at 17 with full enrollment at 30.  The Teen Program Before and After School Program has 20 teens enrolled.  We struggle to find enough staff to cover all the shifts at all the sites.  Administrative staff are filling in every day. 

86 children sign up for care during the Holiday Break from Dec. 22^nd to Jan. 2^nd.  This is extra income for us as he parents have to pay an additional $50.00 per week that their child attends.

Board Members/Administrative Staff

Corrine Sturdy and Ken Svoboda both served three consecutive terms on the board of directors and retired from the board in April.  They have agreed to remain as Honorary Board Members.

Other board members completing terms are Irene Williams, Angela Paolini, Kassy Knudson, and Tyler Popp.  Irene and Kassy agreed to serve an additional 3 year term.  New board members are Emily Martin from West Gate Bank and Patrick Ridder from Russ’s Coddington Market.

Justin Pflanz was voted in as a board member in September. 

Janet Clark was hired as our grant writer for the capital campaign and will start researching grants.

In December we had more children registered over Christmas Vacation than we ever had before.  We had 121 registered with an average daily attendance of 57.  The children had lots of new toys to play with thanks to the donation from Angie Riley last month and the days were well planned and packed full of fun activities. 

The Lincoln Area Soaring Society came and taught an educational lesson to the children on Dec. 29^th.  The group talked to the children about the dynamics of flying and then showed them how to make and fly different kinds of paper airplanes.  This group does this for us twice every year in lieu of rent for their group to meet in Willard.  The children always look forward to it and everyone has a lot of fun. 

Willard Community Center History for 2015 - January to December

January

Ms. Knudson reported that the campaign committee continues to work to raise the money for the renovation.  They are working on grants and will be making lots of asks in February.  The campaign has over $400,000 including what is already in the account and the amount that has been pledged.   Ms. Katie Haszard helped us to set up Drop Box for all of our campaign information and this has been very helpful and lets us keep everything secure.

February

A new water meter was required and we asked Nifco to install if for us.  Everything has passed inspection and we are now updated with a new water meter.

Joseph Mueller completed his Eagle Scout Project for the Willard Gameroom on Jan. 31^st.  He had 10 boys from Troop 63, his parents Rory and Connie Mueller, and two other employees from Cornhusker Billiards come and help with this project.  They recovered both pool tables, repaired all the pool cues and took the Foosball table apart and back to the shop for more repairs.  It was a great project and all the boys were very involved. 

Jacob Patrick from Troop 55 started his Eagle Scout project on Monday, Febr. 9^th by having his troop members patch the walls in the basement hallway in preparation for the painting to happen on Febr. 28^th.  A Big Thank You goes out to Jacob Patrick, Troop 55 and all the volunteers that came and helped paint the basement hallway for his Eagle Scout Project.  The Scouts came on two previous Monday nights and patched and primed the hallway so that it was ready for paint on Saturday morning, February 28^th.  Troop 55 was well represented with 12 boys all paining and helping.  Ten additional teens and adults also helped with the project.  They gave the hallway two coats of paint and they did an exceptional job! 

Lincoln Industries held their Champions breakfast with the Waffleman serving his specialty waffles.   At this event the Waffleman served his 400,000th waffle.  As promised The Waffleman and Lincoln Industries each stepped up with $500 donations totaling $1,000 for Willard.

March

We increased the building rental fee from $50.00 to $100.00 per event with a $50.00 deposit as of Jan. 1^st.  Gary Churchill continues to be very accommodating to these groups and is a great weekend building manager. 

Ms. Williams introduced Mr. Lyle Wheeler to the group.  His daughters are participants of the Willard Child Care Programs and he lives in the neighborhood.  He came to us through Leadership Lincoln and is very interested in the Willard Board.  He is a second year law student at UNL and will graduate in 2016.  He currently is serving as a law clerk for Wolfe, Snowden, Hurd, Luers & Ahl.  He was familiar with the center and had provided a bio for the board.  He is very interested in participating as a board member for Willard

April

Annual meeting was held on April 27^th.  Election of officers was held and are as follows; Chairman – Irene Willilams, Vice-chair – Kassy Knudson, Treasurer – Casey Pflanz, and Secretary – Mollie Mertens. Board Members – Emily Martin, Justin Pflanz, Cole Pomeroy, Cari Robinson and Lyle Wheeler.  The board recognized retiring board member, Mary Wenzl.  Board members signed up for the following committees; Executive, Finance and Audit, Personnel, and Fund Raising.

A capital campaign fund raising summary was given by Ms. Knudson and Ms. Williams.  Pledges so far amount to a little over $500,000.

Ms. Soderling presented the Annual Report for 2014. 

May

Lincoln Industries came in on May 1^st for their annual Willard Clean Up.  I had five volunteers that painted a portion of the basement hallway and front doors.  They did a nice job and got a lot done in two hours. 

Girl Scouts Troop #2300 met at Willard on May 13th and helped with yard work as a way to say thank you for letting them use our facility. Troop leaders Sara Wilkenson and Tina Gropp wanted to help the girls learn to give back to their community and felt that a clean-up project was one way to give back to Willard. Among the countless chores to be done outdoors, the girls helped pull weeds, clean up trash, and cleared rocks and dirt off of our parking lot and sidewalks. Willard is very appreciative of this great group of young women and their leaders for all their hard work and enthusiasm. Many young kids would dread the words "yard work", Troop 2300 looked past the fact and saw only positive in what they were doing. With a smile on her face, one Girl Scout said “Being a part of Girl Scouts is being a part of our community.”  

The flooding in Lincoln, over 8 inches, really impacted our child care sites.  Parents at Lakeview could not get to the school because all the roads were closed.  Families had to find a police officer that would let them through if they said that they had a child at school.  Roper parents were late because Rosa Parks Way was bumper to bumper traffic.  All of our staff were great and stayed late until every child was picked up.  We all went home around 7 pm. 

Lincoln Industries utilized the Center when the flood waters went into their building.  They came to Willard for a meeting and planned to use the Center to house all of their IT equipment and to work out of the next day.  Luckily the flood waters receded enough that they did not need Willard for those purposes.

The summer program is full with a waiting list.  We are going to have a huge number of Kindergarten through 1st grade participants this summer.  The last day of school is May 21^st but we won’t actually start our program until Wed., May 27^th.  We are going to take advantage of the 22^nd and 26^th to do some in-service trainings for our child care staff.  Child Care regulations require that all of our staff have 45 hours of in-service annually so Sarah has developed her own training curriculums and the staff will earn over 15 hours on those two days.  We will also be doing a lot of set up for the summer program to be ready to go on May 27^th.

Mr. Wheeler said that it is important to check board members for fraud or embezzling, so the board would like to do the NE State Patrol background check.  Mr. Pomeroy recommended that we do the same background checks as our staff for all existing board members, new board members, and the executive director.  (Ne. State Patrol, DHHS Report of Law Enforcement Contact, and DHHS Consent and Authorization For Release of Information Form For Child Care Centers, Preschools and School Age Only Programs.

June

Willard did pretty well on Give To Lincoln Day.  We had 22 donors donate a total of $2085.00.  On-line donations totaled $1145 so after deducting transaction costs Willard received a check from the Razoo Foundation for $1077.09.  Off-line donations totaled $940.  We will also receive a small % of the $300,000 matching funds from Lincoln Community Foundation and partner sponsors and will receive that check on June 25th.  We did better than last year by $361.  Yea!  This will certainly help pay for the van rental for the summer.

West “A” Neighborhood Health Fair was held on June 13^th.  We had 13 vendors set up booths at Roper Elementary School from 9 -11 am to do fun and interactive activities with participants to help share knowledge about health and safety topics.  The fair was poorly attended with an estimated 50 participants.  The highlights were the LES High Voltage Safety Demonstration and all of the vendors had lots of free give-aways.

Summer Program enrollment is 142 with an average daily attendance of about 80 at Willard and 12 at the Pre-K House.  The rain has caused us to cancel some swim days and the mosquitoes are going to carry us all away but the kids are still having a great time doing the daily activities. 

United Way approved a $10,000 allocation to the Willard Teen Program Expanded Learning for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 funding years.

July

Willard was the recipient of several pounds of food that was left over from the Back Pack Program at Lincoln Public Schools.  We were contacted by Barb Jacobson, volunteer from the Back Pack Program, to see if we would be able to distribute the food to needy families or use the food here for the children since it could not be returned and had to be given away.  The food was brought to Willard on Friday, July 10^th in two pick-up trucks and 2 other vehicles.  The kids helped us to haul it all up to the game room.  I had two volunteers come in on Monday to organize, sort and box up the individual items so that families would all get a box of food items.   We ended up with enough food for over 30 families.  We have been distributing it to our Willard families and will continue to put the word out to more families.  Anyone is welcome to the food boxes.  In the boxes they will receive breakfast cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, tuna helper and tuna, chicken alfredo helper and canned chicken, pasta and spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese and many other items in multiple amounts.   Willard will be able to keep and utilize granola bars, apple juice and pudding for our child care kids. 

Registrations are open for the fall before and after school programs.  We already have 100 for the Roper site and we will take 150 and we are going to be full.  We are full at Pre-K with a waiting list and the other sites are filling up but just not as quickly.  We are implementing a registration fee of $20.00 for new families to Willard and that seems to be going very well.

The board of directors updated the Willard Equal Opportunity and Non Discrimination Policy to include pregnancy or any other protected characteristics. A non-discriminatory policy statement will also be included in the Parent Handbook and the Room Rental Agreement. 

August

The summer is over and the children are back in school!  Yea!  Sarah and I are scrambling to cover all of the hours at all the child care sites.  We have staff returning to UNL next week and we have hired staff but the first month is so challenging.  The child care numbers are as follows:  Roper – full at 157, Lakeview CLC   - 55, Teen Program – 17, Preschool at Willard – 17 and Pre-K House – full at 20.

We have had a turn-over in staffing this year.  We have had three of our long time staff leave Willard for full time jobs, Lexi Palmer, Erin Butcher, and Wes Gorans.  We also lost one of our full time preschool teachers, Jenna Mattox, due to a move to a new town.  We will really miss them but wish them well at their new jobs.  We always have new staff coming in every year but this year we haven’t had the long time staff to help train them at the sites. 

I have contacted Big Red Communications, our internet provider, to come in and increase our internet speed.  The teens from Park Middle School are coming with Chrome books every day that has all of their homework assignments, planner, etc.  They are not able to get a strong enough signal so Big Red is going to come out and see what they can do.  If we increase to the fastest speed our monthly bill will go from $25.00 a month to $40.00 a month.  They are still giving us a half price rate because their tower is on top of our building. 

Chase the Sunset is exactly what sixty participants did Friday night, August 28th, as they headed west in the first annual poker run fund raiser for the Willard Community Center.  The poker run was deemed a huge success with an end of the night total of $2250.00.  Everyone commented that they had a great time and all said that they would come back next year! The weather was perfect, the stops were fun destinations, raffle prizes were aplenty and the beer was good and cold!  A huge thank you goes out to Tab Performance owners and Willard Community Center board members, Justin and Casey Pflanz, for sponsoring and organizing this event. Their leadership and expertise made this a unique and fun experience for everyone.  Even the participants that didn't own a motorcycle got to join in and cruise along on the run.

Lincoln Industries also deserves much thanks as they allowed the participants to register in their parking lot and then tour the facility to see where the parts of their motorcycles are chrome plated and polished.   This was an amazing opportunity for many of the riders and we truely appreciate Lincoln Industries and their continued support.  

Helmets off to our Full House Sponsors; Blue Blood Brewing Co., HVC Cycle, Lincoln Industries, and Zip Line Brewing Co. who hosted the riders, donated raffle prizes and made this a fun and memorable event.  Thanks also to Dockside Bar and Grill at Branched Oak Lake and Ding-a-ling Bar in Raymond for accommodating our large group of riders as they made their poker run loop back to Lincoln.  

Stetson Heirigs was introduced to the board of directors.  Stetson is from the UNL College of Business and is participating in the CBA Mentor March program to bring a youthful perspective to enhance the programs, services and general operations of our non-profit. He will be participating in board meetings all year.

September

The finance committee proposed that we increase child care rates as of Jan. 1^st, 2016.  The Roper site would increase 10% for all families except the free and reduced lunch children fees which would remain the same with no increase.  The Preschool, Pre-K and Teen programs would also receive the 10% fee increase.   The Lakeview CLC would receive a 15% increase to bring it closer in line with the Roper program with the free and reduced rate only receiving a 7% increase.  The summer program would also receive the 15% increase.  Mr. Wheeler told the board that the committee had discussed other ways to increase revenue such as; opening up the Willard teen program to accept the waiting list at Roper, a Date Night for parents and a stricter late payment policy for parents. 

Nine UNL Work Study Students work at the Child care sites.  We have never had more than one work study student at a time.  This helps our budget a great deal as the university pays for 70% or their wages. 

October

The 11th Annual Kenny Gardner "It Was Fun" Memorial Golf Tournament was deemed a huge success on Sunday, Oct 4th.  Kenny's life theme of "It Was Fun" was felt across the Highlands Golf Course all day as 156 golfers enjoyed a day full of sunshine, prizes, food and good spirits.  Thanks to our tournament sponsors, Inspro Insurance and Lincoln Auto Auction, along with our hole-in-one sponsors, raffle and silent auction sales and the generosity of the golfers the tournament proceeds were $18,273.

A huge thank you goes to the Gardner Family and the 2015 golf committee, Kim and Aaron Gardner, Pam Gardner, Jill Maxfield, Jeff Wessels, and committee chair, Cole Pomeroy, who worked incredibly hard so that this tournament continues to run as smooth as a freshly cut green.

Thank you to our great golfers, many of who have golfed all 11 years.  Your commitment to this tournament is admired and appreciated.  We also want to recognize and thank our volunteers and the great staff at Highlands Golf Course.  We could not continue our success without all of your help and support.

November

A Girl Scout Troop sponsored a Veterans Day Dinner at Willard on Veteran’s Day. 

The Capital Campaign Committee continues to give tours of the building and write grants to help raise more funds for the building renovation.

December

Willard held a Parent’s Night Out event on Dec. 18^th for our child care families from 6:30 to 11:00 pm at $4.00 per hour per child.  We were hoping that parents would pay for child care so they could go Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  We only had 5 children sign up.  It wasn’t the money maker we were expecting. 

Willard was a Toys For Tots sign up location again this year.  Willard only had 6 families or 23 children sign up.  Lakeview CLC had 65 families or 175 children sign up.  Willard staff picked up all the toys and sorted them out for each family. 

The board approved a Child Care Late Payment Policy.  This requires payment on the first of every month.  Accounts remaining delinquent in excess of four weeks will be turned over to collections and families will only be able to carry a maximum balance of $500.00. 

Ms. Knudson told the board that we currently have 2 mission statements.  One statement that is on all the Willard material, “We help area residents grow, connect and contribute to our community.”  We have another one on the all the campaign materials, “Where neighbors become friends, children achieve success and our community is strengthened.”  Ms. Knudson asked the board if they wanted to choose one or keep both.  After discussion the board agreed to accept the same mission statement that is on the campaign materials.

Capital campaign report of amount raised at the end of December 2015 was $795,972.50.  The committee continues to write grants and give tours of the building.  An event is being planned for April.  

 

Willard Community Center History for 2016 - January to December

 

January

 

The Willard Web site, www.willardcommunitycenter.org, is being updated to include board member bios and an article about, “Why Willard” written by board member Cole Pomeroy.

 

Board member Lyle Wheeler brought forth an engagement letter from Keating O’Gara which outlined services to be provided on a pro-bono basis to update the Willard Bylaws and articles of incorporation. Lyle will be working under Paul Peter’s direction and he would restate the articles of incorporation and rewrite the corporate by-laws. The board approved Paul Peter to be our registered agent.

 

The minimum wage increased from $8.00 to $9.00 an hour. The finance committee led by Casey Pflanz adopted a compression model which was used to figure out everyone’s salaries for the year.

 

Willard has nearly $700,000.00 raised for the capital campaign and three grants were submitted this month.

 

February

 

The Teen After School Program volunteered at the Coddington Emerald Community Center which provides respite care for Alzheimer’s patients. They spent an hour with the residents playing bingo and interacting.

 

Lincoln Industries sent six volunteers on Febr. 19^th to help with maintenance at Willard. They cleaned the carpets on 3^rd floor, painted the child care table legs, and other repairs around the building.

Foundation for Educational Services made a video about all the happenings at the Willard Community Center. They did a fantastic job and the video will be on our website for potential participants and donors to see.

 

SOCS has renewed our web site contract at a reduced rate from $1,900. to $1,805 per year for the next three years with the option to redesign our website. This is a great deal and Willard thanks Irene Williams and Dan Kunzman from Foundation for Educational Services for their continued support of our web site.

 

March

 

On March 22 three members of the United Way Review team came to Willard for a site visit of the Before and After School Teen Program. In June they approved a $10,000.00 funding allocation continuation for the funding year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.

 

The Lakeview Community Learning Center was audited by two representatives from the 21^st Century Community Learning Center Grant Program, Nebraska Department of Education. They evaluated our program, policies, procedures and everything you could possibly think of. We received an exemplary recommendation. Great Job to Sarah Reinke, Gina Benne and the CLC staff.

 

April

“Where’s’ Willard” Fund Raising Event was held on April 20^th at the Center. Potential funders were invited for a cocktail party, tour and to see the video made by FES. The event didn’t bring in many people but it still was credited for bringing in $40,000.00 in donations.

 

At the Annual Meeting board elections were held. Board officers elected were Irene Williams as board chair, Kassy Knudson as vice-chair, Casey Pflanz as treasurer and Mollie Mertens as secretary. A new board member, Joey Mumaugh, was voted in to join fellow board members; Emily Martin, Justin Pflanz, Cole Pomeroy, and Lyle Wheeler.

 

May

 

Willard was named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy owned by JoAnn Templeton. JoAnn was a resident of the West A neighborhood her whole life, went to school at Willard when she was a child and was a current member of the Willard Senior bingo group. She passed away May 11^th. She had designated that Willard receive half of the memorials from her funeral, $480.00, and a life insurance policy valued at $5,416.39.

 

Give to Lincoln Day was very successful again this year. We raised $2,424.00. We had 25 donors designate Willard to receive their contribution.

 

June

 

The board of directors welcomed Mitch Critel to the board.

 

The capital campaign was at $1.2 million dollars in grants and pledges. BVH Architects told us that the next steps would be to review the plans, get the necessary permits, go over the numbers and then go out for bids.

 

Lincoln Industries came through for us again. They donated a truckload of office furniture to Willard. This was furniture that had been in storage since the flood last year. I am thrilled that they thought of Willard with the donation. We received 7 leather office chairs, 14 white molded plastic stackable office chairs, 2 oval tables, 1 round table, 1 wooden conference table 6 X 6, and 7 other office chairs. In addition, we received 12 plastic file storage containers, lunch bags and boxes of miscellaneous items. We really scored! Thank you Lincoln Industries.

 

The Summer Program is going great with 145 children registered at Willard and the Pre-K House. Sarah has it fully staffed and the activities are fun and entertaining.

 

Lightning hit the Big Red Communications tower on top of our building during one of our many bad storms this spring. It damaged one printer, one computer and our wireless router. Sarah’s brother in law , Matt Meyerdeirks, an IT tech at Lincoln Industries, came and got us all straightened out. He donated a rebuilt computer tower so we were back in business.

Rogene Cihal, our aerobics instructor for the past 20 years retired. She received a bouquet of flowers and a card thanking her for her dedication and loyal years of service to Willard.

 

July

 

United Way has approved an allocation of $10,000 again for the fiscal year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 for the Teen Program. This is great news!

 

The Lakeview CLC was included in a grant through the State of NE Lottery Funds that offered a new natural science club for 4^th-5^th graders. The club included going to Park Middle School to work with their CLC students and UNL students were the teachers. This club was 2 days a week for an entire semester. Wednesdays at Park Middle School and Thursdays at Lakeview. Willard provided the van transportation for this and were reimbursed for expenses.

 

August

 

Mike Milborne from Lincoln Industries was recruited to help us with our strategic plan. We met for 4.5 hours on August 8th from 3:30 to 8:00 pm at Lazlo’s South for a working dinner. A strategic plan was required by many of the grants that we were submitting. The strategic plan will cover the areas of governance, administrative capacity, finance and what we want to accomplish and how to do it.

Mr. Milborne had already looked at our current mission statement and felt like that was more of our vision; ”Where neighbors become friends, children achieve success and the community is strengthened”. He suggested that we continue to use our old mission statement, “We help area residents grow, connect and contribute to our community.”

September

Renee Hein, accountant, is hired to keep track of all of our pledges, grants, donations and totals for the capital campaign.

 

Enrollment as of September 2016 - Roper has full enrollment with 155 and 12 families on a waiting list, Lakeview CLC has 50, Teen program has 22, Preschool has 25 with full enrollment at 30, and Pre-K has 14 with full enrollment at 20. Janelle ran an ad in the West Word Newsletter in hopes to increase enrollment at preschool and Pre-K.

 

Indian Hills Community Church offered an Adult and Children’s Church Group every Tuesday night at the Center. They held programs for the children outside in the park all summer and have quite a large group of Sudanese families involved. It will be great to get those families to start coming into the Center and utilizing other services.

 

The last edition of the Westword Newsletter was distributed in September. It has been our way of communicating information to the West A Neighborhood since 2003. In their last edition they encouraged everyone to use Facebook to find out information about the West A Neighborhood. Willard uses Facebook and has gotten a very postitive response. The staff post pictures and little write ups about what we are doing in the child care programs. The parents are thrilled to see their child having fun with their friends. You can friend us on Facebook at Willard C. Center.

