At Willard Community Center, we’re always reaching for the stars, literally! Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Don Hain from the Prairie Astronomy Club, who shared his incredible knowledge of the solar system with our school-age students.

Don’s passion for space was contagious as he guided the children through a cosmic journey exploring the stars, the sun, and our vast galaxy. With engaging visuals and interactive discussion, he brought the universe to life. The kids were starstruck with curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and excitedly soaking up new facts about the wonders above us.

Programs like this spark a love of science and discovery, and we’re so thankful for community partners like Mr. Hain and the Prairie Astronomy Club who make learning fun, accessible, and inspiring. His visit was truly out of this world!

Thank you again to Don and the Prairie Astronomy Club for helping our young learners shoot for the stars.

The Willard Community Center’s summer program had an electrifying experience thanks to a special visit from Lincoln Electric System (LES). LES staff brought a dynamic and engaging presentation to teach students about electricity, voltage, and the importance of electrical safety.

Using real-world demonstrations, including the ever-popular pickle and hot dog on the power lines, LES captured the kids' attention and curiosity. These memorable visuals helped students understand how electricity flows and why safety is so important when it comes to power lines.

The interactive session not only sparked excitement but also gave students a unique opportunity to explore STEM topics in a fun, hands-on way.

We are incredibly grateful to LES for taking the time to share their expertise and for being a strong community partner. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact and help inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, Willard Community Center raised $9,275 during Give to Lincoln Day!

Every donation, whether from right here in Lincoln or from friends and supporters beyond, plays a vital role in helping us continue our mission. Your support allows us to offer meaningful programs for children, families, and older adults, creating a space where the community grows, connections are made, and lives are positively impacted every day.

These funds will directly support the heart of our work: providing safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive. From early childhood education to after-school care to senior outreach programs, your generosity makes it all possible.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave. Thank you for being part of the Willard community and for believing in the power of local support to create lasting change.

It’s hard to believe the first two weeks of summer have already flown by at Willard Community Center! Our youth programs are off to an energetic and exciting start, filled with outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun.

We kicked things off with field trips to local favorites, including a sunny day at Antelope Park, where students enjoyed the playgrounds, open green spaces, and group games. The excitement continued with a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Saltdogs Stadium. From the dugouts to the diamond, the kids got an up-close look at where Lincoln’s hometown baseball team plays, and even picked up a few fun facts along the way!

Back at Willard, our Garden Club has been hard at work nurturing their summer garden. With dedication, teamwork, and a whole lot of watering, they’re planting the seeds, literally and figuratively, for a season of growth. We can’t wait to see the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor.

These first two weeks have already been packed with learning, laughter, and connection, and this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our summer of fun, exploration, and community!

Willard Community Center is honored to be the recipient of a generous $30,000 grant from the Immanuel Vision Foundation. This funding will directly support the expansion of our adult programming, allowing us to create more opportunities for older adults and seniors in our community to stay active, engaged, and connected.

With the support of the Immanuel Vision Foundation, Willard will continue to grow its offerings in wellness, education, and social enrichment. From low-impact fitness classes and wellness workshops to creative arts, educational talks, and community events, our expanded adult programs are designed to enhance quality of life and foster meaningful connections among participants.

This investment helps us further our mission of supporting individuals of all ages as they grow, connect, and contribute to their community. We are deeply grateful to the Immanuel Vision Foundation for believing in our vision and helping us create a welcoming and vibrant space for aging adults.

Stay tuned for more updates as we launch new opportunities and programs in the coming months!

We’re excited to share the success of our annual House & Porch Plant Sale, which raised $841 this year, all thanks to the support of our incredible community!

Each spring, the Willard Community Center hosts this event to offer a wide selection of plants that brighten porches and homes. But beyond the greenery, this sale is rooted in purpose: 100% of the proceeds go directly to our Adult Program, helping us provide wellness, social, and educational opportunities for adults and seniors in our neighborhood.

Your contributions help us continue to grow meaningful programming, from fitness classes and educational workshops to community meals and social gatherings. Every dollar raised makes a lasting impact.

Thank you for helping us cultivate community and connection, one plant at a time. We can’t wait to see you again next year!

We’re so proud of our Lakeview CLC and Roper after-school 3rd–5th graders for making a big difference in the lives of some very special furry friends! 🐾💛

Our students completed the Paws & Hands: Crafting Comfort for Shelter Animals project, creating 62 cozy tie-blankets and 104 fun toys for the animals at Capital Humane Society!

A huge thank you to Youth Service of America and The Hershey Company for funding this heartwarming project and helping our students learn the value of compassion, service, and creativity.

Great job, kids, you’ve made tails wag and hearts happy! 🐶🐱💕

The smiles, laughter, and proud moments shared at our Preschool End-of-Year Celebration and Pre-k Graduation remind us why early childhood education is such a joyful and important journey.

On May 22, we honored the growth and accomplishments of our youngest learners. Our preschoolers have spent the year exploring, creating, and building new friendships. We couldn’t be prouder of how much they’ve grown, especially socially and emotionally

For our graduating pre-k students, it was a bittersweet farewell. These bright young minds are ready to take the next step toward kindergarten, and we are so excited to watch them continue to flourish. The ceremony was filled with happy tears, cheers from proud families, and celebrations of each child’s achievements.

Thank you to all the families, teachers, and supporters who made this school year so special. We can’t wait to continue growing together!

🎉 Today’s the BIG DAY – Give to Lincoln Day is here! 🎉

Your donation to Willard Community Center today helps us continue providing affordable, high-quality programs for all ages in our community.

💛 Support over 450 children in early childhood and after-school care
💛 Enrich the lives of 50+ adults & seniors with wellness and social programs
💛 Strengthen a trusted hub that serves hundreds of local families every year

We’d be honored to receive your support today. Every gift makes a lasting impact.

👉Donate here

The rain may have made an appearance, but it certainly didn’t keep the neighborhood away! On May 28, families, friends, and community members gathered for the first concert in our Schroder Park Summer Concert Series, nd what a joyful kick-off it was.

The Oasis Bluegrass Band brought the park to life with a lively hour-long performance that had toes tapping and spirits lifted. Children danced freely in the grass, played hand instruments, and enjoyed popsicles while adults joined in on yard games or relaxed with neighbors. Laughter echoed, umbrellas popped open, and the community came together to make memories, rain or shine.

We’re incredibly grateful to the local organizations who showed up to share resources and connect with attendees, helping make this event both fun and meaningful.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and made this first concert such a success. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!