Program Objectives

The Community Services Department's goals are aimed at the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.

Program History

The first and primary components started by SENCA in 1967 were Outreach and Community Development. The goal of Outreach is to ensure participation in program planning and design by low-income persons and public and private sector representatives. This goal is aimed at organizing and mobilizing local resources to fight poverty.

Program Accomplishments

The Community Service Department's program has grown tremendously since 1967. In addition to our increased knowledge of local resources and involvement in local community partnerships, SENCA has played an important role in the development and accessibility of many programs outside the agency.

Eligibility Guidelines

Outreach, information, referral and advocacy have no economic guidelines and are available to all in need of these services.

Project First

SENCA is involved in the Southeast Region Continuum of Care for the Homeless in southeast Nebraska. The Continuum of Care consists of service providers, housing authorities, clergy, school personnel, former homeless representatives and other interested groups or individuals. The mission of this group is "to address the needs of the homeless/near homeless persons and families." The group's vision is that "services for homeless/near homeless are available through community support and education, collaboration, and resource development."

As members of the Continuum of Care for the Homeless, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) and SENCA have received a grant for to provide transitional scattered site housing with intensive case management and supportive services to homeless families within a 16 county area of southeast Nebraska. BVCA is the recipient of the grant and contracts with SENCA to provide these services within SENCA's six county service area. This project is known as Project First (Families in Residence with Support in Transition). Anyone needing these services or wanting to refer or find resources for homeless families may do so by contacting the Community Services Coordinator at the SENCA Central Office in Humboldt, NE.