 

October

 

A retired teacher, Dana Wendling, who lives in the Willard neighborhood donated over $400.00 worth of chapter books, books with cassette tapes, manipulatives, teacher activities and a variety of other educational items for the child care programs. Everything was sorted by topic. We will be able to use her donations for every age group. The kids and staff were very excited about the donations.

 

The 12^th Annual Kenny Gardner Golf Tournament had lower participations this year but proceeds still totaled $13,663. Kim and Aaron Gardner stepped down this year as chairs of the tournament. We felt their absence but board member Cole Pomeroy stepped up as chair and did a fabulous job.

Board member, Mollie Mertens, resigns from the board. Cole Pomeroy takes her place as secretary.

 

November

 

Family Service sold all of their belongings at the child care they closed at 4525 “F” Street. Willard staff was able to go in and select many pieces of furniture, cubbies, games, circle rugs, books, toys, etc. We spent $368.50 and we got a really good deal. We are using everything except the hanging cubbies now but will also be able to use all after we renovate. We were so excited to have this opportunity to purchase their great quality children’s furniture and toys.

 

This year we only had three work study students working in our child care programs. Two were working at Roper and one was at the Lakeview CLC. Last year we had up to 10 UNL students at one time. It is possible that we could get more next semester.

 

We filed a Letter of Intent with United Way for the 2017-18 funding cycle for the Lakeview CLC Program. We were unable to find a location that would let us have our Teen Before and After School Program during our renovation so we will suspend that program for one year and request funding for the CLC instead. We will know if they accept our LOI in December and the award notification will be provided to agencies no later than May 27^th, 2017.

 

December

 

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln approves a grant of $5,000.00 for scholarships for the Teen Program.  

 

The Capital Campaign is up to $1,397,000. Grants have been approved and several smaller to mid-size contributions have come in the past few weeks.

 

Roper Elementary School Principal, Mr. Tim Muggy, invited us to have the Willard Summer Program at his school over the summer during our renovation. Roper presents some challenges; have to be out a week early due to teachers returning to work, and would also have to switch rooms in the building midway through the summer which will create child care licensing issues. We are still looking for a place for our preschool program during renovation but will consider combining the preschool and pre-k programs for one year at the 1030 West “”Q” St. location.

 

Preschool had their holiday party Friday, December 9^th. We had 60 family members attend the program. We ordered pizza from Casey’s and the parents brought cookies. The kids did a great job and the everyone had fun. The Pre-K party had their party on December 16^th. We were able to use the Lakeview Church for our Pre-K Program. This was a big deal for the kids to perform in the church. We had a great turn out and we hope to use the church again next year.

 

The Willard staff Christmas party was held at the Center this year. We had a pot luck meal and everyone brought their own drinks. We had 31 staff come to the party which is a very good turn-out for us. We ate, exchanged Secret Santa gifts and played games. It was a lot of fun and the staff suggested having a get-together like this more often. Since all we had to buy was makings for sloppy joes and a few other items we were able to stay on budget and give each staff member $20.00 to show our appreciation. Thank you Willard Board members for still providing this for the staff.

 

This month a couple of new groups have come to use the center. Vital Services brought out nine participants to use the gameroom as part of their program to get their participants out into the community. Vital Services does vocational training and supervision for adults that are learning to live independently. They used the pool tables and video games for a couple of hours on Dec. 14^th from 10 to noon. It worked out great and they would like to come back again. We also have Nebraska Medical Center coming to have their staff Christmas party in the building over the noon hour on Dec. 16^th. Indian Hills Church started hosting bible study classes on Tuesday nights this fall. One class is for the deaf and one class is primarily the Sudanese women that live in this neighborhood. They also provide bible school for children under 6 years of age during the classes. They are averaging 30-35 adults and children every week.

 

We were the sign up location for Toys for Tots again this year. Families could also sign up at Lakeview CLC. We had only 26 families with 78 children that will receive gifts.

 

The adult Bingo players donated $1,000 back to Willard from the profits of their Bingo account. They hope to donate again in May for Give to Lincoln Day.

 

Willard Community Center History for 2017 - January to December

 

January

Cheevers Construction was chosen to be our construction company for our renovation and expansion project. They brought more to the table with a lower fee, on site storage, project updates through social media, and their desire to help with in-kind work.

 

The cost to hold our 2017 Summer Program at Roper Elementary School for 10 weeks is $6405.00.

 

The Capital Campaign was at $1.4 million dollars. The Campaign Committee continued to give tours and research possible grants.

 

It was decided to combine the Preschool and Pre-K Programs for one year at the 1030 West “Q” location. We will eliminate the part time option and have 20 full time spots available. The teachers will share lesson planning. We could not find a location that was suitable for child care licensing for nine months to a year.

 

February

 

The Lincoln Journal Star did a very nice article about Willard and talked about the history and the future for Willard.

 

The original bid for the renovation and expansion was $1.8 million dollars. The new estimate bid came in over two million dollars. The Campaign Committee remains committed to stay on and raise the last dollars.

 

The temporary offices and meeting space will be at a 1440 SW 9^th Street. A home owned by Charles and Rogene Cihal. They agreed to rent us the house for a minimal fee for as long as we needed it. This house allowed us to have office space and meeting space along with Bingo for the Seniors.

 

March

 

The original campaign goal is reached at $1.8 million dollars. Work continues to secure the additional funding to meet the revised construction costs.

 

The Willard Board nominated board chair, Irene Williams, for the Community Health Endowment Michael J. Tavlin Leadership award. She was considered one of the top candidates but did not win the award.

 

The Preschool and Pre-K teachers along with Sarah and Janelle met to discuss the plans for combining the two programs at the Pre-K House for the next year. We met during January and February and discussed how the program is going to look, how we are going to communicate the changes to parents, and how we are going to move and store the equipment. It was decided to have all the Pre-K children come to Willard during the Spring Break week allowing the teachers to clean and organize everything at both sites and move all the equipment from Willard to the Pre-K House. Sarah enlisted the help of her parents Carolyn and Alan Kortmeyer to bring their trailer to Willard on March 17^th to move everything to the Pre-K House.

 

We have had a lot of items that we won’t need during or after the renovation so we have been selling items to other child cares and on the Facebook marketplace. We sold items from the Pre-K House such as kid’s kitchen play pieces, wooden blocks, table, etc. to Northeast Family Center for $120.00. Sarah has collected about $100.00 so far from Facebook. We keep adding to the list every day as we continue to sort through all the stuff in every room.

 

Thursday morning, March 16^th, United Way brought cookies for all the Willard staff because we increased our employee giving to the United Way Campaign by 43.8%.

 

April

 

Mitchell Strack completes his Eagle Scout project at Willard by priming and painting the stairwell at Willard. The last two Sundays in April were work days for Mitchell, Troop 55, and the volunteers. The first Sunday they scraped off old paint and plaster, patched the holes and sanded the walls smooth. The second Sunday they taped, primed and painted the stairwell from floor to ceiling from the basement to second floor. This project has made the entrance to Willard so clean and inviting. Willard Community Center wants to thank Mitchell, his family, his fellow scouts and volunteers for their hard work and a job well done.

 

Willard joined the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. They offered to help with the publicity and organizing of the Ground Breaking Ceremony.

 

May

 

The Annual Meeting was held on May 1^st. The Annual Report is available on the website at www.willardcommunitycenter.org. All the donors that gave during 2016 are listed on the report.

 

Board members with expiring terms were Irene Williams, Kassy Knudson, Emily Martin, Justin Pflanz, Joey Mumaugh, and Mitch Critel. All were renewed for three year terms. (2017-2020) Board officer positions elected for one year terms; Board Chair - Irene Williams, Vice-chair - Kassy Knudson, Secretary – Cole Pomeroy, Treasurer – Joey Mumaugh.

 

Woods Charitable Foundation grants Willard $30,000 to help with expenses during the building renovation.  

 

The Ground Breaking Ceremony was held on May 17^th. The rain moved us into the building for the event. Capital Campaign Committee Chair, Kathy LeBaron, was Master of Ceremonies and Mayor Beutler spoke. We had a great turn out. Pictures were taken afterwards outside. Kathy LeBaron, Mayor Beutler, Councilman Carl Eskridge, Board chair Irene Williams and Willard staff Sarah Reinke and Janelle Soderling all broke ground for the new addition. The Preschoolers all helped break ground with their plastic shovels and hard hats. Cheevers provided the invitations and planning assistance, BVH Architects helped with the press release and Channel 8 News and 1011 News provided coverage of the event.

 

United Way approved $12,200.00 for funding for the Lakeview Community Learning Center for 2017-18 funding cycle.

 

The buidling had to be completely empty by the 29th so that construction and our summer programs could start on the 30th.  Beginning in January the staff had begun to sort and toss items in the storage rooms and Janelle took 320 pounds of paper to be shredded.  We waited to start moving until after our Ground Breaking Ceremony but from then on it was organized chaos every day.  It took 16 volunteers from Lincoln Industries plus the Willard staff to get everything moved to the child care sites at Roper and Pre-K, to the storage pods, to the new offices at 1440 SW 9th, and to the dumpster. Conner Antiques removed as much as they could with the hope that it would get a new life somewhere else.  The building was a clean slate for the construction crew. 

 

June

 

Everyone is settled in their new locations. The Roper program has 128 children enrolled and that program is going very smoothly. Sarah has her office located at the school so she is readily available to staff and parents. The Preschool/Pre-K Program is now at full enrollment with 20 children. That program is also running smoothly. Sarah has been doing an excellent job of getting pictures posted to Facebook so that families can see all the fun the kids are having. This has been a great way to show people what we really do.

 

We were able to sell a lot of items from Willard before demolition began. Conner Antiques came in and removed all the built in cabinetry, bulletin boards, doors, oak trim, etc. They gave us $850.00. We were able to sell all the other kitchen cabinets and cabinets in the preschool room, refrigerators, stove, and other miscellaneous items. This gave us a grand total of almost $1,500.00.

 

Give to Lincoln Day proved to be very successful. Our on-line donations were $2,250.00 and off line donations were $1,085.00. With the corporate sponsor match at $369.83 our total for the day was $3,704.83. This money is going to be used to purchase new furniture and equipment for the new child care rooms.

 

Lyle Wheeler and Janelle participated in an all day workshop sponsored by the Peter Kiewit Foundation titled, “Characteristics of High-Performing Boards”. It was a great learning experience. Both Lyle and Janelle felt that this training came to us at a perfect time. This will help us to look to the future for the Willard Community Center.

 

United Way held their Day of Action on June 21^st. Eleven volunteers from Pfizer came to our Roper summer program and brought out 80 books for all the kids and read to them for an hour. This is part of a strategy to get kids to continue to read during the summer so that they don't lose any reading skills and knowledge over the summer. The volunteers also got to see Science Week in action as the kindergarten through 1^st grade learned about mixing colors and the 2^nd through 3^rd grade kids learned how to make different bubble shapes. A great time was had by all.

 

At the June 26th board meeting the board of directors surprised Janelle Soderling with a 35th work anniversary party.  They also voted in four new board members; Johanna Hannemann, Sherry Moore, Macduff Okuom, and Sarah Sayre.  

 

The demo phase begins at the building and lots of photos of the demolision were posted on Facebook so that the community can keep informed of our progress.  

 

July/August

LauRene Foster, a beloved employee of the Willard Community Center passed away on August 14^th at the age of 89.  She worked as an office manager, bingo caller, late night alarm contact and potluck organizer.  She was involved with every fundraiser and activity for 23 years.  LauRene’s family selected the Willard Child Care programs to receive all of her memorials. LauRene’s favorite thing to do was to bring snacks for the preschool children for every holiday and special event during her years at Willard and she even continued it after her retirement. 

 

The goal of the Preschool and Pre-K Programs is to prepare children for Kindergarten.  Parents and teachers report to us that the children who have participated in our programs are socially, emotionally, and educationally ready for school.   

 

According to the NESA data assessment tables, the Lakeview CLC 30+ day students scored higher that the rest of the school in 3^rd grade English/Language Arts and Math and 5^th Grand English/Language Arts and Science.  Way to go CLC kids and staff.

Our programs are full for the school year and we only need a couple more staff to meet ratios.  Sarah and I have been filling in where we are needed.  We have had staff that want to work the early hours this year so we only need after school staff.  The Roper Before and After School Program has 150 and Pre-K has 20 full time children.  The Lakeview CLC has 50 and has an open enrollment all year. 

 

The Summer Program went very well at Roper this year. We were there for 10 weeks.  We had to be out of the school one week before school started so that the teachers could move back in and get ready for their students.   It was really nice having that extra week to clean, organize, hire and train staff and just get ready for our before and after school programs.   Parents had to find care for their children for that week but no one complained. 

 

On  August 22^nd Sarah, Gina Benne and I went to the Prosper Lincoln breakfast and heard about the new findings in the 2017 Lincoln Vital Signs. The Lincoln community has grown 23% since 2005 and the fastest growing age groups are 0-19 year olds and 65+ year olds. Enrollment in the public schools has grown 22% since 2005 and the more education you receive the lower the poverty rate.  Early childhood care and education are considered very important.  You can view the whole report at LincolnVitalSigns.org.

 

Board Member, Casey Pflanz, resigns from the board.  The board thanked him for his service and dedication to Willard.  Michele Lueders is voted in as a new board member. 

 

A grant was received from Foundation for Educational Services for $5,000.00.  This money will be used for a server for Willard's IT needs in the new building. 

 

Construction is almost back on schedule after rain and storm delays.  Work proceeds without any surprising or costly discoveries. 

 

September

D.A. Davison donated office furniture to Willard.  Two Men and a Truck were hired to disassemble and move three office desks, credenza, file cabinets, etc.  All of it was in great condition.  We rented a storage unit from Star City Storage for $85.00 a month and have it half full already with the office furniture.  Thank you Lisa and Tom Smith and D A Davidson.

Willard received $1,000.00 from the Lau Rene Foster memorial money. The Foster family has requested that we purchase sleep mats for the children for the new preschool room.  We will do some research and try to find a high quality sleep mats for the kids.  LauRene would be very happy with this purchase. 

0ctober/ November

For 13 years the Kenny Gardner Memorial “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament has continued to support the child care programs at Willard.  Hoy & Associates Construction, Inspro Insurance, Tab Performance and West Gate Bank were champions as tournament sponsors. Raising Canes donated meals and many other businesses donated raffle prizes or monetary donations for the cause.  Cole Pomeroy, led the golf committee, board of directors, and volunteers to a successful profit of just over $9,000.  All proceeds go to support the child care programs at Willard by helping to provide scholarships and cover program expenses.  The Gardner Family continues Kenny’s life moto of “It Was Fun” as they join friends and family on the golf course year after year to honor Kenny’s memory and generous spirit.

 

Willard Community Center, Mourning Hope and Parks and Recreation with the help and support of Community Health Endowment begin work on a non-profit campus concept.  The plan is moving along quickly with much support.  Mourning Hope has to raise all of their funding for their proposed building to be located where Schroeder City Park/Playground is currently.  Schroeder Park will be relocated to the west of Willard and Mourning Hope and will run north to south.  Mourning Hope wants to build a facility that will look like a house with a big wrap around porch.  Community Health Endowment will help them with the land deal with the City so that they can possibly add more square footage to their building.  An Open House will be held at Roper Elementary School on Dec. 5^th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm so the public can see what is planned for the campus.  The goal is to be able to provide complimentary services such as yoga, counseling and other possible revenue sharing programs and classes.

The City has agreed to let us share the existing south parking lot and with Mourning Hope.  The parking lot will be expanded to meet City requirements.  This will save us the expense of paving the alley and pouring a new parking lot on the west side of our building with the required screening.  Willard has to have 25 parking stalls so our architect is working with the City to get approval to add 2 more stalls to the current proposed parking lot drawing.  Community Health Endowment will pay for the land that we will use for the parking. 

A new job description was written and an employee has been hired as the Advancement & Child Care Assistant Director.  Her name is Dani Jurgens and she will start her employment on Dec. 11^th.  She comes from Friendship home where she was the volunteer coordinator and also helped with their fund raising events.  She will be researching and writing operation/program grants and also helping Sarah with the child care programs.  She is going to be a huge help to us.  We look forward to having her on our team.

Willard was fortunate to have recently been granted $5,000.00 from the Snow Redfern Foundation to help with scholarships for the Roper and Lakeview CLC Title XX children.  Willard had requested almost $15,000 but felt lucky to have received the amount that we did.  They increased their giving from 54 applicants last year to 97 this year

December

The Lakeview CLC completed their annual self-assessment rating tool on December 4^th.  Members of the group included; CLC Director; Nola Derby-Bennet, Lakeview Principal; Mr.Nelsen, CLC Site Coordinator; Gina Benne, and Sarah Reinke and Janelle Soderling.  The categories of scoring included Administrative and Sustainability; Relationships; Family-Program Collaboration; School-Program Collaboration; Community Program Collaboration; Environment, Safety and Wellness of Students; Programming – Academic Focus; Skills Focus and Enrichment Focus.  The Lakeview CLC had an assessment of 4.5 out of a possible 5.  Way to go Gina, Sarah and the CLC Staff.

An article was added to our web site about the renovation and expansion project. There is now a button to donate to the project.   Photos will continue to be added to Facebook showing our progress on the building.

United Way approved our Letter of Intent to request funding for our Preschool and Pre-K Programs.  For the upcoming 2018-2020 funding cycle we will request funding for the Preschool/Pre-K Programs and the Lakeview CLC. 

2018

January

The campus project with Parks and Recreation, Mourning Hope, Willard and the Planning Commission continues to move ahead.  Willard is going to have a special permit with Mourning Hope listed as an interested party for the property.  Mourning Hope will need to get the property zoned R-2.   Willard will sign a temporary construction agreement for the south parking lot with Mourning Hope and an operating agreement for the snow removal.

Willard will have to add paving in the alley for the parking lot on the North side of the building to have the required 25 parking spaces for the building but it should be less than having to pave the entire alley.

February

Sherry Moore resigns from the board to pursue other interests.  The board thanks her for her service and dedication to Willard. 

We found out this month that we will have new principals at both Roper and Lakeview Elementary School this fall.  We had built strong relationships with both Mr. Muggy at Roper and Mr. Nelson at Lakeview.  This will be a transition period for us as we get to know the new principals and their expectations. 

Progress continues on the building.  We purchased furniture from Eakes Office Solutions and appliances from Schaeffer’s Appliance.

March

Janelle met with Ken Svoboda from Ray’s Lawn and Home Care about continuing to do our landscaping, lawn mowing and snow removal.  Ken is going to continue to do all of this for us forever for free.  He is even willing to do this for Mourning Hope when they become our neighbor.  What a great guy and special neighbor. 

The weekend of March 24^th and 25^th volunteers from West Gate Bank, Boy Scout Troop 55 and community members came to unload the storage pods and move everything back into the building so that we can start work on extending the parking lot. Cornhusker Billiards picked up the foosball table and the extra pool table to be stored at their warehouse until they can be moved into the building. Two Men and a Truck came on Sunday morning with 4 guys to move the heavy tables, file cabinets and anything left over from the Saturday move. 

 

The only floor that was ready to move into was third floor and the elevator was not operational.  Everything had to be hauled up the stairs. Willard borrowed dolly's and carts from Lincoln Industries but they weren’t needed.  We had enough volunteers that they handed items off at the top of each set of stairs and the move went very quickly.

We put up signs advertising items for sale and put pictures on Facebook.  It was all sold and cleaned out in a few hours.

 

Janelle and the Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leaders attended a Fireside Chat on March 28^th sponsored by the Boy Scouts where they discussed Family Scouting, allowing girls to join the Boy Scouts.  Willard is the Chartering Organization for Pack and Troop 55 and it is Willards decision if we want to have girls join.  It was a unanimous decision with the leaders and Willard to be all inclusive and include the girls.

 

April

Willard’s Annual Meeting was held on April 30^th.  New Board Officers elected were as follows; Board Chair; Kassy Knudson, Vice-Chair; Justin Pflanz, Treasurer; Joey Mumaugh, Secretary; Michele Lueders.

The following were eligible for renewal of a three-year term: Lyle Wheeler, Johanna Hannemann, Michele Lueders, and Irene Williams. The board accepted resignations from Macduff Okuom and Sara Sayre. 

 

You can find Annual Reports for the Willard Community Center on our web site.

 

May /June

The staff concentrate on moving into the building and getting ready for child licensing and inspections. 

In licensing our new building for child care we encountered some barriers through Child Care Licensing with DHHS.  In order to obtain a license for 140 kids, the entire building needed to be open for just kids.  That meant the seniors that come to play Bingo and participate in other activities cannot be in the building during child care hours.  We had to cancel Bingo during the summer and non-school days in order to meet licensing requirements.

 

A Grand Opening Celebration for Donors and honored guests was held at Willard on May 23^rd from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.  Kathy LeBaron, campaign committee chair, gave the formal remarks and thanked the donors for making this dream come true.  She stated that we had begun the campaign in 2014.  The biggest challenge of the campaign committee was that no one knew much about Willard.  Some of our very early donors had not been west of 9^th and “A” Streets.  But once they came inside of the Willard building and saw first hand the state of the building but more importantly, heard about our programs and the children, seniors, and neighbors who we serve here, they were on board. 

Kathy then introduced the Capital Campaign Committee members; Candy Henning, Lisa Smith, Natalie Olson, Katie Haszard, Irene Williams, Kassy Knudson, Joyce Person, Kim Hachiya, Norma Hardle, Candiss Kleen, Steve Bauer and Janelle Soderling.  Each of these volunteers spent countless hours writing and reviewing grants, helping to make calls, preparing campaign packets, giving tours, and all the details necessary to raise over $2 million.  We started the renovation in May of 2017 and competed the renovation in May of 2018 when the building was 100 years old.  To date we have raised $2,068,439.  The original goal was $1.8 million but as you can imagine digging into a 100-year old building brought some surprises. 

