Willard Community Center is honored to receive a generous $2,900 contribution from the General Dynamics – ECAC Lincoln Chapter in support of our general operating needs. This funding helps sustain our broad range of programs and services that engage children, families, and older adults throughout the community.

General operating support is essential to Willard’s mission, providing the flexibility to meet emerging needs, maintain quality programs, and invest in resources that keep our organization strong and responsive. Contributions like this one allow us to continue offering opportunities that help individuals grow, connect, and contribute to a thriving community.

We are deeply grateful to the General Dynamics – ECAC Lincoln Chapter for their commitment to strengthening local organizations and improving the lives of those we serve.

Willard Community Center is honored to announce that it has received a $1,420 grant from the Nebraska Arts Council through the Creative Aging Arts Program. This funding will support our newest class, Prints & Memories: Printmaking, taught by local artist Liz Shea-McCoy.

The eight-week session begins Monday, October 27, and offers adults age 55 and older an opportunity to explore the art of printmaking in a fun, social, and inspiring environment. Participants will experiment with various printmaking techniques and create a meaningful final project to showcase at the culmination class on December 15.

Through the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, Prints & Memories is offered free of charge to participants. This initiative helps foster creativity, connection, and lifelong learning, key components of the Center’s commitment to enriching the lives of older adults through engaging arts opportunities.

We’re so thankful to the Nebraska Arts Council for making this class possible. Programs like this remind us that creativity has no age limit and that art continues to be a powerful way to build community.

Registration is required by October 22 and can be completed by calling 402-475-0805 or online by using this link.

It's time to get signed up for the next session for the YMCA Fit for Life Strength & Stretch Program held here at Willard Community Center.

Classes are Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, and are perfect for anyone focusing on improving their balance, range of motion, strength, and daily living skills. 

Join Willard Community Center for the monthly aging adult & senior citizen potluck!
Wednesday, October 8
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2nd floor South Room (elevator available)

Willard Community Center will provide the main dish of Sloppy Joes.

Willard Community Center is excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity for creativity and connection: Prints & Memories: Printmaking Class, taught by local artist Liz Shea-McCoy. This 8-week session invites adults ages 55 and older to explore the art of printmaking while building meaningful connections with peers.

The class will meet on Mondays from 2:00–3:15 PM, beginning October 27 and running through December 15. After the final class, participants will take part in a culminating project to showcase what they’ve learned and created throughout the session.

This class is free of charge and open to the 55+ community, thanks to generous funding provided by the Nebraska Arts Council.

Registration Information

Pre-registration is required by October 22. Participants can reserve their spot by calling Willard Community Center at 402-475-0805 or by completing the online registration form.

Spots are limited, so we encourage early registration to ensure participation in this exciting new program.

Join us this fall at Willard for Prints & Memories and discover the joy of creating art while making lasting friendships.

Have you ever wondered about your family’s story, the history of your home, or how to preserve the treasures your loved ones left behind? The Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society (LLGS) invites you to explore these meaningful topics at an upcoming free program, open to the public.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about the resources available at the LLCGS Library

• Gain an introduction to basic genealogy and family history research

• Discover tips for researching the history of old homes

• Explore creative ways to honor loved ones, such as repurposing keepsakes, compiling cherished recipes into a family cookbook, and documenting your personal story for future generations

This program is designed for anyone interested in connecting with their roots, preserving family memories, or simply learning something new.

For more information about the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society and its resources, visit llcgs.info.

Join our Finding and Honoring Your Roots classes on October 21 and 28 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Willard Community Center. Free and open to the public, no registration required!

Join us for our September Senior Potluck!
 Wednesday, September 17
 11:00 AM
 Willard Community Center | 2nd Floor South Room
Willard Community Center will provide the main dish: Bratwursts.
Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy good food & great company!

On September 5, Willard Community Center was fortunate to be part of United Way’s annual Day of Caring, a community-wide volunteer event that connects organizations with individuals and businesses ready to lend a hand.

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of several volunteers, significant progress was made on our Early Explorers play area project. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear the outdoor space and move play equipment into storage, an important step as we prepare for the installation of new turf and a shade structure. These upgrades will provide a safe, accessible, and comfortable play space for the children in our program.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to:

• Ashley, Gabrielle, and Stephen from Hudl

• Nick from Hausmann Construction

• Alan from K&K CLC LLC

• Carolyn from Kawasaki Railcar

• Our dedicated Willard team

A special thank-you also goes to Roger at Lincoln Self Storage, who generously donated two months of free storage for our play equipment.

This project has been in the works for several years, and the support from our volunteers and community partners is bringing us closer to the finish line. While we were so focused on the work that we forgot to take photos, our security cameras managed to capture the progress throughout the morning, a lighthearted reminder of the teamwork that made the day a success.

At Willard Community Center, we are grateful for the strong partnerships and community spirit that make projects like this possible. Together, we are building spaces where children can grow, play, and thrive.

Willard Community Center is honored to be recognized at the 2025 Lincoln Arts Awards with the Arts for Everyone Award. This recognition celebrates organizations and individuals who make the arts accessible, inclusive, and impactful for their community.

The evening brought together a remarkable gathering of artists, sponsors, and community leaders, each playing a role in strengthening Lincoln’s vibrant arts culture. For Willard, the award highlights the many ways the arts have been woven into our mission to help people of all ages grow, connect, and contribute.

From preschoolers discovering creativity through hands-on projects, to aging adults engaging in new forms of self-expression, to Intergenerational experiences like origami classes and campus concerts, Willard embraces the arts as a powerful tool for building community and connection.

We are humbled to be included among so many talented individuals and organizations who continue to inspire and uplift through the arts. This award not only honors our past efforts but also encourages us to expand opportunities for creativity at Willard.

We extend our gratitude to the Lincoln Arts Council, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and to the community members whose passion and support make this work possible. Together, we can ensure that the arts remain a source of inspiration and connection for everyone.

Willard Community Center is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Lincoln to host Lincoln Fresh on our campus every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 10:30–11:30 AM. This mobile produce distribution is open and free to the public, bringing fresh fruits and vegetables directly into the neighborhood.

Lincoln Fresh helps ensure that families and individuals of all ages have access to healthy food options. For our Early Explorers preschool and pre-k classrooms, Lincoln Fresh has become an exciting hands-on learning opportunity. Children get to choose their own fresh produce, try new fruits and vegetables, and learn about the importance of healthy eating from a young age. These small moments plant big seeds that encourage lifelong healthy habits.

Beyond our classrooms, Lincoln Fresh is a resource for the entire community. Whether you’re picking up produce for your family, discovering something new to try in the kitchen, or connecting with neighbors, this program makes fresh, nutritious food more accessible for everyone.

We are incredibly grateful to the Food Bank of Lincoln for this partnership and to all who make Lincoln Fresh possible. Together, we’re nourishing not just bodies, but also building stronger, healthier communities.

📍 Location: Willard Community Center, 1245 S. Folsom St., Lincoln, NE
🗓 When: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 10:30–11:30 AM
💲 Cost: Free and open to the public