Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a state-funded program,
which works to improve the health of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women,
other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to age six, and
elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious
USDA commodity foods.
The population served by CSFP is similar to that served by USDA's Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but CSFP also serves elderly
people, and provides food rather than the food vouchers that WIC participants receive.
Eligible people cannot participate in both programs at the same time.
CSFP food packages do not provide a complete diet, but rather are good sources of
the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of the target population. Proper nutrition
and health care are very important to the growth and development of children. This
is especially important during pregnancy and early childhood. Proper nutrition is
also important in maintaining the health of senior citizens. It is for this reason
that we provide commodity foods.
The typical food package distributed to a client includes evaporated milk, nonfat
dry milk, cereal, pasta product, peanut butter or dry beans, canned meat, canned
vegetables, canned fruit, cheese, and juice.
- Infants receive baby formula, infant cereal, and juice
- Children, pregnant women, post partum and nursing mothers receive a larger food
package than other clients
Contact Cal Pekas, CSFP Director for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 115
Family Services Program – Specializes in providing emergency
assistance (help with eviction notices, utility disconnect notices,
fuel vouchers for out-of-town emergencies such as funerals, etc.) to clients residing
within the city of Lincoln. Requests for assistance will be considered on a case-by-case
basis and subject to the availability of funds. This program is funded by private
donations and local corporate and foundation grants.
Diaper Depot – Families with children ages 2 and under are eligible
to receive diapers, wipes and Desitin ointment once every two months (60 days) from
several local agencies including Indian Center, Inc., Salvation Army, and the Ponca
Tribe of Nebraska. Please be aware that diapers are not usually available on a same-day
basis; typically diapers may be picked up within one to two business days. Clients
will be notified of the time of pick-up at which time the request for diapers is
made. This program is funded by Havelock United Methodist Church and made available
through the Family Needs Department at the Indian Center.
Ride for 7.50 - If your household is at or below 200% of the Federal
Poverty Rate, you can now purchase a StarTran 31-consecutive-day bus pass for $7.50
($15 HandiVan for eligible patrons). Available through the Family Needs Department.
- Proof of income is required each month
- Identification (including date of birth) is required each month
- Previous pass must be presented each month
- One pass per person per month
Personal hygiene items – Families are eligible to receive personal care items once
every two months (60 days). Availability of individual items varies and is accessible
through the Family Needs Department.
Summer fan distribution program – During the summer fans are available
for low-income people, the elderly and people with disabilities through the Family
Needs Department. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) within
the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides reimbursement funds
for the fans.
Contact Jacinda Welsch for concerns relating to the Family Needs Department, 402-438-5231,
ext. 105
Foodnet Program - Foodnet is a group of volunteers from many different
churches and non-profit organizations, trying to STOP the waste of food, and MEET
all human needs. Intended especially for those who are trying on their own to provide
food for their families, but hardships such as layoffs, sickness, car problems and
other unexpected catastrophes make paychecks smaller leaving less money for food.
Mostly perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, etc.
are provided to all needy families. Distributions are offered at the Indian Center
on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Support is received from the
Food Bank of Lincoln.
Contact Cal Pekas, CSFP Director for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 115
Emergency Food Pantry – Provides 7-day food supply for individuals
or families in crisis. Applications for food boxes are accepted Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday afternoons between 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and subject to availability (quantities
of food are limited). Eligible to pick up every three months (90 days). Must bring
Social Security Numbers for all members of the household every time you pick up.
Contact Cal Pekas, CSFP Director for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 115
Housing Program – Based in the City of Lincoln, this program has
long been a model of housing consistency in the Native American Community since
the mid-1980s. With over 142 units of rental housing for low-income families, elderly
and handicapped residents, these services continue to be a mainstay of Indian Center,
Inc. service delivery system.
The housing properties include three complexes for the elderly and two for low-income
respectively, each owned by Indian Center nonprofit affiliates:
- Elizabeth Stabler in Lincoln (27 elderly units)
- Raymond Phillips in Lincoln (21 elderly units)
- Grey Eagle in Gering/Scottsbluff (24 elderly units)
- Many Oaks in Lincoln (30 low-income units)
- West Garfield in Lincoln (30 low-income units)
These units are managed by five nonprofit housing entities, affiliates of Indian
Center, Inc. Their cumulative value has been estimated at $9 million. These properties
were originally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
and low-income housing tax credits administered by the Nebraska Investment Finance
Authority (NIFA) in Lincoln.
Contact Bobby Robinette for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 113
Homeownership Program – see attached brochure.
Home Ownership Program [pdf]
Contact Rose Springer for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 110
Senior Citizens Program – This program provides daily, nutritious meals to a combination
of senior and low income individuals per day. Funding comes from private donations
and local corporate support; food preparation is carried out nearly wholly by volunteers.
Youth Program
– The Indian Center Youth Program provides services and activities for at risk Native
American youth in our community. We want Native American youth in our community
to be productive citizens by being self-sufficient, preparing for college/vocational
trade schools, and by being mentally and physically healthier people in our community.
Youth Program Schedule [pdf]
The Indian Center Youth Department combats realities and strives to enhance self-sufficiency
of local Native American youth by developing opportunities such as: comprehensive
guidance, tutoring, study skills training, Alternative Secondary School Services,
summer employment opportunities, occupational skills training, leadership development
opportunities, and mentoring.
Contact Jessica James for more information, 438-5231, ext. 114
Circle of Care Project – This program is funded by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of this project
is to design, plan and develop tools and resources for a holistic mental health
system of care. The urban Indian communities of Lincoln and Omaha will work in partnership
with public and private organizations to plan mental health services and supports
that are effective in meeting the challenges of Native Americans with mental health
needs. The goal of this project is to build a solid foundation for delivering and
sustaining effective mental health services.
Contact Barbara Grant for more information, 402-438-5231, ext. 104