Board Chair, Kassy Knudson, recognized the Willard Board for their incredible support and hard work on the project.  Board Members were introduced and included; Lyle Wheeler, Michele Lueders, Joey Mumaugh, Mitch Critel, Johanna Hannemann, Emily Phelps, Justin Pflanz, and Irene Williams.

Mayor Chris Beutler was introduced and he spoke about the positive impact the Community Center will have on this neighborhood.  Kathy LeBaron thanked him and the City Council for helping us to receive a matching grant of $100.000.  Carl Eskridge and other City Council members were in attendance and introduced.  Kathy then informed the guests that we will open our doors on May 30^th for the Summer Program.  Guests were treated to snacks, wine and beer.  Thank you to Boy Scout Troop 55 for greeting guests and helping guide guests through the building. 

The Give to Lincoln Campaign raised a little over $3,000.00.

On June 6^th Girl Scout/Brownie Troop 20661 built a Little Free Food Pantry on the south side of Willard.  The Brownies saw a need at their school, Roper Elementary, and decided to study hunger in the community and came up with a way to help the lower income families in their own neighborhood.  They helped to design and build the first little food pantry in Lincoln.  The Brownies will be in charge of maintaining and filling the food pantry but have called on the neighborhood to help with donations.  To find out more about this you can find an article that was in the Lincoln Journal Star on 6-12-18.

A Grand Opening for the Community was held on June 14^th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.  It was a very warm evening but the community came for tours, hot dogs, and entertainment provided by the Nebraska Swordfighters Guild.  Boy Scout Troop 55 helped to greet visitors and assisted with the set-up and clean up.  Campaign Committee Chair, Kathy LeBaron gave the formal remarks and thanked the donors and the neighborhood for their support of this project.  Kassy Knudson, Willard Board Chair, thanked the board, staff and all the Willard participants for their continued support. The Chamber of Commerce brought out a big red ribbon and a large pair of scissors.  Janelle Soderling was given the honor of cutting the ribbon with the help of some of Willard’s child care participants, Boy Scouts, staff, board and campaign committee members.  It was a great event.  It was so good to see Willard families and alumni come out to see our new building.

Good News!  Willard has received notice that we have been allocated $15,000.00 for the CLC Program and $9,000.00 for the Preschool and Pre-K Programs from United Way.  Yea!  This will be a big help.  This is a $2,800.00 increase in funding for the CLC and totally new funding for Preschool and Pre-K.  This is a two-year funding cycle so we will receive these amounts each year for the next two years. We will also receive additional money from United Way designations.

On June 21^st United Way brought 15 volunteers to the Center to read to the children as part of their Day of Action that is focused on children’s literacy. Each child received a free book and the volunteers spent time reading to them and playing games.  This is the second year that they have done this and a great opportunity for us to show off our program and the building to community volunteers.  It was a great rainy day activity and the kids loved the extra attention and the free book.

We started to rent out the building for community events.  A graduation and a birthday party were held and the quests were impressed with our space.  The rental fee was set at $150.00 for a 4-hour rental.

The Summer Program is going very well.  The kids love the new building and the extra space.  The parents are loving the security and the program.  We have full enrollment of 140 with a waiting list.  Preschool and Pre-K remain combined at the Pre-K House at 1030 West “Q” for the summer. 

July

The cost of the renovation was raised to 2.4 million dollars and the campaign committee has $94,000.00 left to raise.  They continue to write grants and make requests.

Chase the Sunset Motorcycle Poker Run was held on Friday, July 13th. Proceeds made were $2,012.00.  The turn out was not what we had hoped due to the chance of severe rain storms that moved through the area.  Sponsors for the event were Tab Performance, Lincoln Industries, Roughriders, Zipline Brewing Co., Boathouse Bar and Grill, and Frontier Harley Davidson.  Everyone had a fun time at the event and the rain held off.  The evening ended back at Willard for food, beverages and raffle drawings.

Over the summer we had water drainage issues from the slope of the old existing parking lot to our front doors. There would have to be extensive drainage measures done to drain the water away from the building.  After much discussion and research Mourning Hope and Willard decide to tear out the old parking lot and replace it with a new, larger parking lot that would provide the proper slope away from the building, additional drainage solutions and would meet ADA regulations. 

Long time board member Irene Williams loses her husband, Russ, to cancer.  Irene requests that memorials come to Willard.  The board and campaign committees decide to use the money to purchase a bench and possibly a tree for the commons area to be landscaped west of the Willard building.

 The Parks and Recreation Department has begun the Master Planning for the reconfigured Schroeder Park.  They are planning on moving the existing playground as soon as this fall.  Mourning Hope, Willard, Community Health Endowment and neighborhood representatives are all at the planning table.  The Lincoln West Kiwanis Club has also expressed an interest in helping with this project. 

We have completed all the steps to get the approval of the declaration of city owned property as surplus, change of zone from R-2 to P for the park, street and alley vacation, and the sales agreement and park land designation.  The City, Mourning Hope and Willard have gone before the Planning Commission in June and the City Council in July.  Now we just have to wait for the City Council to vote on it next week and then another two weeks to see if anyone comes forward with a disagreement about anything and then all will be approved.

August

Ms. Jurgens received a $10,000 grant from Lincoln Community Foundation, this grant can be used for operations, which allows flexibility.

 

The child care programs are going great.  Our Roper program is full with 150 children and a waiting list.  Lakeview has more children signed up than we had last year with 58 enrolled.  Preschool and Pre-K enrollments are coming in slowly.  We have signs up in the West A neighborhood and over by Lakeview School advertising these programs.  Hopefully we will get a surge of enrollees in September.  Currently we are all working at the child care sites to maintain child care licensing ratios.  No college students want to apply at the beginning of the school year until they have their classes figured out.

Willard hosted a Resource Fair on August 18th from 9:00am to noon.  We had 20 vendors and about 25 participants. The Center for People In Need helped so much with this event.  They had spread the word to all of their contacts and participants and they were expecting to have 100’s of people here that day.  The vendors included a booth for people to sign up for food programs and other programs at Center for People In Need, Clinic With a Heart, Legal Aid, Aging Partners, League of Women Voters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, WIC, Mourning Hope, Community Hope Federal Credit Union, Lutheran Family Services Health 360 and many more.  The vendors told me that they had a good time connecting with the other agencies.  I was hoping that we would be able to get a sense of what was really needed in this neighborhood but that didn’t happen.  Maybe we will try again at a later date.  WIC will be bringing their services to Willard starting in September. 

Dani and Janelle have been doing a lot of speaking engagements for Kiwanis Clubs.  The West Lincoln Club is going to help us with the golf tournament and they also do a lot for us at the Lakeview CLC.  When I told them about the changes happening at Schroder Park they are very willing to help with that too.  They are going to be good partners for Willard.

Willard has hosted two meetings here this month.  Mourning Hope had their board meeting here and then walked the grounds where their new building will be located.  Lincoln Community Foundation had their board meeting here and that is when we found out that we were going to receive our grant for $10,000 for operations.  I hope to continue to do community events here so that people will come in and see what we have to offer.

September

We have hired a receptionist, Lori Wittmuss.  She will be working at the front desk on M-W-F mornings and on M-T-Th nights when we have activities in the building.  It is going to be a big help to actually have a person in the building at night making sure that all the groups are supervised and can have support if necessary.

So far in the building at night we have Boy Scout Troop 55 and Committee meeting along with Swordfighters on Monday nights; Indian Hills adult and child bible study on Tuesday nights; and Cub Scouts and Committee meeting on Thursday nights.  We are hoping to add more programming once the old parking lot is torn out and the new parking lot is completed.

Willard got some very nice publicity on Thursday the 18^th from the news conference announcing Community Health Endowment of Lincoln 20^th Anniversary Legacy Projects.  CHE is celebrating 20 years in the community and held a presentation about the agencies that will receive funding and will be making the biggest impact on Lincoln this year.  Mourning Hope and Parks and Rec were recognized for the Schroder Park Wellness Campus and for making a positive impact on children and families.  Willard got recognized as their partner in this project.  CHE is investing $560,000 in this project in addition to the $100,000 that Willard has received from them.  Food Bank of Lincoln and Lincoln Community Action were honored for the Healthy Food Access Project for their food truck that will deliver fresh produce around town in low income neighborhoods and a community kitchen that will make hot meals for the summer programs and for children across Lincoln. 

October

Mark and Kathy LeBaron donated the remaining amount needed to close out the campaign by September as a requirement by the Kiewit donation.  Willard is so very grateful for the support of the LeBaron Family and Lincoln Industries. 

Now we need to focus on getting funding for the additional cost of the parking lot and drainage solutions. A grant has been submitted to the Sunderland Foundation. They do not have a regular schedule of when they approve donations. Mourning Hope will pay back a portion of the parking lot total.

The Kenny Gardner Memorial Golf Tournament held on September 30^th made $11,369.00 this year; up from $9,000 last year and down from $13,888 the previous year. Mr. Pflanz brought up that this was the first year that the Gardner’s had really stepped back requiring Ms. Jurgens and the Board to do all of the asks and registrations. The Board felt good about the money raised considering the cold wet weather.

 

November/December

Pam Gardner, wife of Kenny Gardner, passes away on November 19th.  The golf tournament will now be called the Pam and Kenny Gardner Memorial “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament.  The Gardner family requested that Willard receive her memorials and the funds will be used for the outdoor commons area west of the Willard building.  The 2019 golf tournament will be held on October 6^th at the Highlands Golf Course.

We had our first election day, November 6^th, at Willard since we reopened in May.  I am happy to say that we had 508 voters come in to cast their ballot.  I wish that I could have given them all tours of the building but there was a line of people waiting almost all day. 

Dani Jurgens takes a position with the American Red Cross.  We decide that we need a full time Child Care Director Assistant and have hired one of our preschool teachers, Tabitha Love.  Tabitha was a child care director North Creek Child Care Center for her last job so she is very qualified and knowledgeable about all the child care regulations and expectations.  We are all thrilled about this!  Jenny Miller is hired as a Preschool Teacher assistant in the Preschool Program to fill the open position.

Carolyn Allen-Kortmeyer was voted in as a new board member.  Her daughter is Sarah Reinke, Willard’s Program Director.

 

Willard Community Center History for 2019 - January to December

January

As we work on approving a budget for 2019 we know that marketing for our programs and getting more children enrolled is going to be the key to our success in 2019.  Our Preschool and Pre-K Programs are not at full capacity so our revenue is down.  Our east preschool room is not being utilized due to low enrollment. 

The board votes to increase child care rates as of Summer 2019.  Roper Before and After School Program goes up 3%, Lakeview CLC increases 5% to get closer to Roper rates and Summer Program increases $5.00 per week.

We discover that our 1998 15-passenger van is no longer worthy to transport children so we research options to rent or purchase a van for the summer.  It takes three vans to transport children on field trips and swimming outings.

Janelle Soderling gets certified to teach Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED training to all of the Willard staff.  A new requirement for child care licensing is that every staff member needs this certification in order to work in our child care programs. We will have to rent the CPR manikins and AED machines to teach the classes but we will get a discount from the American Red Cross for each certification and we won’t have to pay for an instructor.

It is the beginning of a new school semester and university student’s schedules change.  Sarah and Tabitha are busy interviewing new staff to work our child care programs.  It continues to be a struggle to find staff to cover all the shifts. 

February

Two new board members are voted in at our board meeting.  They are Missy Wigley, an employee at Nelnet and Joel Beckwith, a marketing student from UNL.  Missy has a lot of experience in grant writing and fundraising.  Joel has lots of new and innovative ideas to market our programs and services.

Fundraising, marketing, grants, building rentals, and new revenue making programs are at the top of our list this year.  This last year has been another rebuilding year since being out of our building for a year during construction.  We are not bouncing back with child care enrollments as quickly as we had anticipated.  It seems that other child care centers that have consistently had full enrollments have also had openings. 

Willard signs an agreement with the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children (Nebraska AEYC) and United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County to conduct a one-year Quality Enhancement Project, in our Preschool and Pre-K Programs.  The Quality Enhancement Project consists of Nebraska AEYC doing a Pre and Post Environment Rating Scale classroom assessment, monthly coaching visits, coordination of the purchase of classroom supplies and teacher resources, and support for the program to enroll in Step Up To Quality and work through Steps 1 and 2.  United Way will reimburse Nebraska AEYC for approved budget expenditures, not to exceed $15,253. Tabitha Love manages this project, teachers are invested in the project and Willard meets Step One requirements in March and Step Two requirements in May.  Thank you to Nebraska AEYC and United Way for their confidence in Willard and for supporting the importance of Early Childhood Development Programs.

The Willard Board approves a parking lot maintenance agreement with Mourning Hope.  We will split the costs.  Willard will be designated the North side of the lot and Mourning Hope the South side. 

Cheever Construction is up for an Excellence in Construction Award and Janelle wrote them a letter of recommendation.  Our one-year warranty will be approaching soon.  We will take photos and talk to Cheever Construction about the issues we want to address in our building.

The Willard staff participate in the Early Childhood Fair held at Gateway Mall on February 17^th.  We had a booth and passed out information about our child care programs.  We talked to lots of parents as their children enjoyed making jeweled crowns.  We are hoping that we got the interest of several young families.  They were all invited to the Open Houses on February 23^rd.

To try to increase enrollment in our Preschool and Pre-K Programs we send out a mass mailing postcard inviting 818 families with young children, ages 2-5, in the surrounding zip codes; 68521, 22, 24, 28 and 08.   The Open House was set for both the Preschool and Pre-K locations for Saturday, February 23^rd and a discount will be offered if they enroll their children by March 21, 2019.   The weather turns awful the day of the Open House and we cancel the event.  More marketing strategies are planned throughout the year.  We have the East Preschool room at Willard that is ready for preschool children but we have not enrollees.  The room still sets empty.

March

This month the board voted in two new additional board members.   They are Will Toliver from Lincoln Industries and Brett Richert from Stephens and Smith Construction.  We are excited to have another board member from our neighbor, Lincoln Industries, who can help with our programs and operations.  Stephens and Smith Construction has had representatives on our board before, but not for many years.  It will be great to have Brett to make that connection again.

The Board and staff consider starting another program that would bring children to Willard every day after school from Roper.  We would draw from the children who are on our waiting list for the Roper After School Program.  This could increase our revenue if the program is at full enrollment of 34 children.   The issue will be finding enough staff and vans to transport those children and run a program at Willard. Discussion continues on purchasing a used van to replace the 1998. 

We push information about our programs through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to try to reach more people.  We encourage our participants to spread the word about Willard and board members continue to strategize other ways to get more people in the building.

The City Parks and Recreation Department prepare to move the existing playground to the west end of the property in preparation for Mourning Hope’s ground breaking in May.  We are not sure how long we will be without a playground for our child care kids.

By the end of March Janelle will have certified 26 child care staff in Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED.  We are able to rent the adult and infant manikins from Nebraska Safety Council for $90.00 for 5 days and we get a discount from American Red Cross for $27.00 per person.

A dear neighbor and Willard school alumni, Char Fifer, passes away on March 28, 2019.  She just lived down the street between Willard and Lincoln Industries on Folsom Street.  She was active in the Bunco Group, was an alumni of the Willard Grade School, and a strong advocate of the Willard programs.  We received $1,020 from memorials made in her honor.  The money will be used to benefit the adult and child care programs.  Char always enjoyed seeing all the little children and senior citizens that came to Willard’s programs.  She appreciated that we were keeping her old school house as a vital meeting place for the neighborhood. 

 

April

The Schroder Playground was removed and the equipment was disassembled and stored in a pod.  They are predicting that the new playground will not be ready until July.  This will make for an interesting summer for the children enrolled in our Summer Program.  Construction will be in full swing on Mourning Hope’s building, we have no grass on our property to the west, and no playground to play on.  Safety will be our number one concern for the children. 

United Way provides grant funding for our Lakeview CLC Program and our Preschool /Pre-K Programs.  Their staff and volunteers came to do the annual site visits.  We really appreciate them coming for a personal visit.  It allows them to see the programs in action.  

A Craft Fair was held on April 6^th at the Center.  We had three floors of crafters and vendors.  We had a good crowd in the morning but a very slow afternoon.  It did bring new people in the building and everyone had a great time.

Primary Elections were held in the building and 167 people voted.

The Lincoln Fresh Food Truck will be coming to Willard every two weeks on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am.  Their first visit was April 16^th.  The food truck is part of a collaboration between the Food Bank and the Community Health Endowment, which in 2018 invested more than $950,000 to increase access to healthy foods in Lincoln.  They handed out fresh fruit and vegetables to anyone that came.  The preschool children came out to see the truck and all got an apple for snack.  The focus is to provide fresh food to low income families.  From the response we got I am sure that more and more people will come each time.  They are parking their truck on the north side of the building so that they won’t be bothered with all the construction that will be happening soon with Mourning Hope and the Park.

We had a new group rent the building for 3 times in April.  They are called Bible Talks and they have about 50 people each time.  They use to meet at Willard before the renovations and they were glad to be back in the new space.  They travel to different locations around Lincoln but we hope that they will come back again in the future.  We have 6 building rentals for April and 5 rentals for May for family gatherings and graduation parties. 

Willard’s Annual Meeting was held on April 24^th.  Joel Beckwith presented the Annual Report that he had created for us.  Everyone was impressed with the new look.  Our Annual Reports can be found on our web site under “About Us”. 

May

The Willard Board approves a contract with Lincoln Public Schools to continue to use the Pre-K House at 1030 West “Q” Street for another 5 years. 

Anderson Ford finds us a used 2018 Ford Transit T-350 15 passenger van with 25,532 miles for $29,340.   We finance it for 60 months.  Anderson Ford finds us another van identical to the first one with 35,000 miles for $29,142.  We finance the second one and eliminate the need to rent a van for the summer. 

Ms. Sarah Reinke, Program Director, reports that currently we have 22 Preschool and Pre-K kids and 94 Kindergarten through 8^th grade students enrolled for the summer.  She is expecting to be full at Roper this Fall with 150 and hopefully we will have 70 again at the CLC.  We will have 15 preschoolers transfer to the Pre-K House so that program will start out with a much bigger number than last year.  For Preschool we will do another mass mailing and open house this fall to encourage participation. 

Planning is in the works for fundraisers for Willard.  They include a Letter Mailing Campaign, Poker Run and Kenny and Pam Gardner Golf Tournament.  The letter campaign will go out to donors to ask for donations toward a van or to sponsor a low income program participant for a year.  The Poker Run will be July 20^th.  The golf tournament will be October 6^th and the fund raising letter is planned to go out the end of October.

The Willard Preschool and Pre-K Programs continue to fulfill requirements for Step Up To Quality Accreditation.  The teachers have been going to trainings, studying the ERS (Environment Rating Scale), changing and updating the classroom environment and materials, learning to implement a new curriculum (The Creative Curriculum) and using our new assessment tool (Ages and Stages). Preschool and Pre-K teachers and staff complete all the trainings for Step 2 and we advance to Step 3.  The Creative Curriculum was purchased for $2,150.00 and it is paid for by United Way through the Quality Enhancement Project.  This will be a one-time purchase and the teachers will have the ability to add their own ideas.  Step Up To Quality accreditation will be a huge asset for our programs.

We were fortunate to receive a $4,000 grant from US Bank.  The $4,000 will pay for the swim passes for the children to go swimming two times a week this summer.  Thank You US Bank!

Woods Charitable Fund grants us $13,000 for the Summer Program.  We purchase fifteen 2-way radios so every staff member will have a radio to communicate effectively. This will really help with the security at Willard this summer and at Roper Elementary this next school year.  This will allow us to spread out and use more space at Willard and Roper and still be able to communicate with everyone.  The grant also covers the summer salary of our Assistant Program Director, Tabitha Love.

Janelle was asked to write a letter of support for Cheever Construction to nominate them for an award from Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. at their 23^rd Annual ABC Excellence in Construction Awards in the category of Restoration/Renovation Less Than $25 Million.  They invited her to the Awards Dinner on April 25^th as their guest.  Janelle and her husband, Lonnie, attended to support Cheever.  They won for that category and received a beautiful bronze eagle trophy.  What a surprise when they also awarded Willard one too!  It was quite an honor.  They recognized both Willard and BVH Architecture.  Janelle will have the trophy on display in her office. 

Cheever Construction has been such a great team to work with.  They have made good on all of the little repairs and fixes that needed attention at the end of our one-year warranty and continue to help us. 

United Way asked if we had a parent that would like to talk about the importance of early childhood development for their campaign video.  We immediately suggested Tyler Rupert.  He is a parent of a pre-k child and also has a child in the Roper program.  He and his brothers grew up at Willard and he also worked as a staff member in our child care programs for many years.  United Way came and filmed him at the Pre-k House and he will also go in and do some narrative to go along with the video.  He represented Willard very well.  Willard has never been asked to participate in the campaign video so we were thrilled about the opportunity.  This should be great marketing for Willard and the preschool programs. 

The 8^th Annual Give to Lincoln Day was held on May 30th.  We received $2,973.25 in online gifts, $757.09 in offline gifts and the challenge match amount was $1,430.54.  The total that Willard received was $5,160.88.  This year we requested that all of the proceeds go toward the cost of our new vans. 

June

The current Willard Board of Directors officers have agreed to stay on for another year and are elected in June.  They are; Chair – Ms. Kassy Knudson, Vice-Chair – Mr. Justin Pflanz, Secretary – Ms. Michelle Lueders, and Treasurer – Mr. Joey Mumaugh. The remaining board members are; Joel Beckwith, Johanna Hannemann, Carolyn Kortmeyer, Emily Phelps, Brett Richert, Will Toliver and Irene Williams-Delozier. 

