A look at the well-being of Nebraskans statewide - Coalition for a Strong Nebraska

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, advocates, policymakers, and service providers will come together to discuss how Nebraskans are doing in this economy. We’ll explore data and economic trends contributing to rural and urban well-being and how we can all work towards positive outcomes for all Nebraskans to thrive.

Presentations include:

Region-by-Region: A look at the data indicating economic well-being of Nebraskans pre-pandemic compared to now
Community Well-Being: Nebraska’s prevention system + how it works in action
Food Security: Innovations + needs across the state
Hidden Poverty: How poverty impacts Nebraska’s rural and urban communities differently
Public / Private Partnerships: Models for working together to meet the needs of Nebraskans
State of Our Children: Meeting the needs of Nebraska’s children today and into the future

Conference Agenda

8:30 am – Registration open, refreshments served
9:00 am – Welcome, opening remarks
- Laurie Ponce, Director, Coalition for a Strong Nebraska
9:15 am – Measuring Well-Being of Nebraskans Statewide
- Dr. Josie Schafer, Director, Center for Public Affairs Research, University of Nebraska Omaha
10:00 am – Social Determinants of Community Wellness
- Josie Rodriguez, MS, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, One World Community Health Centers, Inc.
10:45 am – Break
11:00 am – Community Well-Being: Nebraska’s Prevention System + How It Works in Action
- Jennifer Skala, Senior Vice President, Nebraska Children & Families Foundation
- Brady Rhodes, Collaborative Coordinator, Community IMPACT Network of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties
- Faith Mills, Executive Director, Panhandle Partnership
- Denise Zweiner, Buffalo County Community Partners
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 pm – Concurrent sessions
- Food Security Across Nebraska: Stakeholders, Innovations and Opportunities for Action
  - Brian Barks, CEO, Food Bank for the Heartland
  - Ansley Fellers, Executive Director, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association
  - Nancy Williams, Executive Director, No More Empty Pots
  - Justin Carter, Senior Project Associate, Center for Rural Affairs
- Commonalities and Differences: Rural and Urban poverty
  - Tina Rockenbach, Executive Director, Community Action of Nebraska
  - Aaron Bowen, Executive Director, Community Action of Eastern Nebraska
  - Faith Mills, Executive Director, Panhandle Partnership
  - Annette Dubas, Executive Director, Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations
2:00 pm – Break
2:15 pm – Concurrent sessions
- Poverty and Children: What’s Needed Now
  - Karen Bell-Dancy, Executive Director, YWCA Lincoln
  - Leonor Fuhrer, Assistant Vice President of Community Response, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
  - Juliet Summers, Executive Director, Voices for Children
- Public + Private Collaborations
  - Dr. Joshua Cramer, President, Nebraska Children & Families Foundation
  - Brady Rhodes, Collaborative Coordinator, Community IMPACT Network of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties
  - Jake Owens, Executive Director, York County Health Coalition
  - Lisa Hurley, Executive Director, York County Development Corporation
3:15 pm – Reflections on the day
- Laurie Ponce, Director, Coalition for a Strong Nebraska
3:30 pm – Closing reception and exhibits

Download the Session Presentations