Changemakers is a celebration of the efforts taking place across Nebraska to strengthen families and build thriving communities. The event is hosted in the fall by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (Nebraska Children) and highlights the vital connection between strong families, vibrant communities, and Nebraska’s economic future.
Partnership, innovation, and collaboration were themes throughout the virtual event as the unique panel addressed workforce challenges and supporting community well-being.
Video: A brief summary of topics covered during the event.
Stories of Impact and Innovation: A Look at the Future
The day began at the Lincoln Public Schools Career Academy where Mary Jo Pankoke welcomed attendees from inside the Freight Farm. Pankoke, Nebraska Children President and CEO, shared stories to demonstrate the connection between uplifting families and bolstering economic success across the state and emphasized how Nebraska Children initiatives, in partnership with local communities, are addressing the vital needs of Nebraska’s economic future.
Jeff Cole, Nebraska Children Vice President of School-Community Partnerships, spotlighted Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool network. Cole highlighted how Beyond School Bells is partnering with communities across Nebraska to provide youth with critical learning opportunities outside of the classroom. He described the Freight Farm as a “crown jewel” in Nebraska’s efforts to merge education with real-world agricultural skills, giving students hands-on experience with growth towers and exposing them to 21st-century agricultural careers. Such initiatives underscore Nebraska Children’s role in fostering long-term growth and opportunity.
Workforce Development and Community Well-Being: A Panel Discussion
Experts from across Nebraska gathered for a panel discussion on the vital alignment of workforce development and community well-being. Moderated by Dr. Lawrence Chatters from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln and Nebraska Children’s Board President, the panel featured:
K.C. Belitz, Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director
Amanda Jurek, a workforce recruiter focused on agricultural issues
Jenny Skala, Nebraska Children Executive Vice President
Opening the discussion, K.C. Belitz spoke candidly about Nebraska’s workforce shortage and skills gap. He explained the difference between current open jobs and the potential open jobs that would be available if employers were capable of growing as they wish to grow. The challenge extends beyond filling these positions; workforce retention requires affordable childcare, housing, and transportation to support the working population.
“There are between 30,000 and 80,000 of open jobs in Nebraska, currently.”
K.C. Belitz, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Amanda Jurek, a workforce recruiter and community advocate in Buffalo county, emphasized how, despite low unemployment, regions still grapple with poverty, which impacts workforce readiness. She emphasized that solutions include not just recruitment but upskilling and addressing life challenges, so that when workers come to work, they are able to focus on the job at hand.
Changemakers panel discussion included Dr. Lawrence Chatters, K.C. Belitz, Amanda Jurek, and Jenny Skala.
Addressing Barriers Through Community Collaboratives
Jurek reinforced the importance of support systems for community members, sharing that if the needs of the people are met, the business needs are going to be met.
“If you have childcare issues, if you have housing issues, if your stomach is hungry, or your children are going to school hungry and you don’t have the appropriate housing, you can’t focus on your work. You can’t focus on being a productive worker.”
Amanda Jurek, Workforce Recruiter
Jenny Skala spoke passionately about the role of Nebraska Children and the community collaboratives through Bring Up Nebraska. She shared how this statewide prevention partnership advocates to keep children safe, support strong parents, and help families address life’s challenges before challenges become a crisis.
Community collaboratives work directly with Nebraska Children’s initiatives so that families have access to resources and community support, focusing on childcare, and support for young adults. Supports that focus on measures to support families before a crisis hits. Some of those supports include:
Childcare capacity building
Social-emotional well-being to support families with young children
Supports in the middle years through Beyond School Bells and Camp Catch-Up
Older youth work. The focus on the best retention and success rates in the country comes to post-secondary and career attainment.
An Example of Community Partnership in Otoe County
Dan Mauk, Economic Developer for Otoe County, shared how his community worked with Communities for Kids (C4K), an initiative of Nebraska Children, to tackle absenteeism and turnover at major employers in Otoe County by expanding access to childcare. He shared that if employees don’t have a place to take their children, they aren’t able to come to work. “Starting a childcare center is not easy, but with NCFF’s help, we added 12 licensed caregivers and 2 new facilities,” he shared.
The role of community collaboratives is to offer a support model. Specifically in Buffalo County, the community collaborative has launched a program called Prosperity Partner Program. It is a support model offered through a coaching/volunteer program to employees through employers in the area. The program helps guide the employees as they work through some of the challenges that they face in their life. The program also offers provides an opportunity to build community between the individuals participating in the program.
K.C. Belitz further noted that Nebraska’s economic development has shifted dramatically to include previously overlooked issues like housing and childcare and the way to solve these issues is based in the community. He explained how partnerships between the state, federal agencies, and local communities are essential to addressing these challenges. During the conversation, Belitz emphasized that success was in a co-creation of solutions, a blending of resources, reducing barriers, and lifting up the things that need to happen for a thriving workforce.
Investing in Workforce and Youth Development
The event also highlighted the work of Nebraska Children’s Connected Youth Initiative (CYI). Through coaching, financial aid, and career development, CYI helps youth achieve education and career goals.
Video: Check out how the CYI program guided participants through college, provided leader skills, and alleviated financial burdens, allowing them to focus on success.
The Power of Collaboration: Building Nebraska’s Future
The Changemakers conversation made it clear that Nebraska’s future hinges on partnerships, community-based solutions, and innovation. Panelists called for ongoing collaboration to address workforce challenges, with K.C. Belitz urging the audience to step up and embrace new ideas. Amanda Jurek encouraged everyone to invest in their communities and learn from best practices. Jenny Skala invited the audience to partner with NCFF’s initiatives and utilize the Central Navigation function for seamless referrals to essential services.
From workforce upskilling to accessible childcare, Nebraska Children’s initiatives are cultivating a stronger Nebraska. Through the Bring Up Nebraska network, 23 community collaboratives, over 20 state partners, and private philanthropists are united with a shared vision of a thriving, inclusive state.
Honoring a Nebraska Changemaker: 2024 Grace Abbott Award
Changemakers is also a time to honor Nebraska’s legacy of social progress, epitomized by the Grace Abbott Award. Born in Grand Island in 1878, Grace Abbott was a pioneering social worker who dedicated her life to advocating for women, immigrants, and children.
This year, the Peter Kiewit Foundation was recognized with the Grace Abbott Award. Since its founding in 1979, the foundation has embodied Peter Kiewit’s belief that Nebraska is the best place to live. The foundation’s commitment spans various critical areas: college access and success, youth development, economic growth, and community capacity. These align closely with Nebraska Children’s mission, making them an invaluable partner in creating opportunity and well-being across the state.
Join the Movement: Be a Part of Nebraska’s Growth
Nebraska Children and Family Foundation extends its gratitude to the sponsors who made this important conversation possible. Every investment, every partnership, and every volunteer hour brings Nebraska closer to being a place where every family thrives. Join us in building a better future for all Nebraskans.
Growing the Good Life 
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