We received the Lancaster County Assessment for our building.  In 2018 it was valued at $247,900 and in 2019 it is valued at $845,600. 

We sold the 1998 Ford 15 passenger van for $750.00.  It was sold to a band that is planning on taking it to Phoenix and Los Angeles this summer.  They knew the A/C didn’t work.  I wish them luck.

The Summer Program has started and we have already have had some parent concerns about the parking lot and how crowded it is with the construction.  Hampton Construction has put a chain link fence around Mourning Hope’s property which includes their parking spaces on the south side of the lot.  They are going to use that area for staging their construction materials.  It is a challenge at 5:00 pm with parent pick up and our three vans on the north side in our spaces. 

United Way Day of Action was held on Friday, June 21^st.  A group of 15 volunteers from Black Hills Energy came and read books, donated by United Way, to all the children in our summer program from   8-9 am.  It was a rainy morning so having the volunteers come and spend time with the kids to read a good book was a perfect activity.  Every child got to take a book home to add to their libraries.  Thank you to United Way and Black Hills Energy for helping to encourage the children to read over the summer.

July

The Chase the Sunset Poker Run was held on Saturday, July 20^th.  It was a beautiful hot summer day.  Thanks to our sponsors, riders and great restaurant/bar stops we brought in $3,825.   Hickman Bar and Grill donated $100 and Traditions Pub gave $80 to the cause.  The large group of riders from Roughriders Motorcycle Club really helped us make the day a success.  They looked so impressive when they all rode in together.  The group donated their winning poker hand money back to Willard and bought lots of raffle tickets.  We had several great raffle prizes and the Roughriders also auctioned back some raffle items which brought in additional money.  Tournament sponsors this year were Rough Riders Motorcycle Club, Stephens and Smith Construction, Granski Trucking, Wilhelm Auto, Tech Allies, and McCashland/Kirby Insurance Agency. 

The Willard board addresses our financial status through the end of the year.  We have cashed in our last CD which was the last of our reserves.  A finance committee was formed to look at all of Willard’s programs and report back to the board.  The Finance Committee will consist of Kassy Knudson, Justin Pflanz, Joey Mumaugh, Brett Richert, Renee Hein and Janelle Soderling.  We have more and more families that need either Title XX funding or the discounted rates for Free and Reduced Lunch participants to help pay for their child care expenses.  Title XX reimburses Willard an hourly rate per child instead of a monthly rate so we are only getting paid 54% of what it actually costs per child.  Discounted rates are in place for families that qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch Status.  We estimate that we are losing $10,000 per month because of this.  Writing grants to cover this loss will be a top priority to help us to make up the deficit that comes from these families not paying the full program fee amount. 

We still owe $430,395 on the capital campaign.  The interest on our account is $20,000 per year. We still have $103,000 in pledges that will be coming in through 2021. 

We are now able to apply for funding from Lincoln Littles since we have completed all of the Step Up To Quality Step 2 accreditation requirements.  Lincoln Littles informs us that they have some additional funds and they allow us to submit a letter of intent to request scholarship funding for low income children.  The LOI was accepted so a grant was submitted to Lincoln Community Foundation for Lincoln Littles funding.  Lincoln Littles is a community wide fundraiser to pay for quality early childhood programs for low income families.  This was the first year for Lincoln Littles and the community wide fund raising event proved to be very successful.  This event will continue every February around Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.  We weren’t at Step 2 in February but LCF allowed us to apply later.    

The Food Truck has been coming to Willard every other Tuesday morning to distribute free food to families in need.  This has been very popular.  They have about 50 people come.  The fruits and vegetables have looked very fresh and plentiful.  What a great service!

 

August

It is the beginning of the school year so Sarah and Tabitha have been trying to hire enough staff to work at all the child care sites.  We have not been able to start our new program of transporting children from Roper to Willard yet because we do not have enough staff to run it.  We already have a waiting list at Roper and these are the kids we would transfer to Willard.  Some of the hiring issues have been that people want more hours than we have available and they want more than $9.00 an hour which is our current starting hourly wage.  Other child cares are offering a higher wage or a hiring incentive.

Jo Pflanz, mother of board member Justin Pflanz and retired employee from Lincoln Industries, agrees to be our grant writer.  This is going to be a tremendous help to us.  We would like to be able to write two grants a month to help with van expenses and the estimated loss of program service fees from not having full enrollment and the reduced service fees from Title XX and discounted rates.  Willard board and staff feel it is our mission to help these families as long as we can still sustain the programs.  

Missy Wiggly turns in her resignation to the board.  A new job has left her no extra time to serve on a board at this time.

The City finally reopened Schroder Park the middle of August.  Now located just west of Willard we finally have our playground back, two half basketball courts, and a concrete slab for a future shelter house.  The kids will be excited for the first non-school day to be able to play in the park again.  We have really missed it.

September

Nancy Hicks, a reporter from the Neighborhood Extra, wrote an article about our Step Up To Quality Programs.  She will be writing about the required trainings for the staff, learning centers and other qualifications for SUTQ.  She credits United Way and Nebraska NAEYC for their contribution to the Quality Enhancement project.  She also encourages families to enroll their children and/or give donations. 

New state child care licensing regulations go into effect on Oct. 1^st that every child care staff member has to be fingerprinted through the Nebraska State Patrol.  Employees will have to set up a time to get fingerprinted and they tell us the results can take up to 11 weeks.  The cost will be $46.38 per staff and they can’t start working with children until we get the results back.  Current employees have until 2021 to get fingerprinted.  We are still required to pay all the other fees for criminal history report, DHHS central registry check, Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED training and Safe With You plus the fingerprinting cost.  Average total cost per employee is $113.88.

Our child care enrollment is; 13 at Preschool (Can take 11 more in the west room and an additional 14 in the east room.), 18 at Pre K (Can take 2 more.), 70 at Lakeview CLC and 150 at Roper.

Willard received $24,500 in scholarship funding for Preschool and Pre-K through the Lincoln Littles funds.  We had projected having 20 children on scholarship by this time but only have 7.  Lincoln Community Foundation has recognized that there are also openings and availability at other centers and they are going to help spread information about program scholarships.  LCF will make a flyer with a map showing locations of Centers that have this scholarship funding, push out information on their Facebook page, and develop more marketing options to help increase enrollments.

United Way Day of Caring volunteers from Black Hills Energy came to Willard on Sept. 6^th and helped to lay down the recycled rubber matting from the City playground on parts of our Preschool playground.  We had a group of 11 that dug up the bark chips and replaced it with the rubber matting.  It looks great and the kids like it. 

United Way’s annual campaign has started and they are showing their video that features Willard Community Center’s Early Learning Programs.  Tyler Rupert was selected to be in the video to talk about his experience of growing up at Willard being a staff member for 8 years and now he lives in the neighborhood and his children come to Willard.  It is a great video.  You can see it on our website. 

BVH Architecture had a professional photographer come and take pictures of our building and all of our participants.  They came out on Monday the 30^th and photographed the Seniors playing Bingo, Preschool, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts raising the American Flag, and Swordfighters.  We will be allowed to have copies of all of the photos to use for our web site or Facebook. 

October

The Kenny and Pam Gardner Memorial “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament was held on Oct. 6^th.  With the passing of Pam Gardner in November of 2018 this is the first year that the memorial tournament will include her name.  Willard raised $13,000.  We had more tournament sponsors than ever before with a total of nine. The tournament sponsors were: Inspro Insurance, Lincoln Auto Auction, West Gate Bank, Tab Performance, Lincoln Industries, Hoy and Associates Construction, Precision Aesthetics, Norland Pure and Priced Rite Auto.  We registered 23 teams.  We held a putting contest and the tournament started at noon. Golf Status was used this year to help with golfer registration and to keep track of teams during the tournament.  All went very well and we had a nice day.  Sarah and the golf committee had everything very well organized and the participants had a great selection of raffle prizes.  It was suggested that next year we move the tournament to July and start it in the morning and end around noon or 1 pm. 

Snow Redfern Foundation approves a grant for $3,000 for scholarships for low income children at the Lakeview Community Learning Center Program.  This is the second time that Snow Redfern has helped us get reimbursement for the loss of program service fees for serving low income children.  Their funding acts like scholarship support.   It significantly helps us to run a break even program.  Snow Redfern helps us to continue to serve low income children without sacrificing the quality of our program, which better ensures our sustainability. 

Hiring is getting better but still not fully staffed at all the child care sites.  We just hired a site supervisor, Nate Wolf, for the new program that will transport children from Roper to Willard every day.  We really need to get this program up and running to help increase revenue.  

At Preschool we currently have 14 children.  We did another mass mailing and held an open house but no one came.  We have had several calls from Lincoln Littles publicity on Facebook. 

November

The Willard board prepares a donor letter mailing campaign and sends out a letter to all previous donors addressing the need for additional support of Willard’s programs.  The portion of the letter states, “We’re writing to let you know that Willard still needs your support. Over the past several years the percentage of children in our programs that pay a reduced rate because they are Title XX or have qualified for free and reduced programs through their school has risen to 54% and that number is growing each year. These reduced fees result in over $120,000 in lost revenue to Willard. These are, of course, the children that need our support the most as we believe our mission is to help area residents grow, connect, and contribute to our community. We know the early childhood services we provide are essential in supporting these children to becoming productive citizens and in reaching their potential.

We are committed to supporting these children and do not want to restrict the children in our programs because of their parents’ financial situation.  As a community center, we feel that balancing the needs of the community, and the need to maintain a balanced budget is vital.”

The letter suggests levels of donations and what the donations will be used for.  For example: $50 will purchase a snack for 150 children, $100 will purchase educational toys and/or sports equipment for our programs, $500 will cover one month’s tuition for one child in full time preschool or Pre-K or 2 months for before and after school care, $1000 STEAM learning materials such as Legos, Brain Flakes, Gears Gears Gears, Squigz and art supplies for group activities for over 200 children in our Before and After School Programs, and $1500 will cover the cost of for gas and maintenance for three vans for field trips, to go swimming, and transportation throughout the year. 

The letter campaign helps us through the end of the year.  Mr. and Mrs. Marc LeBaron, with Lincoln Industries, are the first donors giving $15,000 to the cause.  The letter campaign brings in a total of $19,950. 

Nate Wolf is working on getting registrations for the transportation program from Roper to Willard every day after school.  We will start this program in January and hopefully it will fill up quickly. 

Enrollment numbers are looking better.  We are full at Pre-K with 20 and Preschool has 15.

The fingerprinting process for staff is going well.  There has just been a one-week delay for the report. 

West Gate Bank donated twelve I Pads to Willard.  We will be able to use these for Title XX parent sign in and also will look at program staff using them to sign in and out every day to report hours worked.   We also hope to use them for staff trainings.

December

Tammy Ward, City Council representative, came to Willard to meet and greet the Willard board.  She got a tour of the building and gave a presentation about her passions and experience.  The Board told her we would like her help to get more programs at Willard to get people in the door.  We want to know how to target partnerships with other agencies.  We explained to her that our challenge is the reduced fees we receive from Title XX and Free and Reduced lunch status participants.   Ms. Knudson asked her how she sees Lincoln and Willard handling this decrease in funding since most students are not paying full rate.  This does not make a sustainable business model.  Ms. Ward suggested using social media and other marketing tools to increase programs and interest in the building.  She thinks that being a neighbor with Mourning Hope will also be good for publicity.  She would like to put together a board or commission for early childhood and get stakeholders together to discuss child care issues. 

The board told Ms. Ward that fundraising was not critical for Willard 3 years ago but when we reopened and had to rebuild programs that really hurt us.  Currently we are developing a robust grant program, we will do annual program fee increases, and can now receive funding from Lincoln Littles since we are getting accredited through Step Up To Quality.  

Lincoln Community Foundation helps with our capital campaign loan and interest is lowered to 3%.  This allows us to take $10,000 off budget for interest expenses.

Enrollment keeps increasing little by little and in December we have 20 kids in Preschool; 13 full-time and 7 part-time.  Over the holiday break we have 85 signed up the non-school days.  Staffing could be an issue with this many children. 

Holiday break for the elementary children went very well.  The children had plenty of activities and games to keep them busy.  They were also able to go outside quite a bit thanks to the nice weather.  Parents had to sign up a head of time for their children to attend each day.  Based on that sign up we anticipated 85 every day.  We had an average daily attendance of 50.   We don’t know if the cost was a factor or if kids were sick and didn’t come.  We had enough staff for the 50 kids but if we would have had the 85 we would have been short staffed a couple of days.  We provided care for 7 days of the Holiday break.

Katie Umberger, Healthy Food Access Coordinator with the Food Bank, sent out a report at the end of the year thanking everyone for their partnership throughout this first year.  The Lincoln Fresh Food Truck distributed a total of 108,647 pounds of fruits and vegetables through the Lincoln Fresh program. At Willard Community Center it hosted 17 stops, seeing 433 visits to the truck, distributing 4,779 pounds of produce.

 

2020

January

Holiday break for the elementary children went very well.  The children had plenty of activities and games to keep them busy.  They were also able to go outside quite a bit thanks to the nice weather.  Parents had to sign up ahead of time for their children to attend each day.  Based on that sign up we anticipated 85 every day.  We had an average daily attendance of 50.   We don’t know if the additional cost of $50.00 for each child was a factor for our low attendance.   We had enough staff for the 50 kids but if we would have had the 85 we would have been short staffed a couple of days.

Program enrollment continues to increase.  Ms. Reinke was pleased to announce that Preschool enrollment at Willard is full in the SW room with 24. Pre-K at 1030 West “Q” Street is at full enrollment with 20.  Roper Before and After School Program has 154 at the school with an additional 8 in the Expanded After School Program here at Willard for a total of 162 children.  Site Supervisor, Nate Wolf, is managing the expanded program.  Eight children that had been on the waiting list for Roper were transported from Roper to Willard M-F after school.  The program at Willard replicated the program held at Roper.  The Lakeview CLC has 307 children enrolled; 77 in the core Before and After School Program and an additional 230 in After School Clubs.

Mourning Hope’s building is coming along nicely.  The City, Mourning Hope and Willard all come together to discuss shared signage.  Schroder Park starts installing an arch entry to the park.  They hope to get grass seeded, trees planted and a drinking fountain in the Spring.

Ms. Soderling met with Megan McGuffey and Barb Brockley from Community Crops on January 8th.  They discussed the possibility of using a section of our property on the west side of the building for a community garden.  They seemed very interested and had been looking for a spot in this neighborhood.  They didn’t think that we could have a garden ready to go by this summer but it could be in the works for summer 2021.  They will make their assessments and search for grant funding before making any final decisions.  They would need a water faucet in the garden.

February

An annual price increase of 3% for program service fees will be starting this summer.  The hope is to get the programs on the right track so that we can look at giving raises, etc.  

John Joyce, a 12-year Willard employee and Site Supervisor at the Roper Before and After School Program, has accepted a position as a custodian for LPS at Roper School.  His last day is February 21st.  John was highly respected by the children and parents and will be dearly missed.  Taking over as Site Supervisor was Lauren Bowman, another long time Willard child care employee.  

Ms. Reinke, Ms. Love and Ms. Kortmeyer ran a booth at the Early Childhood Family Fair held at Gateway Mall on Sunday, February 16th.  They estimated that they had 72 children come to their booth to make crowns and receive a Willard magnet and information about our programs. 

Mourning Hope Grief Center, our new neighbor across the parking lot, announced that they are planning on moving into their new building around the 1st of May. They won’t begin programming until August. 

Lincoln Littles raised $680,000 this year during the community wide campaign.  Willard submitted a grant with them again to provide scholarship funding for the Preschool and Pre-K programs for families that can’t afford the fee. We were granted $49,000 for scholarships to begin April 2020- March 2021.  

Allo Communications announced that 77 non-profits in Lincoln and Lancaster County will receive free internet for the next 10 years.  This is very exciting news because we are one of the 77 non-profits.  It will save us about $3,000 a year.  They have already contacted us to get started hooking us up.  Thank you Allo!

Stephens and Smith Construction Company brought in 150 staff members for a company training on February 19th.  They used 3 classrooms and rotated their employees through the trainings.  They utilized our vans and we transported their employees from Stephens and Smith to Willard and back.  Mr. Brett Richert said that he received great feedback from his employees.

March

One of our Boy Scouts from Troop 55, Josh Sterns, is interested in working with Willard and Community Crops to help plan the Community Garden as his Eagle Scout project.  Josh and his Dad, Dan Sterns, and Ms. Soderling met with Community Crops to see what his role and expectations will be to begin this project.  Both Community Crops and Willard are excited to have his help.  This will get even more scouts and families involved in the garden.

Lincoln Littles awarded us $2,832 for the purpose of supporting early learning scholarships for eligible children in accordance with Lincoln Littles initiative in Lincoln.  This funding was a one-time only for the month of February 2020 and was in accordance with the invoice we submitted to the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.  

The Lincoln Fresh Food Truck comes back for a second season of handing out free produce to the community starting on March 3rd.  Everyone is thrilled that they are coming back. We had a great response to this last year and have already had phone calls about when they will be back. 

The Corona Virus Pandemic Hits – It was business as usual until the week of LPS Spring Break, March 9-13. Willard was open, as planned, for LPS Spring Break and had 99 children sign up with an average daily attendance of 65.  We decided to close the next week, March 16 – 20, along with LPS to decide how to handle the crisis and the lack of staff that would be available to work.  LPS decided to close until further notice.  UNL closed and told students to move home where they could take on-line classes.  Many businesses closed but some parents are able to work from home.  It was determined that we would close for a second week, March 23 - 27, to clean and disinfect the building, update policies and procedures, and make plans to see if we could open our doors.  We would have to do enrollment on a first come, first serve basis and priority would be given to essential workers - firemen, police, healthcare workers, etc. 

In order to operate child care we will need to set parameters.  The board held a group discussion to determine how we could operate during this time.  The following bullet points were considered top priority. 

· Make plans for communication with parents and staff.

· Controls will be in place – take temperatures of children and staff, keep building clean, keep children separated by grade.

· Make sure it is known what we will be doing for educational enrichment, working with LPS, and activities.

·    Make everyone aware of the requirements needed to close the Center – Outbreak, numbers of children enrolled goes down, or if the Health Department shuts us down.

· Make a plan to handle anyone having flu like symptoms – They are to leave the building ASAP, do a deep cleaning, check temperatures, etc.

· Staff will not be allowed to come to work if they have traveled out of the county or state or to any hot spots such as Florida or Colorado. 

· Due to the virus Workers Compensation will pay them if they get sick at work.  If they contract it from somewhere else, then they need to stay at home and we could get payroll expenses reimbursed by the IRS but we must keep good records of this.  If they choose to travel, then we will not pay them if they get sick.  If they have no choice but to travel, then we would pay them.

· Governor Ricketts said to tell employees to apply for unemployment now.

· Many other scenarios were discussed and the consensus was to be flexible and try to stay open as long as possible. 

After discussing all of these parameters it was determined that we would open up for child care on March 30th.  Staff will do a survey to families to see who needs care and determine who will be approved for child care.  A clear plan of how we will be caring for kids and how we will be communicating to parents will be put into place. 

When we first started registration for care when LPS closed we had 65 children pre-registered on March 23rd.  Parents continued to back out on registrations and by the first week we reopened, March 30th- April 3rd we had an attendance of 25 children Preschool through 5th grade. We have 17 children on either Title XX or Lincoln Littles funding. 

As of now there have been no cases of Covid – 19 in Lancaster County.  If that happens we will be open until we are told that we can’t be open by the Governor or the Health Department.

April

WCC had 39 part-time employees working in 4 childcare sites. Due to a variety of circumstances related to COVID-19, we lost 17 part-time staff but have retained the remaining 22 plus 8 full-time positions.  We are making every effort to keep existing staff on the payroll with proactive planning, networking, and training.  Factoring our current staff numbers, our considerable space, and the enforcement of 10 children per room, we calculate that Willard can provide excellent care for 70 children.  We currently only have 31 children; 23 grade school age, 4 Preschool and 4 Pre-K kids attending.  We are using social media platforms, LPS contacts, funding partners like United Way and Lincoln Littles, and associate daycare facilities to spread the word about our openings.

LPS incorporates remote learning and every child can access classroom instruction through daily Zoom sessions.  Willard staff assist them during their sessions, keep them on task and help with homework.   

There are no community groups, Scouts, or Sword Fighters using the building.  Everyone is practicing social distancing and not meeting in groups larger than 10 people.  Many room reservations have also been cancelled.  LPS graduation has been pushed back to the end of July so graduation parties are being pushed back also.

Ms. Reinke, Ms. Love and Ms. Soderling are also practicing social distancing.  We are taking turns so one of us is working from home for a week while the other two are at Willard.  If we have an outbreak or we have an exposure to Coronavirus the one at home should be ok to take over the responsibilities.

We have had to change many of our policies and parent handbooks very quickly.  We are also communicating with the staff on a daily basis and working with parents to make Willard as safe as possible so that we can remain open for business.

Willard held the Annual Meeting on April 15th via a Zoom meeting.  Ms. Soderling presented the 2019 Annual Report and thanked Ms. Reinke for doing all of the design layout.  2019 was our Program Enhancement Year as stated in the Impact Statement in the Annual Report which can be found on this web site under About Us/Annual Report.  

Willard Board Members are as follows: Board Chair; Kassy Knudson, Vice-Chair; Justin Pflanz, Treasurer; Joey Mumaugh, Secretary; Michele Lueders. Other board members include: Irene Delozier, Johanna Hannemann, Carolyn Kortmeyer, Emily Phelps, Brett Richerts, and Will Toliver.  

