On March 13, 2026 at Lincoln South Rotary Club we had an opportunity to hear from the Center for People - Macala, Delani, Katie and Lindsey.
We were honored to have 4 from the Center for People at our meeting (pictured left to right):
Macala Carter - Executive Director
Delani Lyle - Development Manager
Katie Bruggeman - Director of Education
Lindsey Licht - Strengths Coach and Work Readiness Manager and a member of Lincoln South Rotary Club
Delani Lyle - Development Manager
Katie Bruggeman - Director of Education
Lindsey Licht - Strengths Coach and Work Readiness Manager and a member of Lincoln South Rotary Club
In their opening statement they stated that the Center for People does one simple but powerful thing: We pair workforce and educational opportunities with basic needs support, so people can move toward true economic independence.
By meeting people where they are they remove barriers to stability, learning and long-term success. They believe that Education + Basic Needs = Economic Independence.
They took us through a series of stories showing the faces of the people they serve.
Joy wrote a letter to the Center. She opened with:
I never thought I’d be writing this letter. When I worked with you, I finally felt like I was part of something good — something that gave me purpose and pride. You treated me like I was more than my past, and for the first time, I started to believe it too.
The unfortunate news is that Joy made a mistake and returned to prison. But she continues to think of what she learned at the Center and keeps her hopes up that she can return there some day.
The story of Larry is one of hope as well. After being released from prison he realized the world had changed - he needed computer skills. At the Center's computer lab he created a new email address . . . and created for a new beginning.
Trey is a volunteer in the pantry. He work hard to keep the shelves stocked and helping shoppers. He cares deeply because he has a shared experience. He has little and remembers when he was small and his mother came to the Center for help. One year he got a Nike branded coat and felt like he finally belonged with the other kids - they could not afford to buy name brand items at that time.
Serenity accompanied Rico to the Center to help him get connected to a career specialist. She learned that the Center could help her get her high school diploma. With daily study hours at the Center she finished. She was proud - and she walked across the stage to get her diploma with her children holding her hands. They were also very proud of her accomplishment - it felt like a generational success story. Now both Serenity and Rico are enrolled in the Center's POP (People Obtaining Prosperity) Scholarship program at SCC.
The story of Samir started with ELL Classes. He is here from Afghanistan and decided one day to cook for the team. He was allowed to use the teaching kitchen - was learning the ingredients in English and talking with everyone about the food. The aroma filled the building and soon the kitchen was filled with people from various cultures - tasting his cooking and sharing stories. It was about food and belonging. He was seen not only for what he needed but for what he brought.
Another student of ELL slowly learned the language and also some computer skills. He also participated in the forklift training program. Today he is working as a parking attendant for the City of Lincoln. He has a job which gives him dignity.
George is hoping for a second chance - he hopes to open a small business one day. He comes to the Center's computer lab regularly to work on his diploma. His granddaughter Gabby comes along - he helps her with her homework while they are there. George was in and out of the justice system for years. His two sons (one of which is Gabby's dad) are incarcerated and now in the reentry program encouraged to follow George's lead.
You will frequently see Mohammed and Amani at the College View Farmers selling their produce. They came to the Center for the ELL classes. Mohammed is fluent now but he still comes to every class with Amani supporting and helping her.
They shared these statistics from 2025:
• 18,480 people enrolled across our programs
• 1,432 adults pursued workforce and education pathways
• A 300% increase in education program enrollment
• 11 Southeast Community College graduates earned associate degrees through our People Obtaining Prosperity (POP) program
• Over 1.8 million pounds of food distributed
• 5,751 babies diapered
• 1,277 certificates earned
• And 191 individuals secured employment
• 18,480 people enrolled across our programs
• 1,432 adults pursued workforce and education pathways
• A 300% increase in education program enrollment
• 11 Southeast Community College graduates earned associate degrees through our People Obtaining Prosperity (POP) program
• Over 1.8 million pounds of food distributed
• 5,751 babies diapered
• 1,277 certificates earned
• And 191 individuals secured employment