It started in 2015: a student approached school social worker Dawna Hill wanting to create a way to help students and families if they were in need of basic clothing items or shoes.
That is when The Nest was born. It is a resource that would allow students who were going through a hard time, new to the United States, in the foster care system or simply a student and family who are in need of household essentials to contact either their counselor or Hill to receive those products without cost.
Students utilize this resource and have enabled the program to last 10 years. The resource, which is funded by donations from the community, students, families and non-profit organizations has allowed for a fully stocked room in the basement ready to provide students with items they may need access to.
If a student needs to access these goods, they can contact their counselor or Hill with no questions asked, and she will gather the items needed and send them home with that student. If an individual has stopped by numerous times, she will follow up to make sure that the family and students have what they need outside of school and will help in any way that she can.
The Nest expanded this year to include The Haven, a food pantry. After recent cuts to foodbanks around the Omaha metro, certain populations may not have the same access they did to those food banks. With prices of food and necessities increasing and a larger overall challenge to access and afford food, Hill believed that The Haven would be a successful addition.
The Haven started its stockpile of non-perishable items at the beginning of the school year, hosting a competition where the Eagle Time, to donate the most materials, would win a prize. This enabled The Haven to start building its piles and enabled students who may be in need to start contacting Hill.
Since August, Hill has been able to connect one parent and three students to the Haven and provide them with food, cleaning supplies and daily goods.
The Haven is at a starting place right now with the shelves being a bit bare but is looking to continue spreading the word and ensuring that students have the access they need to gain necessities.
The goal of both The Haven and The Nest is to “fill the gaps and to give people what they deserve and need, it’s to reduce those barriers and take away those stressors for folks and students,” Hill said.
Each year The Nest serves hundreds of Central students and families, and the organization has enabled families to afford Christmas presents for their kids, has provided newcomers to the country with resources not only for the student but for their entire family so that their needs are met.
“I feel good about it because it really is a community effort, between various organizations and the donations from Central families and the community, people always answer when we ask for donations and that is always important,” Hill said.
The Nest is always looking for donations, whether new or gently used clothing items. Hill will find a place for those donations and send them out to families who may need them. The only things that need to be new are underwear, bras and socks. Other than those three exceptions, The Nest will accept all new or gently used donations.
There is an emphasis on non-perishable food, cleaning products, toilet paper, clothing and hygiene items. Hill also accepts cash and check donations for those who may have allergies or more of a specialized need for food to ensure that everyone who needs it is taken care of.
To donate, email Hill at [email protected]