Ms. Hein, Willard’s Accountant Coordinator, and the board have been working very hard to keep our doors open due to the pandemic.  We applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan and it was approved for $115,500.  We also applied to Lincoln Community Foundation for Lincoln Covid-19 Response Fund Grant and received $10,000 to fund general operating expenses to keep the building open and provide full time, safe and quality care to families in need during the pandemic.  We are applying for as many grants as we can find to help keep us afloat. 

We continue to have a low attendance due to Covid-19 as parents are either not working or are working from home and sheltering in place.  We hope to see enrollment increase when parents are allowed to go back to work.

The Board decides that we need to reimburse the families that paid for the full month of March and won’t be needing childcare for a while.  Families can request reimbursement, credit toward the Summer Program or consider a donation to Willard.  With the lack of revenue from program service fees and if grants aren’t available the question becomes, how long will we be able to operate?  

At this time we have no idea what the Summer Program will look like and no plans have been made as of yet.  With the regulation that we only have 10 children per classroom this allows us to have 80 children this summer, including the Pre-K House. 

The Kenny and Pam Gardner Golf Tournament scheduled for July 25th is pushed back to October 11th with hopes that we can still have the tournament.  We need to get creative about fund raising this year.

To date we have received funding from the Paycheck Protection Program for $115,500 and have requested $1,000 from the Buffett Foundation.  Some of our grants that were written pre-Covid have been put on hold until further notice.  Luckily some funders are changing their focus to operating grants during this time to help non-profits stay open to provide needed services . Ms. Soderling is working on the grants for United Way.  Their site visits will be through Zoom Meetings this year on April 30th.  

The administrative staff participated in the Nebraska Early Childhood Professionals zoom meetings every week.  Through this group we were able to get 2.5 gallons of hand sanitizer donated by UNL.  This group is also working on getting more thermometers so we can take temperatures during the day in every room.

Ms. Jo Pflanz continues to be our dedicated and successful volunteer grant writer for Willard.  She spends hours researching and writing grants for us and she willingly volunteered even more of her time to make fabric face masks the staff.

May

We are maintaining and keeping our doors open for child care at Willard and the Pre-K House.  We currently have about 40 children total at both sites. It has been a challenge having the children do their school work on their chromebooks and participate in classroom zoom meetings but the staff are planning fun educational enrichment projects to keep the children busy all day.  Keeping the children separate by age groups and 6 feet apart is very difficult.  Some rooms only have 3 or 4 children.  We take their temperature when they arrive, at noon, and again when they leave.  The staff are constantly sanitizing and cleaning everything the kids touch. 

The new regulation increased to 15 children per classroom so for the Summer we should be able to take 120 children, 105 at Willard and 15 at Pre-K.  As of now there will be no swimming or field trips this summer.  We are going to have to get creative.  

Art Auction Fundraiser - The Willard children and staff made art pieces and they were sold on auction on our web page.  This fundraiser was held on May 15th and brought in $1,080.00.  Most of the art was purchased by employees, board members and family/community members.   Mr. Pflanz thought that this was a great idea and asked if we did it on a regular basis if we thought we would get a bigger audience.  Ms. Kortmeyer was able to get frames and other art supplies donated from Michaels which was a huge benefit. An employee of Michaels, Erika Riley, used to be in child care at Willard and encouraged her boss to help.

The United Way Review Team Zoom Meetings for Preschool/Pre-K and Lakeview CLC went well.  The meeting was very short.  They asked a couple of questions, we commented and it all took about 10 minutes.  I hope we got our message across that we need their funding.

We continue to write Letters of Intent and grants to help with General Operating and Program Support. Ms. Jo Pflanz has been a tremendous help in researching and writing these grants. 

Give to Lincoln Day was very successful this year.  Willard’s total amount was $15, 674.88 which included the match funds and the $500.00 donation from Roughriders Motorcycle Club.

Our enrollment number gradually grew to 49 children the week of May 11th, 63% or 31 of those children received Title XX subsidy or Lincoln Littles program service fee assistance.  When comparing this year through May 31st to last year for the same time period, the total childcare program revenue was down by $99,276.00 in program service fees alone.  In the wake of COVID-19, the number of families that require child care has decreased significantly.  As we have seen across many industries, rebuilding has been slow.  Many of our parents continue to work from home or, unfortunately, lost employment. 

June

We are aware that even as enrollment rebuilds, we will be incurring increased budgetary expenses as LLCHD mandates each child has their own markers, crayons, and other supplies that are generally shared by small groups.  Students are assigned to smaller groups across more classrooms to allow for distancing, requiring more staff.  In turn, more toys, games, and other supplies are needed to provide a variety of physical and educational activities to those groups in a K-5 age range.

First and most urgently, our goal is to be a safe, stable place for children that are already part of the Willard family.  We view it as our mission to reduce stress by being readily available when parents return to work. In summary, our biggest challenge is how to survive full-time until we are needed full-time.  Through our pre-COVID-19 experience, we have learned that the need will be there, that it will return in full force when parents are allowed to return to work, and that Willard has the heart and the ability to meet that need with the help of generous supporters.

The Summer Program starts and we have 90 children enrolled at Willard and Pre-K.  We will be taking a few field trips with the kids to Wildlife Safari, Pioneer Park Nature Walk and Oak Lake to fish.  We have not made a decision if we will be taking the kids to the open City Pools.  We will do a parent survey to see if parents are comfortable with us going.  The City pools are offering three 90-minute swim sessions.  The children have to wear masks while they wait outside to get into the pool.  We are wondering how we get all the kids there, will they all be able to get in and then how do we sanitize the vans between the groups.  Ms. Knudson commended the staff for waiting to make this decision. 

Lincoln Public Schools has announced that they will be opening for the school year on August 12th at 100% participation.  They will follow the Health Risk Dial to determine the status of whether school will be in session or not.  Masks for everyone will be required if the dial is in yellow.  Lincoln Industries has volunteered to provide some disposable masks.  Washable masks will have to be provided by the parents. If the Health Dial is in red then schools will close and kids will do remote learning.  Willard will do everything possible to provide care for the children if this happens unless the LLCHD tells us we must close.  We will also have to ask LLCHD to make sure that all the children from Preschool, Roper and Lakeview can be in the same building together.  Willard was able to handle the remote learning with the children all spring and they were able to meet in the Zoom Sessions and with their teachers.  We will be ready to do that again if necessary.

Woods Charitable Fund adjusts their funding priorities due to Covid 19 and awards us $20,000 to use for operating expenses that was originally to be a grant for our Expanded Roper After School Program here at Willard.  

Lincoln Littles announced that they will allow us to use 25% or $12,250 of their grant for cleaning services and supplies. 

Community groups started calling in wondering when we would open the building for public use again.  We are still not allowing child care parents in the building.  It is different opening up Willard to the public as this is a child care facility and we have regulations that we have to follow.  The public would have to wear masks and rooms would have to be sanitized after each use.  We decided we would wait until after Labor Day to open the building again.

We have received our allocation amount from United Way.  This year they will be decreasing our allocation from $15,000 to $12,000 for the Lakeview CLC and from $9,000 to $5,000 for Preschool and Pre-K for the next 2 years.  The reduction is due to Covid and money was diverted to priority programs.

July

Cornhusker Bank donates a digital sign to Willard with convincing from board member, Ms. Kortmeyer.  Ms. Kortmeyer’s family took down the sign and will be storing it until we can install it.  The estimated worth of the sign is $40,000.  Installation of the sign will require a licensed electrician and will cost approximately $6,500.  Although we are appreciative of Ms. Kortmeyer’s work on permits and getting the donation we will have to work on either writing a grant or making monetary asks for the expense of the signage due to our current financial situation. 

Aging Partners originally received  a grant from CHI Health to provide individual produce bags of fruit and vegetables to Lincoln’s senior citizens.  Once that money ran out they started to use COVID funding (CARES and FFCRA) to pay for the project.  Starting in July, Ms. Soderling ordered and picked up the bags from Aging Partners and the Seniors came to Willard to pick them up.  It has been a really nice way to see them and keep in touch since Bingo was canceled most of the year.  The fruit and vegetables have been good quality and everyone appreciates the help with their food expenses.  From May of 2020 and into 2021, they provided over 7,100 produce packages to older adults in our community, with over 450 delivered to individuals at Willard. 

 

United Way donated books to the Willard Summer kids again this year.  Each child gets to take a book home to add to their library.  The books are from the United Way Book drive done earlier this year.

The Kenny and Pam Memorial “It Was Fun” Golf Tournament date was changed from July to September, then October but then is cancelled completely due to not knowing what attendance or the CDC guidelines will be. There is just too much uncertainty about being able to hold this event.  We needed to get creative about fund raising this year.  We weren’t able to provide golfers with a great day of golf with their friends, chances to win raffle and silent auction prizes but we gave them the opportunity to help keep the children and families of the Willard Community Center out of the ruff and straight on the fairway.  We asked golfers and business donors to give us their best long bomb, heat seeking drive in the form of a donation.  There were no hazards to play through and they didn’t  need any mulligans to hit a Hole in One for the Willard Community Center Child Care Programs.  The Kenny and Pam Gardner Golf Tournament raised about $8,000.  People understood that we could not hold the tournament in person but thankfully gave generously.

Summer Program average attendance for the week of July 13th-17 is 46. We have 10 kids enrolled at Pre-k and 11 in Preschool. For fall, the current statistics report shows 93 kids enrolled for Roper, 16 kids at Lakeview, 5 at Pre-k and 8 for Preschool.  LPS plans to start school August 12th and will provide 2 masks to each child.

We continue to search for grants for General Operations or Program support.  State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Nebraska Children and Families Foundation announces CARES ACT Grant opportunities for child cares.  We receive $1,000 for the Cares Act Child Care Provider Relief Fund and have applications in the works for more of these grants.

August

We have received the Cares Act Healthy Places Grants for $500 for each of our 4 locations.  We have been approved for the Stabilization Grant for $5,500 for Preschool.

Lutheran Family Services has an agreement with Mourning Hope to rent their available office space on the west side of their building.  They are uncertain when they will move in due to Covid restrictions.  Ms. Soderling wrote a letter of support for Lutheran Family Services for a grant through Community Health Endowment to hire a Community Engagement Coordinator, to do a community needs assessment, use our building for meetings and gatherings and to work together on the Community Garden and other community building events. 

Before and After School attendance is 96 children at Roper and 38 in Lakeview CLC core Before and After School Program.  Families with remote learners are holding off on enrolling but are reserving spots for next semester.  The number of children is down along with the number of children on Title XX child care subsidy.  The Expanded Roper Program at Willard is discontinued and Nate Wolf becomes the Site Supervisor at the Roper Before and After School Program. 

At the Pre-K House we requested a temporary cease of operations due to low enrollment.  This allows us to keep our child care license at this site.  We will remain at Level 2 of Step Up to Quality and will be allowed to continue the SUTQ process when we return.  Lincoln Public Schools allows us to do this and still keep our contract in place.  We agree to continue to pay all utility bills.  

We combine the Preschool and Pre-K Programs here at Willard and have 15 Preschool/PreK children (5 are PT and 10 are full time.) To meet the Direct Health Measures 3-4 year olds can only have 15 in each classroom which is down from our license capacity of 24 in our southwest room.  Pre-Covid we had 44 combined children from Preschool and Pre-K.  We currently have three on a waiting list.  Ms. Reinke asked when we should hire for a second room.  Mr. Pflanz would like to see 10 children before opening another room so salaries and expenses can be met. 

With the low enrollment of children and loss of revenue from program service fees Willard is in dire need of support.  Ms. Hein projected a best and worst case scenario for the board of directors and both have us falling short in December even if we receive all the grants we have applied for.  More emphasis is placed on finding grants and additional revenue from a loan or line of credit.

We sent out letters to the past golfers of the Kenny and Pam Gardner Golf Tournament saying that we are sorry that we won’t be holding the tournament this year because of Covid 19 but we still need their support. The letters were sent out the end of August.  We will be collecting and asking for donations throughout the month of September.  We have already received $850 from sponsors and $175 from golfers. 

 

September

The pandemic does not look like it will end any time soon  and we have decided to not enroll any more children at this time due to the high number of university students testing positive for Covid 19.  We are concerned that with the high number of university students that we employ we could be out of licensing ratio if any more of our staff have to quarantine.  Currently Ms. Reinke is working at the Lakeview CLC every morning and night.  Ms. Soderling is covering for staff at Roper and Ms. Love is covering in the preschool when needed.  The university students must get tested every month and are required to wear KN95 masks when first tested until they receive negative test results.  If they have had a direct contact with someone that tests positive for Covid 19 then they also have to quarantine for 14 days even if they themselves test negative.  UNL will use disciplinary action if they don’t follow the policy.  We need to roll with the punches and continue to hire for the staff we need if we can get people to apply.

By the end of the month improvements are seen and we are starting to reopen the building to the public again.  Ms. Soderling called the Health Department and asked if we could have people in the building during Child Care hours.  They said that we could as long as they never crossed paths in the hallways and were on different floors.  The groups that meet after hours are fine to meet.  The Senior Citizens really wanted to get back to Willard to play Bingo and socialize.  They have been very isolated and lonely and want to see friends again.  We are going to have discussions with them to see if they want to just come and play cards or maybe Ms. Scott or Ms. Soderling will volunteer to call Bingo for them once a week. 

The Scout groups have asked to come back on Monday and Thursday nights.  We have not heard from Swordfighters.  We haven’t had anyone call about a room rental yet.  There will be a new Zumba group starting on Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 6:30.  We finally have an exercise group again.

Ms. Soderling has continued to pick up produce bags for the Senior Citizens every other week from Aging Partners.  This has been a big hit with the Seniors.  She hands out about 24 bags.

New child care staff have to meet regulations for required trainings so Ms. Reinke and Ms. Love get creative and have them do a lot of on-line trainings.  Ms. Soderling was able to teach a CPR Class for our new staff members this month.  She could not rent the CPR manikins from the Nebraska Safety Council because of Covid so she was able to call her instructor that taught her CPR and was able to borrow his manikins for free.  She had to drive to Omaha to pick them up and return them.  This was the only way that we could have our staff trained in time for them to meet the training requirements. 

Ms. Hein submitted an application for an EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan).  It was denied but we were able to get a form to fill out for reconsideration.  We will ask for $420,000 to cover our loss so far and for short term future needs. They want us to establish our economic loss which wasn’t covered in the last application. 

Willard receives a grant for $5,000 from Lincoln Community Foundation Open Door Grant for general operating.  Many grants and Letters of Intent are still waiting for approval. A list of grants that we received during 2020 is listed in the 2020 Annual Report that can be found on our website under About Us/ Annual Report. 

Ms. Reinke’s generous husband, Trevor, bought her a new computer for work since hers was not working properly and Willard is low on funds for unexpected expenses.  This was a very needed and valued donation. Thank you Trevor!!

October

Mr. Brett Richert resigns from the board due to an increase in work responsibilities.  He is an avid supporter of Willard and wants to continue to help out whenever he can.  He also hopes that Stephens and Smith will be asked to help out when needed.

The first draft of our revised Strategic Plan was reviewed by the Board of Directors.  Some goals included in the plan were technology, infant care, HR support, leadership succession planning, governance, finance, mission and relabeling programs.

The Kenny and Pam Gardner Golf Tournament raises about $8,000.  People understood that we could not hold the tournament in person but generously gave anyway.

Willard’s Preschool Program continued to achieve requirements for Step Up to Quality accreditation and received a Level 4 at our evaluation. We received a bonus incentive of $750 for achieving Level 3 and an additional $1,000 for Level 4 from DHHS.  Another bonus of this was that our Title XX rates will now increase for preschool and other child care programs held at the Willard site.  A huge thank you goes to Assistant Program Director, Tabitha Love and Preschool teacher, Candi Stege for putting in the extra work and long hours it took to achieve this accreditation. 

Mr. and Mrs. Marc LeBaron donate $11,250 toward our Donor Letter Campaign.  Mr. and Mrs. LeBaron continue to be loyal supporters, great neighbors, and always seem to be there when we need them the most.  This donation has given us a great start to our annual donor letter campaign. 

Willard received $10,000 from the Cooper Foundation and $5,000 from the Abel Foundation for general operating support.  The Stuart Family Foundation grants $2,000 for Preschool outdoor playground equipment. 

During LPS Fall Break we had 53 children register but then had an average daily attendance of 35 children.  The lower numbers helped with staffing but not with revenue.  This is the first year that we have started charging an additional $23.00 a day per child fee for the non-school days. LPS has also added additional non-school and PLC days to their calendar so that teachers could have more planning time.  Some parents have requested a pro-rated amount if they are already paying the monthly fee.  They are also worrying about having to pay if they have to quarantine.  The board suggested that we tell families if they don’t have the means to pay they can write a letter to the board explaining their situation and an arrangement can be made. We don’t want to deny care to anyone, especially now. 

Lincoln Industries has been very gracious to allow us to park all three of our 15 passenger vans in their parking lot for the winter.  Parking is limited in our lot with Mourning Hope open and groups returning to use Willard again.  With winter coming and having to move snow around them all the time we decided to look for another location to park them.  Lincoln Industries volunteered and it is going to work out very nicely for us.  We signed a Vehicle Storage Agreement and we will be working with Will Toliver if there are ever any concerns about the vans.  Thank You Lincoln Industries for being there once again when we needed you.

Lincoln Industries also donated 3 toy trucks, pop toobs, bike helmet, bounce ball, and boxes of ball pit balls during fall break.  Each kid got to take home a pop toob and were so excited about the new toys.

November

Lincoln moves to up to the red on the Health Dial.  We talked with each group that was utilizing our building and again decided to cancel everything, except our Preschool and Child Care Programs.  No more Bingo, Zumba, Girl Scouts, Cub or Boy Scouts and Swordfighters.  All are on hold till further notice.

We can’t allow the public in our building due to Covid-19 so the polling site gets moved to Roper Elementary School for now.  This is a much safer location for us and the voters.

When the UNL staff leave for Thanksgiving break they will be gone until late January.  This could leave us short staffed for the next month or so. 

Program enrollment recovery:

Preschool/Pre K Pre-COVID 44 - Currently 16 or 36% (64% below recovery)

Roper Pre-COVID 162 - Currently 103 or 64% (36% below recovery)

Lakeview Pre-COVID 77 - Currently 43 or 56% (44% below recovery)

This dramatic decrease in enrollment of course means decreased revenue from our Program Service Fees, our primary source of revenue. Unlike our revenues that have decreased, some of our expenses have stayed the same or increased.

Willard receives a $5,500 grant from Viking Foundation to purchase outdoor play equipment and storage units for the Preschool and Pre-k sites.  This is very exciting news!  The children needed more equipment due to all city and school playgrounds closed because of the pandemic.  Now we can sanitize our own equipment.  The kids can climb and play while staying safe. 

Willard received the Community Cares Stabilization Grant for charitable organizations through the State of Nebraska for $12,000.

The Board of Directors continue to work on the Strategic Plan.

Ms. Soderling met with Megan McGuffey and staff from Community Crops along with Josh Sterns from Boy Scouts about getting started on our community garden to be built on the west side of Willard.  Josh will be helping with this to earn his Eagle Scout Award.  Community Crops received funding from Community Health Endowment to build the garden space in 2021.  In our letter of support for this project we have agreed to provide the land for this new garden site for a minimum of five years, with the hopes of it becoming a permanent fixture of our organization. We will also serve on the newly formed Garden Committee that will serve this garden and provide connections and expertise to partners on our campus (such as Mourning Hope, Parks & Recreation, our childcare and afterschool program participants, and scout troops affiliated with our building).

Ms. Soderling also met with Heather Nielsen, Medical Director and staff from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and staff from Mourning Hope.  In our letter of support for them for the Community Health Endowment Grant we said that we could provide our facility for services to include ESL classes, parenting skills, yoga, self-care, wellness, and nutrition programs. Use of our building would include a stipend for rental space. 

Operationally speaking, WCC relies primarily on enrollment fees for income, and it is no surprise that the pandemic has substantially decreased our enrollment. With a two-pronged punch, it has increased our expenses as we comply with CDC requirements.  At 11/30/20, the Center’s actual total operating expenses were at 82% of our YTD operating budget.  On average 72% of operating expenses are spent on programming and 28% on operations.  Even though program enrollment numbers are slowly rebuilding in the wake of the pandemic, revenue at 11/30/20 was only at 65% of our operating budget.

December

We held our first virtual Preschool Program on De. 12th.  We used Facebook live so families could watch.  It went very well.  Ms. Reinke had parents fill out google forms asking for consent.  TMCO had donated stuffed animals to Mourning Hope for their children for the holidays and they had extra so they donated what they could not use to us.  We had enough to give every preschooler a stuffed bear or reindeer after the program. 

Ameritas Charitable Foundation grants us $5,877 to purchase 8 air purifiers, filters and a sanitizer sprayer for outdoor equipment. 

We received $10,000 from Woods Charitable Fund Emergency Interim Grant for general operating support. 

Walmart grants us $1,250 to be used to purchase indoor and outdoor physical education equipment. 

We received an additional $4,800 from child care subsidy funding, $1,200 for each program for having Title XX subsidy programs at Roper, Lakeview, Preschool and Pre-K.

The Donor Letter Campaign has now raised $14,750 thanks to the seed money from the LeBaron’s.

Work on the Strategic Plan for 2021-24 continues to be one of the board’s top priorities.

At the end of December our preschool families have utilized $12,710.68 of the Lincoln Littles scholarship funding in 2020.  We will have up to $24,039.32 scholarship money left for Spring 2021. There are 20 providers in Lincoln offering Lincoln Littles scholarship assistance and they are serving 300 children.  

In 2020, our PSFs were 33% ($200, 511) lower than the previous year but expenses were only 8% lower. For the same time frame, revenue was only at 70% of the budget, $275,857 lower than expected, while total expenses were at 83%. We projected a $22,506 profit, but we ended with an actual $97,668 loss.  Many of our parents continue to work from home or lost employment. There is also a high percentage of remote learners. Our school year enrollment has decreased 45% since the pandemic started.

