Southeast Nebraska Community
About Southeast Nebraska Community
In southeast Nebraska, a lot of help starts with the basics. Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership supports low-income individuals and families with food, transportation, housing, emergency assistance, education, and family support, so the next step feels a little more possible. Its work reaches children in Head Start, seniors needing meals or rides, families facing housing crises, and households trying to cut energy costs or build financial footing. If you want to support practical help that meets people where they are, this is that kind of organization.
SENCA stands out because it does not treat one need as separate from the rest. It brings education, housing, transportation, food access, emergency aid, and family support together for rural southeast Nebraska counties, with services designed to help households move toward self-sufficiency.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Head Start
A comprehensive child development program for children age 3 to 5 and their families that focuses on school readiness, family support, and center-based early childhood education.
Weatherization
Home improvements and energy conservation education for eligible households, with an emphasis on elderly people, persons with disabilities, and homes with small children.
Community Services Block Grants
Services that increase and improve social and economic resources for disadvantaged families and individuals in southeast Nebraska.
Food Pantries
Emergency food assistance for people in the SENCA service area who are in need because of an unforeseen emergency, along with nutrition information and safe food preparation guidance.
Emergency Rent & Utilities
Basic-needs assistance for families in crisis, including emergency shelter, rent assistance, and utility assistance.
Family Support / Case Management
Family Development case management that helps families identify barriers, set goals, and mobilize resources toward greater self-sufficiency.
Transitional Housing / Project First
A two-year transitional homeless program that helps families move from emergency shelters into transitional housing and work toward permanent housing.
Cass County Transit
A county-wide transit service with door-to-door rides and priority for elderly and disabled riders.
Pawnee County Transit
A county-wide transit service with door-to-door rides and priority for elderly and disabled riders.
Richardson County Transit
A county-wide transit service with door-to-door rides and priority for elderly and disabled riders, operated under contract with Richardson County.
Affordable Housing
Income-based housing options for low-income people, including housing for elderly and disabled residents.
Homebuyer Education
Classes that teach budgeting, down payment planning, credit, financing, insurance, taxes, closing, and home maintenance.
Down Payment Assistance
Financial assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers, including down payment support and repair or rehabilitation grants for the home purchased.
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Repair and rehabilitation services for eligible owner-occupied homes, addressing code deficiencies, energy conservation, fire protection, and general improvements.
Radon
Licensed radon measurement and mitigation services, including home inspections and financial assistance on a sliding fee scale for eligible households.
Financial Literacy / SENCA SMART
A financial literacy program for eighth and twelfth grade students that uses poverty simulation and classroom sessions to teach budgeting, savings, credit, and the value of education.
Job Skills
Financial assistance for CNA training through Southeast Community College, with follow-up case management after completion.
Congregate Senior Meals
Affordable, nutritious meals served for seniors to enjoy together.
Meals on Wheels
Nutritious meals delivered to people at home.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Supplemental food distribution for seniors age 60 and older.
CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so they can be safe, establish permanence, and have the opportunity to thrive.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Investing in Our Neighbors through Education and Partnerships to Improve Lives and Build Strong Communities in Southeast Nebraska.
Who they serve
Low-income individuals and families in southeast Nebraska, including children ages 3 to 5, students, seniors, people with disabilities, families in crisis, homeless families, and households seeking housing, transportation, food, or energy assistance.
Their impact
- 71 households received Weatherization services and energy conservation education during SENCA’s 2025 fiscal year.
- Donna’s weatherized home is expected to save about $1,935 annually, roughly $161 each month, in reduced energy costs.
- A typical weatherized home experiences an average 18.7% reduction in heating costs.
- The 71 homes served in fiscal year 2025 had the potential to create about $20,219 in long-term direct energy savings.
- Those homes were projected to produce about $25,134 in annual utility cost reduction.
- An additional $2,320,290 in non-energy-related savings may be realized over the long term.
- After completing SENCA’s Job Skills program, Samuel said he was making over $3,000 a month.
How your donation helps
- Food pantry stock and emergency food assistance
- Emergency shelter, rent, and utility assistance
- Weatherization, energy-efficiency, and radon-related home improvements
- Head Start and other child development programs
- Housing rehabilitation and down payment assistance
- Senior meals and Meals on Wheels services
Our story
Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Inc. was incorporated on May 2, 1966, in Humboldt, Nebraska. From there, it grew into a regional community action organization serving southeast Nebraska with education, housing, transportation, food, emergency support, and family services aimed at reducing poverty and helping low-income individuals and families become self-sufficient.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Southeast Nebraska Community’s services.
People seeking help can contact the relevant county outreach office or use the contact page. Eligibility varies by program, some services use Federal Poverty Guidelines, some have no income guidelines, and transit rides must be scheduled in advance.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"Thank You for the help to winterize my house, it really needed it."
"Sherry helped us set goals and gave us the steps, but it was up to us to do the work required for it to be successful."
"As a certified welder I am now making over $3,000 a month."
"I think Homebuyer Education is very beneficial for first-time homebuyers who are starting out at square one."
Events
1011 Can Care-A-Van
June 2026 scheduled datesFood drive events with a stated goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food to stock the pantry.
CSFP Clinic
Scheduled dates in 2026Commodity Supplemental Food Program distribution in Humboldt for seniors 60+.
20th Annual SENCA Benefit Golf Tournament
AnnualA four-person scramble fundraiser held at Kirkman’s Lakeview Golf Course.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Southeast Nebraska Community has shared.
Current needs
- Food donations to stock the pantry
Volunteer opportunities
- CASA volunteer advocate for abused or neglected children
- Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does the Weatherization program help households?
It helps eligible households use less energy, lower heating and cooling costs, and improve home health and safety through weatherization services and energy conservation education.
What does Project First do for families experiencing homelessness?
Project First gives families a two-year path from emergency shelters into transitional housing, while they work toward permanent housing, stronger skills, and greater self-sufficiency.
How do transit rides work?
Transit rides need to be scheduled ahead of time and are available by appointment only. The county transit systems provide door-to-door service, with priority for elderly and disabled riders.
What does SENCA SMART teach?
SENCA SMART is a financial literacy program for eighth and twelfth grade students. It uses poverty simulation and classroom sessions to teach checking and savings, budgeting, credit, and the value of education.
Who can use the Food Pantries program?
Food pantries are available to all people in the SENCA service area who need help because of an unforeseen emergency.
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