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
Looking to ease into a low-impact fitness routine that builds strength, improves flexibility, and helps you stay active? Willard Community Center is excited to partner with the YMCA to bring you the Fit for Life: Strength & Stretch Program, now offering both morning and evening class options to better fit your schedule!
This welcoming, low-impact class is perfect for older adults or anyone looking to stay strong and connected in a supportive environment. Led by YMCA instructors, the program focuses on gentle strength-building and stretching exercises to improve overall wellness.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10:00 – 10:45 AM
July 15 through August 26 (no class August 7)
Cost: $12 for the entire session (financial assistance available)
Tuesdays & Fridays
5:30 – 6:15 PM
July 8 – August 29
Free Trial Classes: July 8, 11, 15 & 18
Cost: $12 for the entire session after the trial period (financial assistance available)
Whether you prefer to get moving in the morning or wind down in the evening, we have a class that’s right for you. Come join us and make movement a part of your routine this summer at Willard!
Willard Community Center is excited to invite you to the Schroder Park Wellness Campuses Annual Party in the Park on Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy summer fun, connect with neighbors, and learn more about local community resources.
Guests of all ages can look forward to a variety of activities, including:
⚽ Soccer Darts
💦 Dunk Tank
🎁 Prizes
🏡 Community Resource Booths
🤝 Opportunities to meet neighbors and local organizations
Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, this event is a great way to build connections and celebrate all that our community has to offer. Bring the whole family and enjoy a few hours of laughter, games, and meaningful conversations.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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We were thrilled to welcome Officer Stegman from the Lincoln Police Department to our school-age summer program for a special morning of learning and connection.
Officer Stegman spoke with the children about a variety of important topics, including summer safety, personal safety, and the everyday responsibilities of a police officer. The visit was interactive and engaging; students had the opportunity to ask questions, share stories, and gain a deeper understanding of how law enforcement supports our community.
Beyond just safety tips, the visit helped build trust and positive relationships between our youth and local law enforcement. Experiences like this are an important part of our program’s mission to provide not only academic and recreational enrichment but also meaningful community engagement.
We extend a heartfelt thank-you to Officer Stegman and the Lincoln Police Department for taking the time to connect with our kids and contribute to a safe, informed, and supported summer!
Get ready for another unforgettable evening of music, community, and summer fun! The next installment of the Schroder Park Summer Concert Series is set for Wednesday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, featuring Tonal Anomaly.
Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and the whole family for a relaxing evening filled with live music and great company. Whether you're dancing to the beat, enjoying a picnic in the park, or catching up with neighbors, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
These concerts are more than just music; they’re about celebrating community, connecting with others, and making the most of the summer season right here at the Schroder Park Wellness Campus.
We’re keeping the momentum going with week 2 of the Summer Reading Program in partnership with the Lincoln City Libraries, and what a week it was! Each session continues to foster a love for reading while giving our school-agers a chance to explore new books, engage in themed activities, and connect with peers.
This week’s selections sparked laughter, conversation, and curiosity. Whether reading aloud as a group or diving into a book on their own, the kids showed real excitement about their reading goals. Library staff led thoughtful discussions and interactive reading activities, keeping everyone engaged and having fun.
Programs like this help strengthen literacy skills during the summer months while nurturing lifelong readers. A big thank you to Lincoln City Libraries for their continued support and creative programming. We’re excited to keep reading all summer long!
This week, our school-age program took a step back in time with an exciting field trip to Morrill Hall, home of the University of Nebraska State Museum. Known for its impressive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences, the museum offered our kids a unique look into the natural history of Nebraska and beyond.
From towering mammoth skeletons to ancient sea creatures and prehistoric camels that once roamed our region, the children were captivated by the fascinating exhibits. They especially loved the interactive displays, where they could dig for fossils and learn how scientists uncover the past.
This trip wasn’t just educational; it sparked curiosity, imagination, and lots of great questions. It was a great reminder of how learning can be an adventure, especially when it's rooted in discovery and fun.
Willard Community Center is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln to support the continued growth of our adult programming. This generous funding marks an exciting step forward as we work to provide more opportunities for wellness, connection, and community engagement among adults and aging neighbors.
Willard’s adult programming is designed to foster social connection, promote lifelong learning, and support overall well-being. With the support of CHE, we’ll be able to expand current offerings and introduce new opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of our adult community members, from health and wellness activities to enrichment classes and intergenerational events.
“This funding allows us to be more intentional in serving a population that has long supported Willard through the years,” said Sarah Reinke, Executive Director of Willard Community Center. “We’re excited to grow our outreach and make our programs even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.”
We’re deeply grateful to the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln for its commitment to building a healthier, more connected Lincoln. Their investment helps ensure that individuals of all ages have access to resources that enhance quality of life and promote community well-being.
Stay tuned as we roll out expanded adult programming in the coming months, and thank you for being part of the Willard family!