2021 - Willard Community Center History - January - December

January –

The Willard Board approves our 2021 budget, with expenses totaling $962,307, including needing $85,000 in grants for the year.  We will strive to reach $125,000 in grant funding and support.  It also includes a 3% salary increase for qualifying staff members.  It is welcomed and appreciated after the year we have had. 

Allo Communications continued their promise of providing ten years of free gig internet to Willard and 77 non-profits - compliments of Allo and the City of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department moved the health dial to the orange category allowing us to reopen the building to the public.  Scouts, Bingo, and building rentals resumed with masks and other health precautions.

Willard was approved for the EIDL Program (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) for $150,000 (a 30-year loan at a 2.75% interest rate).  We also received the second round of PPP (Payroll Protection Program) Loans for $110,607.

Ms. Reinke found a free app called ConnectTeam that provided Willard employees a clock in and out system, scheduling assistance, staff notifications, etc.  ConnecTeam saved us hours of manually adding up staff hours each payroll.  She also researched grants to purchase a program to assist with child care billing, parent and staff communication, etc.

We had 42 children over the Holiday Break, down from 60 children the year before.  Non-school average daily attendance dropped from 80-90 children to 35-50 children in the building.  Enrollments are still low due to Covid-19.  Finding enough staff to work and meet the licensing requirements on the non-school days was always an issue, but now we are struggling to hire enough staff for all of our programs every day.

In January, we received Interlocal Grant through Lincoln Community Learning Centers for $1,912.22. We spent the money in November and December 2020 but got reimbursed in January.  We used $1,280.98 for supplies from Discount School Supply, such as markers, dry erase markers, construction paper, ruled paper, glue, scissors, clipboards, colored pencils, etc. All students could have their own supplies to use for activities.  We used $631.24 to purchase ten ukuleles and a storage stand for the musical enrichment center for CLC After School Clubs.

We did not provide care on Martin Luther King Day when LPS was closed to have an In-service training day for the staff.  Ms. Soderling held CPR, First Aid, and AED training for eight staff and Ms. Reinke made available 2-4 hours of online training for other staff members.  Many of our staff have already completed all 2021 in-service requirements.

The Boy and Cub Scouts have replaced our decaying Food Pantry on the south side of the building.  Larry Lumm built the new “Blessing Box,” and Roger Rezac helped install it.  They will also build a new box for a “Little Library.”  The new Blessing Box is fantastic!  It is large and will hold food and other essentials such as diapers, feminine products, band-aids, toothbrushes, gloves, etc.  The Scout families and other individuals and community groups will be helping to furnish items for the Blessing Box.  Terry Stentz, who is the Cornhusker Council Boy Scouts of America Unit Commissioner for Troop and Pack 55, donated $600 to help with Blessing Box building expenses.  The outpouring of generosity and food has been incredible.  Thank you to the Boy Scouts for taking on this worthwhile project.

Ms. Soderling continues to pick up 22-25 Produce Bags every two weeks from Aging Partners to be delivered or picked up by the neighborhood Senior Citizens to help them with grocery expenses and trips to the grocery store during Covid 19.  

Board meetings and other meetings are held virtually through Zoom meetings or Microsoft Teams meetings.  Masks have to be worn everywhere throughout the city, and we continue not to let any groups use the building since we have preschoolers and grade school children here that can not yet vaccinate. 

We still have not been told when the Willard childcare staff will be able to receive the Covid 19 Vaccine.  We are included in the group with the educators.  In the meantime, we are still dealing with the staff that tests positive or have been exposed and can keep shifts full and in the child care licensing ratio.

In coordination with the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, the Incentive to Reopen Grants through the Department of Health and Human Services provided $3,000 in needed support for both our Roper and Lakeview Community Learning Center Before and After School Programs.

Thank you to Ray’s Lawn and Home Care for taking care of our lawn and snow removal.  They have kept the Willard grounds looking great year-round, and they do it all free of charge.  We appreciate your services so very much. 

 February –

The PPP (Payroll Protection Program)  loan we received in April 2020 from the first round of funding for $115,500 was forgiven. 

Executive Director, Janelle Soderling, announced to the Willard board that she would be retiring in May of 2022.  The board now has the task of deciding what they want in a new Executive Director.

The Finance Committee decided to utilize the EIDL and PPP Loans to pay off our 15- passenger van loan of $24,200 and make a large principal payment of $149,900 on our Capital Line of Credit from West Gate Bank.  It will help tremendously that neither the EIDL nor PPP loans were included in our 2021 budget.  We will have to repay the EIDL Loan but not the PPP loan. 

March –

Mr. Terry Stentz joins the Willard Board of Directors for a three-year term.  He works at UNL as a College Professor of Architectural Engineering and Construction and UNMC as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health. Welcome, Terry!

An anonymous donor and former Board Member brought in a check for $2,400 to support families struggling this year with their childcare expenses. We had some families at our Roper Before and After School Program doing all they could to make ends meet, but this year they were challenged to pay all of their bills. The anonymous donor gave them the financial security to know that their children would continue to be cared for at a familiar place with the staff they know and trust.  We made sure that they knew that an anonymous, loyal supporter of Willard had stepped in to help them.  

Willard Child Care Staff received their first dose of the Pfizer Vaccine for Covid-19 along with LPS staff and other child care workers.  Willard does not require staff to receive the vaccine at this time.

From March 11 until September 30, 2021, we did not have to pay for any staff members to get their required fingerprint check by the Nebraska State Patrol.  This requirement usually would have cost us $48.38 per staff member.  Previous restrictions were also relaxed and allowed new staff to start work immediately instead of waiting until fingerprint eligibility status came back from the State Patrol, which usually took 2-6 weeks. Being short-staffed in all of our programs helped considerably hire new staff and get them to work in the programs as soon as possible.

United Way announced that they would push back their annual spring site visits to this fall, September through December.  They will also be extending their two-year funding for the third year, so our grant will go to June 2023.  The 6-month reports and evaluations will continue.  During the third year, if there is additional funding, agencies will have the opportunity to do a brief streamlined application to access those funds depending on the United Way campaign.

April –

The 2020 Annual Report was presented to the board on April 21st.  It was the longest annual report ever submitted, with 16 pages.  We added success stories of each program since 2020 had been such a challenging year for us due to Covid-19.  The success stories showed how we adapted, grew, and succeeded during the pandemic.

The Strive To Thrive, UNL Business Class, chose us to receive their semester fundraiser.  As of April 15th, they have raised $456.00 for us.  This was an excellent opportunity to get the word out about our programs, and the additional funds were very welcome. 

Longtime Willard Board Member, Justin Pflanz, donated three Dell Vostro laptops for our administrative staff and gave additional support to our Annual Golf Tournament.

Edward Jones Financial and Investment Services donated $100 for our Summer Program.

We have a new group utilizing the building every Tuesday night.  The group consists of ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) Leadership Academy volunteers doing tutoring sessions for middle and high school Sudanese children and providing supper.  They started on April 13th and had an attendance of 24.  They are here from 5:30 to 7:30 and will meet weekly until May 18th.  It is great to have the Ross Leaders Group in the building to reconnect with some of our Sudanese families that used to come to the Indian Hills Bible Study Group. 

Lincoln Parks and Recreation installed the 28’ by 28’ shelter/gazebo in Schroder Park.  It adds beauty to the Park and will be utilized daily.  They will also be completing the walkway on the south side of the park, installing a rain garden, bike rack, more trees, and a drinking fountain.

The Community Garden on the west side of our building will develop over the summer.  Boy Scout, Josh Sterns, will be building the raised 5 X 10 garden beds and 3 X 5 kids’ garden beds for his Eagle Scout project with $1,200.00 in funds he has raised.  We are working closely with Community Crops.  They have $14,000 from CHE and Viking Foundation to use for the garden, and Willard has written grants to Whole Foods Foundation and Farm Credit Services of America to help with expenses.  It is to be completed by Spring 2022 to start the growing season.

We continue to add children to our school-age programs each week. We currently have 96 enrolled at Roper and 52 at Lakeview.  During spring break (April 2 & 5), 35 school-age kids attended Willard.  We have received many calls for next Fall 2021 enrollment and are hopeful our numbers will increase and the effects of Covid-19 will decrease when school starts.

The Willard Board discussed how we wanted to move forward regarding the Pre-K Program & the house we use for the program at 1030 West “Q” Street. Our teacher, Miss Kim, took the year off, and we combined our pre-k and preschool kids in one class. Combining classes and her being gone for the year worked well since our attendance was low. We will need to let Child Care licensing know within 90 days of the program starting at the location again if that is our intention. Once our license is reinstated for that site, we apply for child care subsidy (TXX) authorization. Looking at future dates, school begins on Monday, August 16 (when we had initially planned for that program to start again). We will need to let licensing know by May 16 if that is our plan. 

Willard Staff received their 2nd Covid shots along with the LPS staff and other child care workers.  

 May –

Willard Board of Directors voted on the election of officers; Board Chair, Kassy Knudson; Vice-Chair, Justin Pflanz; Treasurer, Joey Mumaugh; and Secretary, Michele Lueders.  Johanna Hannemann and Michele Lueders had expired terms, and both agreed to serve another 3-year term to 2024. Additional board members include Irene Delozier, Carolyn Kortmeyer, Emily Phelps, Terry Stentz, and Will Toliver.

The Willard Board looks to the future and purchases Cyber Security Insurance. 

Through the Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Littles awarded new scholarship funds of $8,500 and allowed us to carry over our unused funds of $18,249.32 from the last grant cycle.  This amounts to $26,749.32 scholarship funds available for our Preschool and Pre-K children.  The grant period runs from  May 2021 to April 2022. These funds are used for families that either did not qualify for Title XX, needed to supplement their Title XX or didn’t have enough resources to pay the program service fees due to a hardship.

Janelle Soderling and her family donated and planted a Sun Valley Maple tree in honor of her upcoming retirement.  It is next to Russ Williams's donated bench to shade the sitting area and eventually part of the Preschool Playground. 

 

Rotary Club #14 granted us $1,400.00 for 17 Lenovo 100e Chromebooks -2nd Gen.  We were able to find a Google license provider and get them set up to manage all of them simultaneously.  We will be able to monitor how our child care programs can use them for educational enrichment during the Summer and Non-School Day programming.

Farm Credit Services of America granted us $750 towards the Community Garden for supplies.

The Board of Directors will continue to meet virtually throughout the summer and re-evaluate when school starts. Meeting virtually has been a benefit as more people attend the meeting regularly, but it is not ideal that we can’t meet face to face. We rented out the building for three successful graduation parties in May.  All were well attended, and everyone was grateful to rent the space for their family gatherings and finally be able to celebrate together again.

We decided to hold Bingo once a week on Wednesday nights for the 12 weeks of summer.  We started on May 26th and met until August 11th.  We did not have to change anything on our bingo license to change this time.  We hope that the Seniors will bring in more family, friends, and neighbors to join them.  Ms. Soderling was the Bingo caller, and we hoped that it would bring in a little extra cash for us this summer.  We have posted on Facebook that we now have licensed Bingo on Wednesday nights but haven’t seen any new or younger players yet.

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts had a dedication ceremony for the Blessing Box and Little Library on the south side of Willard on May 13th.  They had a great turnout.  The scouts were all in uniform and presented the flags.  Representatives from the Scout office were in attendance.  Terry Stentz gave a dedication and appointed the Scouts to ensure that the Blessing Box always has food and remains in good condition. Janelle thanked the scouts, Larry Lum and Roger Rezac, for building the cabinets, Terry Stentz and Doug Klute for organizing the project, the scout leaders, and the parents.  Their efforts will help to impact the people in need in this community. 

Preschool Graduation was held on May 14th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.   We had the graduation outside in the Schroder Park Gazebo.  We had 19 preschoolers that sang songs for their parents and then participated in activity centers out in the park.  They received a little trinket at each activity center relating to their year at Preschool/Pre-K. 

Miriam Moeller Charitable Trust granted us $26,500 for after-school homework programs at Roper and Lakeview, summer programming, and staff wage support.

 

 June –

United Way reported that its funding would remain stable for another year -  July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.  We received $12,000 for the CLC and $5,000 for Preschool and will probably remain stable again from 2022 to 2023, depending on campaign results.

Lancaster County Assessor's prior value of the building was $771,000, and the current value is $792,500.

Give to Lincoln Day was held on May 25th and brought over $7.6 million for the Lincoln Non-Profits.  Willard received $5,052.14.  This year, due to Covid, we used the money for general operating expenses.  

Lincoln Industries volunteers helped us lay down black rubber matting recycled from the old Schroder Park playground in the Preschool Playground area.  Five volunteers, including our board chair, Kassy Knudson, came and worked in the heat all afternoon on Friday, June 4th.  The children and staff love the rubber matting instead of the dirty bark chips.  Now when the kids fall they just bounce back up and go on as if nothing happened.  Lincoln Industries is always eager to help when we call.  What a fantastic group of volunteers.  Thank you again, Lincoln Industries!

United Way held its annual book drive and delivered books to every child here at Willard on June 21st.  United Way wants the children to get excited about reading during the summer, and the kids love the books.  Thank you, United Way!  

Acklie Charitable Foundation granted us $25,000 for general operating support, which was very beneficial as we continued to struggle from the impact of Covid-19 and the decrease in revenue we experienced from low enrollments in our programs.

 July –

 The second round of PPP (Payroll Protection Program) Loans of $110,607 was forgiven.  

This summer, we have partnered with, The Bay, a non-profit that allows our 2nd-8th graders to go to their ‘Rabble Camp’ for free. Ms. Love worked with The Bay and parents to get permissions/waivers so the kids could attend. The kids learned graphic art and music, and skateboarding.

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air donated to our Summer Child Care Program.  They `gave us 50 passes to each of the following locations: Morrill Hall, Wildlife Safari, Prehistoric Putt, and swimming.  This was a great gift to our program.  One of John Henry’s employees that presented this to us lives in the neighborhood and sees the children when he drives by every day.  Three of their staff came to Willard for a tour of our Summer Program and presented the gifts.  Thank you, John Henry’s.

Lincoln Lancaster County Human Services Director Sara Hoyle and staff came for a site visit to review our $3,500 grant success from the Keno Prevention Fund on July 26th. We said we would teach the children the six pillars of the Character Counts curriculum in the grant.  Character Counts teaches trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.  We have done weekly activities through a curriculum that focuses on these six characters throughout the Summer Program. Along with the educationally enriched weekly themes, field trips, and swimming outings, the children had a well-rounded and very fun Summer Program. This grant gets approved to continue at the same funding for the 2021-22 funding cycle.

Nebraska 21st Century Community Learning Center Initiative granted us $28,548 at the Lakeview Community Learning Center, the school year 2020-21, for salary expenses for the School Community Coordinator, Academic and Enrichment Instructors, Family Engagement, and program supplies.  In April 2021, we were able to do a contract addendum and receive Interlocal Funds for $3,730 that were given out to Lakeview students for scholarships.  We received the same amount, $28,548, for the school year 2021-22. We were also able to make another contract addendum in October, which entitled us to receive an additional $9,969 to increase the salary of our School Community Coordinator.  

We decided to reopen and enroll children in our Pre-K Program at 1030 West “Q Street.  Miss Kim Deveaux will return as the lead teacher and work part-time every morning.

Ms. Reinke did her research and secured a deal with Brightwheel Software, a cost-cutting child care software program that will benefit Willard financially. Her preliminary estimates showed we would save around $10,400 in time and supplies if we had a child care software program. This included her time, Ms. Love’s time, paper, envelopes, stamps, copier expenses, printer ink, group emails to parents, etc. This software will handle all billing, payments, communication with parents and staff, end-of-the-year tax statement amounts, etc. The Willard Board voted to approve a first-year promotional rate of $2,945 and a locked-in rate of $3,921.

The ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) Leadership Group met in the building for three consecutive Wednesday nights for an art club for Sudanese children in the neighborhood.  It was organized by high school students and well attended, with about 20 each week.  They were able to get paint, canvas, sculpting clay, etc., donated from the Lux Center, so they kept the kids busy for two hours. It was great to have them in the building and see their creativity at work.

 Linda Moody, Ph.D., Director of Service-Learning, and Lincoln VITA, along with another volunteer, came to Willard on July 9th from 6-7:30 pm to do an Advance Child Care Tax Credit Clinic.  We had 12 families ask questions and get help with this new information.  Linda will be back again on July 23rd.  There are other clinics around town on different dates. 

 The Lincoln Fresh Food Truck has returned to Willard.  The first visit was July 13th, and they will come every other Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am.  Covid protocols are still in place, so they handed out pre-packaged fruits and vegetables to anyone that went to the truck.  They handed out a great assortment of produce. 

 We didn’t have any building rentals in July but had two bookings in August.  It has been slow getting people back in the building for gatherings.

 Mourning Hope, our non-profit community partner and next-door neighbor was finally able to have its Grand Opening.  On Thursday, July 22nd, they hosted an open house for their board, trustees, and staff.  On Friday, July 23rd, they had a ribbon-cutting for the media and elected officials and building tours for professionals and MH families all day.  On Saturday, July 24th, the Non-Profit Campus had a “Party in the Park” from 10 am to 1 pm for the neighborhood.  We had a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, balloon animals, music, and family activities. Willard provided the outdoor family games, and we also handed out many informational flyers about our programs and the community garden.

 

August –

Union Bank and Trust gave a donation of $100 to be used for Summer Field Trip Expenses.

We ended the Summer Program with 117 grade school-age children and 23 Preschoolers for a total of 140.  

Roper started the school year with 109 enrolled with a waitlist of 4.  We are not taking any more children until we can hire more staff.  Full enrollment would be 150.  The CLC has 62 enrolled in the core before and after school program.  Preschool has 15, and Pre-K has 8. 

The Pre-K House is up and running.  All is going well, and we are hoping for more enrollments.  We have not been able to hire a part-time afternoon teacher yet.  Ms. Reinke is working full-time at the Pre-K House, and Ms. Love and Ms. Soderling are covering shifts at all the other sites. 

The Preschool teacher at Willard, Candi Stege, gave her two-week notice.  She has been with us for seven years.  She is taking a job at LPS in a middle school kitchen.  She wanted their benefits and retirement plan.  Also, she just wanted a change.  We are at Step 4 in the Step up to Quality Accreditation, so this will significantly impact if we can’t hire a new full-time teacher who can do all of the required training in the allotted time period. Ms. Stege decided that since we are so short-staffed, she will continue to work in the Preschool Program in the afternoons, after her shift at LPS, and do the planning for the room until we can hire a full-time teacher.  Willard has the best staff in the world.  They are all so loyal and dedicated to our programs. 

Cheever Construction found a contractor and paid for half of the construction costs to add a graded and poured swale/sidewalk on the west side of the building from the parking lot to the Preschool playground.  Thanks again to board member Terry Stentz and Doug Klute, Cheever Construction, for keeping our building in tip-top condition.

Josh Sterns, a member of Troop 55, earned his Eagle Scout honor by helping to fundraise and build the community garden in cooperation with Community Crops.  The whole Boy Scout Troop helped build the raised garden beds, set them in place, and fill them with soil.  Community Crops has been very hands-on to assist us with the layout, bringing in volunteers, installing a water line to the garden, and handling all of the gardeners' applications.  Community Health Endowment came to review the garden as part of the approved grant for Community Crops and was delighted.  Planting with the kids and the community will begin next spring. 

The Incentive to Reopen Grants - Cares Act through Nebraska’s DHHS in coordination with Nebraska Children and Family Foundation – Additional funding came in August for $5,550 each for both the Roper and Lakeview CLC Programs, and a Stabilization grant of $5,550 came in for our Preschool Program.

Our programs and revenue are starting to recover, but not yet having full enrollments in our programs are still causing a loss of program service fees compared to pre-covid revenues.  Program Service fees for Jan-Aug of each year were: 2019 (before the pandemic) $402,629; 2020 - $270,939; and 2021- $378,472. So for Jan-Aug, 2021, we are still $24,157 (6%) below 2019."

September - 

Thanks to board member Terry Stentz, and Doug Klute, the sidewalk/spillway was completed on the west side of the building to keep the rainwater draining away from the building.  

Willard received Amazon Gift Cards for $150 for supplies for the Child Care Programs.

United Way Day of Caring was Friday, September 10th.  We had nine volunteers from Black Hills Energy come to help us with a couple of projects.  We had them repaint all of the interior front stair railings with primer and paint since the kids this summer almost stripped them of any paint at all.  The rest of the crew replaced the dirt around the new sidewalk to be seeded before fall and did a brick landscape edging around the Limelight Hydrangeas, donated by the Soderling family.  The whole west side of the building is coming together, and it looks incredible.   

We continue to struggle to hire enough staff to work all the shifts in our child care programs. The administrative staff are all working to ensure that we can be in ratio for licensing.  We have had no interviews for the full or part-time preschool positions, and we are slowly getting applicants for the Preschool, Pre-K, and before and after-school programs. We are not the only agency searching for good staff members.  

Pack and Troop 55 planted a White Oak tree in the front entrance to Willard.  Terry Stentz donated the tree and fertilizer, and the Scouts did the planting.  It is a gorgeous tree and will be a grand addition to our parking lot entrance.  The Scouts have been such a blessing to us this year.  They have built the Blessing Box, Little Free Library, and now a tree.  In addition to Josh Sterns, a member of Troop 55, who did his Eagle Scout project helping to build the community garden.  Our backyard is starting to look landscaped and finished.  

October - 

The 17th Annual Kenny and Pam Gardner memorial “It Was Fun!” Golf Tournament was held on October 3rd.  We could not have an in-person event last year, so it was great to see our regular golfers and friends out on the course again.  The golfers, raffle, silent auction, and Tournament and Hole-in-One Sponsors all helped bring in $12,000.00.  All proceeds from the tournament go directly toward our child care programs for scholarships. We had 112 golfers, 8 Tournament Sponsors, 11 Hole-in-One sponsors, and 45 different individuals and businesses who donated prizes to support this tournament.

Irene Delozier shared her great taste in wine and donated nine bottles for our Annual Golf Tournament. Ms. Delozier also did a company match of $500 from Filament Essential Services.

Olsson Family Foundation supplemented the grant for the Chromebooks, which were previously purchased through a grant with Rotary Club #14, and paid for the set-up fee at the cost of $1,840. Now our staff can manage and supervise how they are used. 

Staffing continues to be an issue.  Ms. Reinke is still working full-time at Pre-K, and Ms. Love and Ms. Soderling are filling in at the other sites.  We are hiring a few people here and there but still haven’t met our staffing needs. We still can’t take children off the waiting list until we hire more staff.  We need the revenue but can’t register any more children.  

Willard Child Care Staff received their Covid-19 booster vaccine shot along with LPS staff and other child care workers.  

Gwen Thorp designated Willard to receive $50 through a community giving day at her Church. We used the funds to take all the Pre-K Children on a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

Lester Electrical donated dozens of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors that were extras from their employee giveaway.  They are always thinking of us with donations like this.  We had enough pumpkins that the children in one of the Lakeview CLC after-school clubs could all paint a face on a pumpkin and take it home.  Every Preschool and Pre-K child also got to pick one out and take it home.  Thank you, Lester Electrical, for always thinking of our children.

The United Way grant review team came to the Lakeview Community Learning Center to see the program in action and discuss utilizing the funding provided for this program.  Everything went very smoothly and looked very impressive.  Gina Benne, our CLC Coordinator, does an excellent job running that program.  

Willard and our non-profit campus partners were invited to participate in Lincoln Industries Truck or Treat on October 26th.  Willard decorated the back of a pick-up truck with Halloween scarecrows, pumpkins, and other scary things and handed out candy in the LI parking lot.  Lutheran Family Services also participated.  It was a great way to support the neighborhood.  It was mainly for LI families, but our childcare families were welcome too, and many participated. Face painting, hot cider and cocoa, balloon animals, and a fire truck were part of the festivities. 

November - 

General Operating Grants of $10,000  were awarded to us from both the Dillon Foundation and the Cooper Foundation.  The Foundations recognized a need for Non-Profits to get support for general operations while experiencing the challenges of Covid-19.  These two Foundations made significant grant contributions toward our efforts of keeping our doors open and programs operating.

Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation awarded the Adult Program with a grant for $20,000 to help with general operating to help increase adult enrollment and add more programs and services. 

Community Health Endowment saw the need to get the Pre-K House at 1030 West “Q” Street open again after being closed for a year due to Covid-19 and low enrollment.  They grant us $7,000 to help with expenses.  We open with nine students and continue taking phone calls and giving tours to interested families. 

Lincoln Industries Community Connections Committee donated $500 to Willard’s programs.  

Ms. Hein and Ms. Delozier worked on and submitted a grant application for the federal 5-year grant from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding and requested $1,900,000.  We must meet some requirements for this grant, such as; audit training and tracking, work plan goals and objectives, board committees, marketing, and collaboration.

The United Way grant review team was able to do an in-person visit and meeting about the funding for the Preschool and Pre-K Programs.  All went very well, and the children loved having the visitors. 

The Margie Jensen family requested that memorials be sent to Willard Community Center after her passing on September 28th.  Margie’s memorial totaled $945.  Ms. Soderling suggested that Willard use a portion of the memorial to plant a tree in Margie’s honor on the west lawn. A White Oak tree was purchased, and the Boy and Cub Scouts from Troop and Pack 55 came and helped plant the tree in November.  Margie, Ms. Soderling’s mother, enjoyed coming to Willard to play bingo, visiting with everyone at the potluck lunches, and seeing the little children in the Preschool Program.  

In November, we have the following enrollments in our programs:

Preschool (at Willard): 16 total; 12 full-time and 4 part-time (1 more full-time will start the 29th)

Pre-k (by Lakeview): 9 total; 5 full-time and 4 part-time

Roper: 104 total (14 children on the waitlist)

Lakeview: 64 total (12 children on the waitlist)

Community Crops gets estimates and has Judson Irrigation run a water line for the Community Garden.  The cost was $5,241.00.  The addition of the waterline was paid for by Community Crops, with funding from their CHE grant.  The Willard Board requested that we have a line meter installed to read the gallons of water going to the garden to keep track of the expense.  We also want to make sure that the water line won’t interfere with the placement of the garden shed that will be built in the future.  

Willard participated in a Coat Collection Drive and a complimentary coat giveaway with our neighborhood partners, Mourning Hope, and Lutheran Family Services.  We held the event outside on Mourning Hopes front porch on December 1st from 4 to 7 pm.  It was a beautiful evening, and many families participated.  We handed out over 100 clothing items, including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, and baby sleepers.  LFS purchased many coats from grant funds, and the rest were donated.  LFS also provided each child with a winter craft project and hot chocolate mix.  Mourning Hope and Willard provided tables, donations, and workers.  It was a very successful event to meet the need of so many families.  We also encouraged families to check out our Little Free Library and Blessing Box, which had to be filled three times during the night.  

Filament Essential Services, Dan Kunzman, donated five windowsill planters full of plants for the third-floor gameroom.  It was great to add some greenery to that room to be enjoyed throughout the winter.  

Our Senior Program is growing one person at a time.  We discovered that if we see an older person outside, either giving or taking from the Blessing Box or Little Library, we run out and talk to them.  It seems to be working.  One person started coming to Bingo, and another person sounded very interested.  

We also had a guest from the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation, Randy Bretz, visit the Senior Program.  He took pictures, interviewed Ms. Soderling and the participants, and wrote an article for the Foundation featured in the Neighborhood Extra Newsletter distributed throughout Lincoln.  He was very impressed with what Willard had to offer.   

 

December - 

Grants awarded: Child Care Stabilization Grants totaling $304,700.00 - Roper $60,000 , Lakeview $68,700, Preschool/Willard $149,000, and Pre-K $27,000.  We received the first half of the funding in December and will receive the second half after our first grant report is approved in 2022. 

Keno Prevention Fund - $3,500 for Academic and Health Program. The exact amount we received last year. 

Lincoln Littles provided $100 in Gift Cards for Lakeshore to be used in our Preschool and Pre-K Program classrooms for multicultural items.

Cooper Foundation - $10,000 for General Operating. This was a great benefit to get general operating funds when the pandemic still impacts our programs and enrollments. 

The Olsson Foundation awarded us a check for $2,500 for the Lakeview CLC to help make up the difference in loss from what we receive from Title XX payments compared to the actual program service fee that we charge.  Lori Cerveny and Jeff McPeak came to the CLC to present the check to CLC Coordinator Gina Benne and take a tour.  They got to see the program in action and enjoyed the variety of the after-school clubs.

The Annual Donor Letter Campaign encouraged 14 donors to send in a donation to Willard.    We received $2,975 for general operating support.  A big thank you goes out to these wonderful people who are past donors or program participants, neighbors, and friends of Willard Community Center. 

We had our annual DHHS state inspections, which Ms. Love helped conduct. All our staff files and programs comply.

Ms. Soderling and Ms. Reinke were a part of the Lakeview CLC assessment on December 10, 2021. Ms. Gina Benne led the CLC administration and the Lakeview principal meeting. The CLC administration gave the program very high marks for doing phenomenal programming, especially with the staffing shortage.

Ms. Love and Ms. Reinke attended a job fair at The Career Academy, a part of SCC for high school students interested in the education field, on December 2nd. We had a few interested students who took applications but have not received any submissions.

Since our staff numbers are so low, we could give each staff member $35 as a Holiday gift from the board. Last year, each staff member received $25. The staff appreciated the extra money.

The Board of Directors worked extremely hard to increase wages and encourage staff to stay at Willard and not work somewhere else that offers a higher hourly wage.  They developed a plan for referral and retention bonuses and PTO hours for staff.  We will continue this into the new year. 

Mr. Stentz has volunteered to provide snacks for the Willard child care staff.  Working at UNL, he realizes that many of those students don’t have the revenue or the time to stop and get something to eat before they come to work.  He will provide snacks for them to eat when they are hungry, making them better employees and more caring and nurturing child care providers. 

 Aaron Gardner donated $500 for gift cards for needy families for Christmas.  We selected five families and gave them each a $100 gift card to Walmart to purchase food, clothing, Christmas gifts, or possibly car repair.

 Lincoln Industries donated gifts to 3 Willard families in need from their employee Giving Tree.  The families could list what they wanted, and LI provided for two families at Lakeview and one at Roper.

 Thanks to the Stabilization Grant funding, we are now in a good financial position.  The board looks at salaries and compares us to other non-profit agencies.  Before the end of the year, the Willard Board gave all employees a salary increase based on their time at Willard.  The starting hourly wage increased from $9.00 an hour to $11.50.   All of the staff were (and continue to be) very thankful for the raises.  It was a big surprise, along with the retention bonuses. Willard continues to be a great place to work because the Board and Administration care for the employees like family. 

 Thank you to all of our Willard and neighborhood families who have donated funds and gently used games, toys, clothing, books, and many other items for our child care programs.

2021 - Willard Community Center History

January –

The Willard Board approves our 2021 budget, with expenses totaling $962,307, including needing $85,000 in grants for the year.  We will strive to reach $125,000 in grant funding and support.  It also includes a 3% salary increase for qualifying staff members.  It is welcomed and appreciated after the year we have had. 

Allo Communications continued their promise of providing ten years of free gig internet to Willard and 77 non-profits - compliments of Allo and the City of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department moved the health dial to the orange category allowing us to reopen the building to the public.  Scouts, Bingo, and building rentals resumed with masks and other health precautions.

Willard was approved for the EIDL Program (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) for $150,000 (a 30-year loan at a 2.75% interest rate).  We also received the second round of PPP (Payroll Protection Program) Loans for $110,607.

Ms. Reinke found a free app called ConnectTeam that provided Willard employees a clock in and out system, scheduling assistance, staff notifications, etc.  ConnecTeam saved us hours of manually adding up staff hours each payroll.  She also researched grants to purchase a program to assist with child care billing, parent and staff communication, etc.

We had 42 children over the Holiday Break, down from 60 children the year before.  Non-school average daily attendance dropped from 80-90 children to 35-50 children in the building.  Enrollments are still low due to Covid-19.  Finding enough staff to work and meet the licensing requirements on the non-school days was always an issue, but now we are struggling to hire enough staff for all of our programs every day.

In January, we received Interlocal Grant through Lincoln Community Learning Centers for $1,912.22. We spent the money in November and December 2020 but got reimbursed in January.  We used $1,280.98 for supplies from Discount School Supply, such as markers, dry erase markers, construction paper, ruled paper, glue, scissors, clipboards, colored pencils, etc. All students could have their own supplies to use for activities.  We used $631.24 to purchase ten ukuleles and a storage stand for the musical enrichment center for CLC After School Clubs.

We did not provide care on Martin Luther King Day when LPS was closed to have an In-service training day for the staff.  Ms. Soderling held CPR, First Aid, and AED training for eight staff and Ms. Reinke made available 2-4 hours of online training for other staff members.  Many of our staff have already completed all 2021 in-service requirements.

The Boy and Cub Scouts have replaced our decaying Food Pantry on the south side of the building.  Larry Lumm built the new “Blessing Box,” and Roger Rezac helped install it.  They will also build a new box for a “Little Library.”  The new Blessing Box is fantastic!  It is large and will hold food and other essentials such as diapers, feminine products, band-aids, toothbrushes, gloves, etc.  The Scout families and other individuals and community groups will be helping to furnish items for the Blessing Box.  Terry Stentz, who is the Cornhusker Council Boy Scouts of America Unit Commissioner for Troop and Pack 55, donated $600 to help with Blessing Box building expenses.  The outpouring of generosity and food has been incredible.  Thank you to the Boy Scouts for taking on this worthwhile project.

Ms. Soderling continues to pick up 22-25 Produce Bags every two weeks from Aging Partners to be delivered or picked up by the neighborhood Senior Citizens to help them with grocery expenses and trips to the grocery store during Covid 19.  

Board meetings and other meetings are held virtually through Zoom meetings or Microsoft Teams meetings.  Masks have to be worn everywhere throughout the city, and we continue not to let any groups use the building since we have preschoolers and grade school children here that can not yet vaccinate. 

We still have not been told when the Willard childcare staff will be able to receive the Covid 19 Vaccine.  We are included in the group with the educators.  In the meantime, we are still dealing with the staff that tests positive or have been exposed and can keep shifts full and in the child care licensing ratio.

In coordination with the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, the Incentive to Reopen Grants through the Department of Health and Human Services provided $3,000 in needed support for both our Roper and Lakeview Community Learning Center Before and After School Programs.

Thank you to Ray’s Lawn and Home Care for taking care of our lawn and snow removal.  They have kept the Willard grounds looking great year-round, and they do it all free of charge.  We appreciate your services so very much. 

 February –

The PPP (Payroll Protection Program)  loan we received in April 2020 from the first round of funding for $115,500 was forgiven. 

Executive Director, Janelle Soderling, announced to the Willard board that she would be retiring in May of 2022.  The board now has the task of deciding what they want in a new Executive Director.

The Finance Committee decided to utilize the EIDL and PPP Loans to pay off our 15- passenger van loan of $24,200 and make a large principal payment of $149,900 on our Capital Line of Credit from West Gate Bank.  It will help tremendously that neither the EIDL nor PPP loans were included in our 2021 budget.  We will have to repay the EIDL Loan but not the PPP loan. 

March –

Mr. Terry Stentz joins the Willard Board of Directors for a three-year term.  He works at UNL as a College Professor of Architectural Engineering and Construction and UNMC as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health. Welcome, Terry!

An anonymous donor and former Board Member brought in a check for $2,400 to support families struggling this year with their childcare expenses. We had some families at our Roper Before and After School Program doing all they could to make ends meet, but this year they were challenged to pay all of their bills. The anonymous donor gave them the financial security to know that their children would continue to be cared for at a familiar place with the staff they know and trust.  We made sure that they knew that an anonymous, loyal supporter of Willard had stepped in to help them.  

Willard Child Care Staff received their first dose of the Pfizer Vaccine for Covid-19 along with LPS staff and other child care workers.  Willard does not require staff to receive the vaccine at this time.

From March 11 until September 30, 2021, we did not have to pay for any staff members to get their required fingerprint check by the Nebraska State Patrol.  This requirement usually would have cost us $48.38 per staff member.  Previous restrictions were also relaxed and allowed new staff to start work immediately instead of waiting until fingerprint eligibility status came back from the State Patrol, which usually took 2-6 weeks. Being short-staffed in all of our programs helped considerably hire new staff and get them to work in the programs as soon as possible.

United Way announced that they would push back their annual spring site visits to this fall, September through December.  They will also be extending their two-year funding for the third year, so our grant will go to June 2023.  The 6-month reports and evaluations will continue.  During the third year, if there is additional funding, agencies will have the opportunity to do a brief streamlined application to access those funds depending on the United Way campaign.

April –

The 2020 Annual Report was presented to the board on April 21st.  It was the longest annual report ever submitted, with 16 pages.  We added success stories of each program since 2020 had been such a challenging year for us due to Covid-19.  The success stories showed how we adapted, grew, and succeeded during the pandemic.

The Strive To Thrive, UNL Business Class, chose us to receive their semester fundraiser.  As of April 15th, they have raised $456.00 for us.  This was an excellent opportunity to get the word out about our programs, and the additional funds were very welcome. 

Longtime Willard Board Member, Justin Pflanz, donated three Dell Vostro laptops for our administrative staff and gave additional support to our Annual Golf Tournament.

Edward Jones Financial and Investment Services donated $100 for our Summer Program.

We have a new group utilizing the building every Tuesday night.  The group consists of ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) Leadership Academy volunteers doing tutoring sessions for middle and high school Sudanese children and providing supper.  They started on April 13th and had an attendance of 24.  They are here from 5:30 to 7:30 and will meet weekly until May 18th.  It is great to have the Ross Leaders Group in the building to reconnect with some of our Sudanese families that used to come to the Indian Hills Bible Study Group. 

Lincoln Parks and Recreation installed the 28’ by 28’ shelter/gazebo in Schroder Park.  It adds beauty to the Park and will be utilized daily.  They will also be completing the walkway on the south side of the park, installing a rain garden, bike rack, more trees, and a drinking fountain.

The Community Garden on the west side of our building will develop over the summer.  Boy Scout, Josh Sterns, will be building the raised 5 X 10 garden beds and 3 X 5 kids’ garden beds for his Eagle Scout project with $1,200.00 in funds he has raised.  We are working closely with Community Crops.  They have $14,000 from CHE and Viking Foundation to use for the garden, and Willard has written grants to Whole Foods Foundation and Farm Credit Services of America to help with expenses.  It is to be completed by Spring 2022 to start the growing season.

 We continue to add children to our school-age programs each week. We currently have 96 enrolled at Roper and 52 at Lakeview.  During spring break (April 2 & 5), 35 school-age kids attended Willard.  We have received many calls for next Fall 2021 enrollment and are hopeful our numbers will increase and the effects of Covid-19 will decrease when school starts.

The Willard Board discussed how we wanted to move forward regarding the Pre-K Program & the house we use for the program at 1030 West “Q” Street. Our teacher, Miss Kim, took the year off, and we combined our pre-k and preschool kids in one class. Combining classes and her being gone for the year worked well since our attendance was low. We will need to let Child Care licensing know within 90 days of the program starting at the location again if that is our intention. Once our license is reinstated for that site, we apply for child care subsidy (TXX) authorization. Looking at future dates, school begins on Monday, August 16 (when we had initially planned for that program to start again). We will need to let licensing know by May 16 if that is our plan. 

Willard Staff received their 2nd Covid shots along with the LPS staff and other child care workers.  

 May –

Willard Board of Directors voted on the election of officers; Board Chair, Kassy Knudson; Vice-Chair, Justin Pflanz; Treasurer, Joey Mumaugh; and Secretary, Michele Lueders.  Johanna Hannemann and Michele Lueders had expired terms, and both agreed to serve another 3-year term to 2024. Additional board members include Irene Delozier, Carolyn Kortmeyer, Emily Phelps, Terry Stentz, and Will Toliver.

The Willard Board looks to the future and purchases Cyber Security Insurance. 

Through the Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Littles awarded new scholarship funds of $8,500 and allowed us to carry over our unused funds of $18,249.32 from the last grant cycle.  This amounts to $26,749.32 scholarship funds available for our Preschool and Pre-K children.  The grant period runs from  May 2021 to April 2022. These funds are used for families that either did not qualify for Title XX, needed to supplement their Title XX or didn’t have enough resources to pay the program service fees due to a hardship.

Janelle Soderling and her family donated and planted a Sun Valley Maple tree in honor of her upcoming retirement.  It is next to Russ Williams's donated bench to shade the sitting area and eventually part of the Preschool Playground. 

Rotary Club #14 granted us $1,400.00 for 17 Lenovo 100e Chromebooks -2nd Gen.  We were able to find a Google license provider and get them set up to manage all of them simultaneously.  We will be able to monitor how our child care programs can use them for educational enrichment during the Summer and Non-School Day programming.

Farm Credit Services of America granted us $750 towards the Community Garden for supplies.

The Board of Directors will continue to meet virtually throughout the summer and re-evaluate when school starts. Meeting virtually has been a benefit as more people attend the meeting regularly, but it is not ideal that we can’t meet face to face. We rented out the building for three successful graduation parties in May.  All were well attended, and everyone was grateful to rent the space for their family gatherings and finally be able to celebrate together again.

We decided to hold Bingo once a week on Wednesday nights for the 12 weeks of summer.  We started on May 26th and met until August 11th.  We did not have to change anything on our bingo license to change this time.  We hope that the Seniors will bring in more family, friends, and neighbors to join them.  Ms. Soderling was the Bingo caller, and we hoped that it would bring in a little extra cash for us this summer.  We have posted on Facebook that we now have licensed Bingo on Wednesday nights but haven’t seen any new or younger players yet.

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts had a dedication ceremony for the Blessing Box and Little Library on the south side of Willard on May 13th.  They had a great turnout.  The scouts were all in uniform and presented the flags.  Representatives from the Scout office were in attendance.  Terry Stentz gave a dedication and appointed the Scouts to ensure that the Blessing Box always has food and remains in good condition. Janelle thanked the scouts, Larry Lum and Roger Rezac, for building the cabinets, Terry Stentz and Doug Klute for organizing the project, the scout leaders, and the parents.  Their efforts will help to impact the people in need in this community. 

Preschool Graduation was held on May 14th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.   We had the graduation outside in the Schroder Park Gazebo.  We had 19 preschoolers that sang songs for their parents and then participated in activity centers out in the park.  They received a little trinket at each activity center relating to their year at Preschool/Pre-K. 

Miriam Moeller Charitable Trust granted us $26,500 for after-school homework programs at Roper and Lakeview, summer programming, and staff wage support.

 June –

United Way reported that its funding would remain stable for another year -  July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.  We received $12,000 for the CLC and $5,000 for Preschool and will probably remain stable again from 2022 to 2023, depending on campaign results.

Lancaster County Assessor's prior value of the building was $771,000, and the current value is $792,500.

Give to Lincoln Day was held on May 25th and brought over $7.6 million for the Lincoln Non-Profits.  Willard received $5,052.14.  This year, due to Covid, we used the money for general operating expenses.  

Lincoln Industries volunteers helped us lay down black rubber matting recycled from the old Schroder Park playground in the Preschool Playground area.  Five volunteers, including our board chair, Kassy Knudson, came and worked in the heat all afternoon on Friday, June 4th.  The children and staff love the rubber matting instead of the dirty bark chips.  Now when the kids fall they just bounce back up and go on as if nothing happened.  Lincoln Industries is always eager to help when we call.  What a fantastic group of volunteers.  Thank you again, Lincoln Industries!

United Way held its annual book drive and delivered books to every child here at Willard on June 21st.  United Way wants the children to get excited about reading during the summer, and the kids love the books.  Thank you, United Way!  

Acklie Charitable Foundation granted us $25,000 for general operating support, which was very beneficial as we continued to struggle from the impact of Covid-19 and the decrease in revenue we experienced from low enrollments in our programs.

 July –

 The second round of PPP (Payroll Protection Program) Loans of $110,607 was forgiven.  

This summer, we have partnered with, The Bay, a non-profit that allows our 2nd-8th graders to go to their ‘Rabble Camp’ for free. Ms. Love worked with The Bay and parents to get permissions/waivers so the kids could attend. The kids learned graphic art and music, and skateboarding.

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air donated to our Summer Child Care Program.  They `gave us 50 passes to each of the following locations: Morrill Hall, Wildlife Safari, Prehistoric Putt, and swimming.  This was a great gift to our program.  One of John Henry’s employees that presented this to us lives in the neighborhood and sees the children when he drives by every day.  Three of their staff came to Willard for a tour of our Summer Program and presented the gifts.  Thank you, John Henry’s.

Lincoln Lancaster County Human Services Director Sara Hoyle and staff came for a site visit to review our $3,500 grant success from the Keno Prevention Fund on July 26th. We said we would teach the children the six pillars of the Character Counts curriculum in the grant.  Character Counts teaches trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.  We have done weekly activities through a curriculum that focuses on these six characters throughout the Summer Program. Along with the educationally enriched weekly themes, field trips, and swimming outings, the children had a well-rounded and very fun Summer Program. This grant gets approved to continue at the same funding for the 2021-22 funding cycle.

Nebraska 21st Century Community Learning Center Initiative granted us $28,548 at the Lakeview Community Learning Center, the school year 2020-21, for salary expenses for the School Community Coordinator, Academic and Enrichment Instructors, Family Engagement, and program supplies.  In April 2021, we were able to do a contract addendum and receive Interlocal Funds for $3,730 that were given out to Lakeview students for scholarships.  We received the same amount, $28,548, for the school year 2021-22. We were also able to make another contract addendum in October, which entitled us to receive an additional $9,969 to increase the salary of our School Community Coordinator.  

We decided to reopen and enroll children in our Pre-K Program at 1030 West “Q Street.  Miss Kim Deveaux will return as the lead teacher and work part-time every morning.

Ms. Reinke did her research and secured a deal with Brightwheel Software, a cost-cutting child care software program that will benefit Willard financially. Her preliminary estimates showed we would save around $10,400 in time and supplies if we had a child care software program. This included her time, Ms. Love’s time, paper, envelopes, stamps, copier expenses, printer ink, group emails to parents, etc. This software will handle all billing, payments, communication with parents and staff, end-of-the-year tax statement amounts, etc. The Willard Board voted to approve a first-year promotional rate of $2,945 and a locked-in rate of $3,921.

The ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) Leadership Group met in the building for three consecutive Wednesday nights for an art club for Sudanese children in the neighborhood.  It was organized by high school students and well attended, with about 20 each week.  They were able to get paint, canvas, sculpting clay, etc., donated from the Lux Center, so they kept the kids busy for two hours. It was great to have them in the building and see their creativity at work.

 Linda Moody, Ph.D., Director of Service-Learning, and Lincoln VITA, along with another volunteer, came to Willard on July 9th from 6-7:30 pm to do an Advance Child Care Tax Credit Clinic.  We had 12 families ask questions and get help with this new information.  Linda will be back again on July 23rd.  There are other clinics around town on different dates. 

 The Lincoln Fresh Food Truck has returned to Willard.  The first visit was July 13th, and they will come every other Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am.  Covid protocols are still in place, so they handed out pre-packaged fruits and vegetables to anyone that went to the truck.  They handed out a great assortment of produce. 

 We didn’t have any building rentals in July but had two bookings in August.  It has been slow getting people back in the building for gatherings.

 Mourning Hope, our non-profit community partner and next-door neighbor was finally able to have its Grand Opening.  On Thursday, July 22nd, they hosted an open house for their board, trustees, and staff.  On Friday, July 23rd, they had a ribbon-cutting for the media and elected officials and building tours for professionals and MH families all day.  On Saturday, July 24th, the Non-Profit Campus had a “Party in the Park” from 10 am to 1 pm for the neighborhood.  We had a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, balloon animals, music, and family activities. Willard provided the outdoor family games, and we also handed out many informational flyers about our programs and the community garden.

 August –

Union Bank and Trust gave a donation of $100 to be used for Summer Field Trip Expenses.

We ended the Summer Program with 117 grade school-age children and 23 Preschoolers for a total of 140.  Roper started the school year with 109 enrolled with a waitlist of 4.  We are not taking any more children until we can hire more staff.  Full enrollment would be 150.  The CLC has 62 enrolled in the core before and after school program.  Preschool has 15, and Pre-K has 8. 

The Pre-K House is up and running.  All is going well, and we are hoping for more enrollments.  We have not been able to hire a part-time afternoon teacher yet.  Ms. Reinke is working full-time at the Pre-K House, and Ms. Love and Ms. Soderling are covering shifts at all the other sites. 

The Preschool teacher at Willard, Candi Stege, gave her two-week notice.  She has been with us for seven years.  She is taking a job at LPS in a middle school kitchen.  She wanted their benefits and retirement plan.  Also, she just wanted a change.  We are at Step 4 in the Step up to Quality Accreditation, so this will significantly impact if we can’t hire a new full-time teacher who can do all of the required training in the allotted time period. Ms. Stege decided that since we are so short-staffed, she will continue to work in the Preschool Program in the afternoons, after her shift at LPS, and do the planning for the room until we can hire a full-time teacher.  Willard has the best staff in the world.  They are all so loyal and dedicated to our programs. 

Cheever Construction found a contractor and paid for half of the construction costs to add a graded and poured swale/sidewalk on the west side of the building from the parking lot to the Preschool playground.  Thanks again to board member Terry Stentz and Doug Klute, Cheever Construction, for keeping our building in tip-top condition.

Josh Sterns, a member of Troop 55, earned his Eagle Scout honor by helping to fundraise and build the community garden in cooperation with Community Crops.  The whole Boy Scout Troop helped build the raised garden beds, set them in place, and fill them with soil.  Community Crops has been very hands-on to assist us with the layout, bringing in volunteers, installing a water line to the garden, and handling all of the gardeners' applications.  Community Health Endowment came to review the garden as part of the approved grant for Community Crops and was delighted.  Planting with the kids and the community will begin next spring. 

The Incentive to Reopen Grants - Cares Act through Nebraska’s DHHS in coordination with Nebraska Children and Family Foundation – Additional funding came in August for $5,550 each for both the Roper and Lakeview CLC Programs, and a Stabilization grant of $5,550 came in for our Preschool Program.

Our programs and revenue are starting to recover, but not yet having full enrollments in our programs are still causing a loss of program service fees compared to pre-covid revenues.  Program Service fees for Jan-Aug of each year were: 2019 (before the pandemic) $402,629; 2020 - $270,939; and 2021- $378,472. So for Jan-Aug, 2021, we are still $24,157 (6%) below 2019."

September - 

Thanks to board member Terry Stentz, and Doug Klute, the sidewalk/spillway was completed on the west side of the building to keep the rainwater draining away from the building.  

Willard received Amazon Gift Cards for $150 for supplies for the Child Care Programs.

United Way Day of Caring was Friday, September 10th.  We had nine volunteers from Black Hills Energy come to help us with a couple of projects.  We had them repaint all of the interior front stair railings with primer and paint since the kids this summer almost stripped them of any paint at all.  The rest of the crew replaced the dirt around the new sidewalk to be seeded before fall and did a brick landscape edging around the Limelight Hydrangeas, donated by the Soderling family.  The whole west side of the building is coming together, and it looks incredible.   

We continue to struggle to hire enough staff to work all the shifts in our child care programs. The administrative staff are all working to ensure that we can be in ratio for licensing.  We have had no interviews for the full or part-time preschool positions, and we are slowly getting applicants for the Preschool, Pre-K, and before and after-school programs. We are not the only agency searching for good staff members.  

Pack and Troop 55 planted a White Oak tree in the front entrance to Willard.  Terry Stentz donated the tree and fertilizer, and the Scouts did the planting.  It is a gorgeous tree and will be a grand addition to our parking lot entrance.  The Scouts have been such a blessing to us this year.  They have built the Blessing Box, Little Free Library, and now a tree.  In addition to Josh Sterns, a member of Troop 55, who did his Eagle Scout project helping to build the community garden.  Our backyard is starting to look landscaped and finished.  

October - 

The 17th Annual Kenny and Pam Gardner memorial “It Was Fun!” Golf Tournament was held on October 3rd.  We could not have an in-person event last year, so it was great to see our regular golfers and friends out on the course again.  The golfers, raffle, silent auction, and Tournament and Hole-in-One Sponsors all helped bring in $12,000.00.  All proceeds from the tournament go directly toward our child care programs for scholarships. We had 112 golfers, 8 Tournament Sponsors, 11 Hole-in-One sponsors, and 45 different individuals and businesses who donated prizes to support this tournament.

Irene Delozier shared her great taste in wine and donated nine bottles for our Annual Golf Tournament. Ms. Delozier also did a company match of $500 from Filament Essential Services.

Olsson Family Foundation supplemented the grant for the Chromebooks, which were previously purchased through a grant with Rotary Club #14, and paid for the set-up fee at the cost of $1,840. Now our staff can manage and supervise how they are used. 

Staffing continues to be an issue.  Ms. Reinke is still working full-time at Pre-K, and Ms. Love and Ms. Soderling are filling in at the other sites.  We are hiring a few people here and there but still haven’t met our staffing needs. We still can’t take children off the waiting list until we hire more staff.  We need the revenue but can’t register any more children.  

Willard Child Care Staff received their Covid-19 booster vaccine shot along with LPS staff and other child care workers.  

Gwen Thorp designated Willard to receive $50 through a community giving day at her Church. We used the funds to take all the Pre-K Children on a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

Lester Electrical donated dozens of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors that were extras from their employee giveaway.  They are always thinking of us with donations like this.  We had enough pumpkins that the children in one of the Lakeview CLC after-school clubs could all paint a face on a pumpkin and take it home.  Every Preschool and Pre-K child also got to pick one out and take it home.  Thank you, Lester Electrical, for always thinking of our children.

The United Way grant review team came to the Lakeview Community Learning Center to see the program in action and discuss utilizing the funding provided for this program.  Everything went very smoothly and looked very impressive.  Gina Benne, our CLC Coordinator, does an excellent job running that program.  

Willard and our non-profit campus partners were invited to participate in Lincoln Industries Truck or Treat on October 26th.  Willard decorated the back of a pick-up truck with Halloween scarecrows, pumpkins, and other scary things and handed out candy in the LI parking lot.  Lutheran Family Services also participated.  It was a great way to support the neighborhood.  It was mainly for LI families, but our childcare families were welcome too, and many participated. Face painting, hot cider and cocoa, balloon animals, and a fire truck were part of the festivities. 

November - 

General Operating Grants of $10,000  were awarded to us from both the Dillon Foundation and the Cooper Foundation.  The Foundations recognized a need for Non-Profits to get support for general operations while experiencing the challenges of Covid-19.  These two Foundations made significant grant contributions toward our efforts of keeping our doors open and programs operating.

Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation awarded the Adult Program with a grant for $20,000 to help with general operating to help increase adult enrollment and add more programs and services. 

Community Health Endowment saw the need to get the Pre-K House at 1030 West “Q” Street open again after being closed for a year due to Covid-19 and low enrollment.  They grant us $7,000 to help with expenses.  We open with nine students and continue taking phone calls and giving tours to interested families. 

Lincoln Industries Community Connections Committee donated $500 to Willard’s programs.  

Ms. Hein and Ms. Delozier worked on and submitted a grant application for the federal 5-year grant from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding and requested $1,900,000.  We must meet some requirements for this grant, such as; audit training and tracking, work plan goals and objectives, board committees, marketing, and collaboration.

The United Way grant review team was able to do an in-person visit and meeting about the funding for the Preschool and Pre-K Programs.  All went very well, and the children loved having the visitors. 

The Margie Jensen family requested that memorials be sent to Willard Community Center after her passing on September 28th.  Margie’s memorial totaled $945.  Ms. Soderling suggested that Willard use a portion of the memorial to plant a tree in Margie’s honor on the west lawn. A White Oak tree was purchased, and the Boy and Cub Scouts from Troop and Pack 55 came and helped plant the tree in November.  Margie, Ms. Soderling’s mother, enjoyed coming to Willard to play bingo, visiting with everyone at the potluck lunches, and seeing the little children in the Preschool Program.  

In November, we have the following enrollments in our programs:

Preschool (at Willard): 16 total; 12 full-time and 4 part-time (1 more full-time will start the 29th)

Pre-k (by Lakeview): 9 total; 5 full-time and 4 part-time

Roper: 104 total (14 children on the waitlist)

Lakeview: 64 total (12 children on the waitlist)

Community Crops gets estimates and has Judson Irrigation run a water line for the Community Garden.  The cost was $5,241.00.  The addition of the waterline was paid for by Community Crops, with funding from their CHE grant.  The Willard Board requested that we have a line meter installed to read the gallons of water going to the garden to keep track of the expense.  We also want to make sure that the water line won’t interfere with the placement of the garden shed that will be built in the future.  

Willard participated in a Coat Collection Drive and a complimentary coat giveaway with our neighborhood partners, Mourning Hope, and Lutheran Family Services.  We held the event outside on Mourning Hopes front porch on December 1st from 4 to 7 pm.  It was a beautiful evening, and many families participated.  We handed out over 100 clothing items, including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, and baby sleepers.  LFS purchased many coats from grant funds, and the rest were donated.  LFS also provided each child with a winter craft project and hot chocolate mix.  Mourning Hope and Willard provided tables, donations, and workers.  It was a very successful event to meet the need of so many families.  We also encouraged families to check out our Little Free Library and Blessing Box, which had to be filled three times during the night.  

Filament Essential Services, Dan Kunzman, donated five windowsill planters full of plants for the third-floor gameroom.  It was great to add some greenery to that room to be enjoyed throughout the winter.  

Our Senior Program is growing one person at a time.  We discovered that if we see an older person outside, either giving or taking from the Blessing Box or Little Library, we run out and talk to them.  It seems to be working.  One person started coming to Bingo, and another person sounded very interested.  

We also had a guest from the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation, Randy Bretz, visit the Senior Program.  He took pictures, interviewed Ms. Soderling and the participants, and wrote an article for the Foundation featured in the Neighborhood Extra Newsletter distributed throughout Lincoln.  He was very impressed with what Willard had to offer.   

December - 

Grants awarded: Child Care Stabilization Grants totaling $304,700.00 - Roper $60,000 , Lakeview $68,700, Preschool/Willard $149,000, and Pre-K $27,000.  We received the first half of the funding in December and will receive the second half after our first grant report is approved in 2022. 

Keno Prevention Fund - $3,500 for Academic and Health Program. The exact amount we received last year. 

Lincoln Littles provided $100 in Gift Cards for Lakeshore to be used in our Preschool and Pre-K Program classrooms for multicultural items.

Cooper Foundation - $10,000 for General Operating. This was a great benefit to get general operating funds when the pandemic still impacts our programs and enrollments. 

The Olsson Foundation awarded us a check for $2,500 for the Lakeview CLC to help make up the difference in loss from what we receive from Title XX payments compared to the actual program service fee that we charge.  Lori Cerveny and Jeff McPeak came to the CLC to present the check to CLC Coordinator Gina Benne and take a tour.  They got to see the program in action and enjoyed the variety of the after-school clubs.

The Annual Donor Letter Campaign encouraged 14 donors to send in a donation to Willard.    We received $2,975 for general operating support.  A big thank you goes out to these wonderful people who are past donors or program participants, neighbors, and friends of Willard Community Center. 

We had our annual DHHS state inspections, which Ms. Love helped conduct. All our staff files and programs comply.

Ms. Soderling and Ms. Reinke were a part of the Lakeview CLC assessment on December 10, 2021. Ms. Gina Benne led the CLC administration and the Lakeview principal meeting. The CLC administration gave the program very high marks for doing phenomenal programming, especially with the staffing shortage.

Ms. Love and Ms. Reinke attended a job fair at The Career Academy, a part of SCC for high school students interested in the education field, on December 2nd. We had a few interested students who took applications but have not received any submissions.

Since our staff numbers are so low, we could give each staff member $35 as a Holiday gift from the board. Last year, each staff member received $25. The staff appreciated the extra money.

The Board of Directors worked extremely hard to increase wages and encourage staff to stay at Willard and not work somewhere else that offers a higher hourly wage.  They developed a plan for referral and retention bonuses and PTO hours for staff.  We will continue this into the new year. 

Mr. Stentz has volunteered to provide snacks for the Willard child care staff.  Working at UNL, he realizes that many of those students don’t have the revenue or the time to stop and get something to eat before they come to work.  He will provide snacks for them to eat when they are hungry, making them better employees and more caring and nurturing child care providers. 

 Aaron Gardner donated $500 for gift cards for needy families for Christmas.  We selected five families and gave them each a $100 gift card to Walmart to purchase food, clothing, Christmas gifts, or possibly car repair.

 Lincoln Industries donated gifts to 3 Willard families in need from their employee Giving Tree.  The families could list what they wanted, and LI provided for two families at Lakeview and one at Roper.

 Thanks to the Stabilization Grant funding, we are now in a good financial position.  The board looks at salaries and compares us to other non-profit agencies.  Before the end of the year, the Willard Board gave all employees a salary increase based on their time at Willard.  The starting hourly wage increased from $9.00 an hour to $11.50.   All of the staff were (and continue to be) very thankful for the raises.  It was a big surprise, along with the retention bonuses. Willard continues to be a great place to work because the Board and Administration care for the employees like family. 

 Thank you to all of our Willard and neighborhood families who have donated funds and gently used games, toys, clothing, books, and many other items for our child care programs.

2022 History - January to December

 January - 

The Annual Donor Letter Campaign was sent out later this year but still brought in $2,925 in donations. Our loyal donors are so supportive of our programs and services.  

Viking Foundation - All the funds have been spent from the grant, which purchased outdoor play equipment and other needed educational materials for the Preschool and Pre-K Programs. 

Rotary Club - We finally have the seventeen Chromebooks purchased with the funds from this grant.  Issues with ordering the Chromebooks, finding a management program to connect them all, and finding a time to be trained on the system were the cause of the delay. We will be utilizing them on every non-school day and in the Summer Program for educational purposes. We are thrilled to have Chromebooks available for the children. 

We have been feeling the wrath of Covid at all of our childcare sites since Christmas.  Many of our staff and children have been close contacts or tested positive.  Our administrative team continues to work at all the sites to fill open positions, which has made us the most exposed and vulnerable to Covid.  The second week of January left us with one administrative person to work. 

LPS decided on January 14th to be closed for the next three Fridays; January 21st and 28th, and February 4th.  We usually would be open when LPS closes, other than for weather, but we are so short-staffed, and the university students aren’t back from the Holiday break until the 18th to help fill positions.  With all of this in mind, we have decided to be closed for care on Friday, January 21stt, and will go week by week to determine if we can be open the following Fridays. 

The decision to close, January 21st and 28th, was based on the number of COVID cases we saw amongst our participants and staff.  We did not feel that we could adequately provide safe, all-day programming for our programs. We also had college students returning from Holiday break for classes and expect to see an uptick in the number of Covid cases & close contacts, which is devastating to our staffing numbers. We also require further guidance from the Health Department about combining programs, Lakeview and Roper, in the Willard building.  We want to do what is in the best interest of our students and staff.  Luckily the parents did not complain or say anything negative about us being closed. They all understand that we are doing our best to keep the children and staff safe.

February - 

Lancaster County Human Services Administration notified us that the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding had been awarded.  We had asked for 1.9 million and received $150,000.  Of the grant amount, $81,945 is to be used for computers and software, van maintenance, gas and registration, and the purchase of a new van.  We could decide what we will use the remaining $68,055 towards and we chose and were approved for using it toward Program Direct salaries. We have seen a considerable improvement in hiring this semester. While we still have a lot of vacant hours, at least we have people applying.  We hope to move families off the waitlists at Roper and Lakeview very soon with the help of additional staff.

The two ash trees that were dying and dropping limbs in the preschool playground have been removed, and the stumps ground down.  The Tree Guys gave us an excellent price and are located here in the neighborhood. Shading the playground this summer will need to be addressed before the long, hot days of summer are upon us. 

This month we had three different groups utilize the space at Willard; Food Bank of Lincoln for a board meeting, Stephens and Smith Construction for breakfast and employee training, and United Way of Lincoln for a retreat.  All the groups loved the space and appreciated our hospitality.  Everyone’s laptops were easily connected to the TVs in the rooms since we had Bizco come and update the cabling for us.  We no longer have to struggle to connect to WIFI to show presentations or videos. 

Our Non-Profit Campus Community Coordinator, Maureen Brase-Houchin with Lutheran Family Services, has been doing an excellent job of bringing new people into our building for tours from Cause Collective and Neighborworks. She is also heading up the neighborhood celebrations for our Non-Profit Campus Partners.  We are excited about her enthusiasm for bringing us all together.  Be ready for Party in the Park this July.