Willard Community Center is proud to host a special open art exhibit celebrating the completion of our recent 4-Week Painting Class, taught by Wendy Bantam. The exhibit will take place on March 4 from 5:00–6:30 PM and is open to family, friends, and community members.

Over the past month, participants have gathered each week to explore painting techniques, experiment with color, and build confidence in their artistic abilities. What began as blank canvases quickly turned into vibrant works of art, each piece reflecting the creativity, growth, and individuality of its artist.

This exhibit is more than a display of artwork. It is a celebration of learning, connection, and the power of creative expression. Programs like this provide a welcoming space for adults in our community to try something new, meet others, and experience the joy that comes from creating something with their own hands.

We invite the community to stop by, view the artwork, and help us celebrate the dedication and talent of these artists. Whether you attended the class or are simply curious about what has been created, we would love to see you there.

Event Details:
March 4
5:00–6:30 PM
Willard Community Center

Come support local creativity and enjoy an evening of art at Willard.

At Willard Community Center, we believe that access to basic necessities should never be out of reach. Thanks to a generous $500 donation from Lincoln Industries, we can continue stocking our Blessings Box and supporting families in our community.

The Blessings Box, located outside our building, operates much like a small food pantry and is available to anyone who needs it. With this donation, we were able to purchase essential items, including diapers, formula, toilet paper, hygiene products, and food. These everyday necessities may seem simple, but for families navigating financial hardship, they can make a significant difference.

While one of the photos shared shows the Blessings Box fully stocked, that display represents only a small portion of what this contribution made possible. Community partnerships like this are vital to our mission of helping area residents grow, connect, and contribute. We are deeply grateful to Lincoln Industries for stepping up to care for families in Lincoln in such a meaningful and tangible way.

Together, we are ensuring that neighbors have access to the essentials they need, when they need them most.

Ages 5–13
First Day: May 27
Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and connection.

Our School-Age Summer Program is now enrolling children ages 5–13. Beginning May 27, students will enjoy a safe, structured environment filled with hands-on activities, outdoor play, enrichment experiences, and opportunities to build lasting friendships.

Summer programming includes:

• Weekly themed activities

• STEM projects and creative arts

• Physical activity and outdoor games

• Weekly field trips

• Guest speakers and presentations

• Swimming twice per week

• Leadership opportunities for older youth

Open Monday–Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, our program supports working families while ensuring children stay active, engaged, and connected throughout the summer months.

Space is limited and fills quickly each year. Secure your child’s spot today and give them a summer they’ll look forward to every morning.

Contact us for enrollment information or to schedule a tour.

Infants (6 Weeks–18 Months) & Preschool (3–5 Years)
First Day: May 27
Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Summer is a season of growth, and we’re ready to help your child thrive.

We are now enrolling infants (6 weeks–18 months) and preschoolers (ages 3–5) for our Summer Early Explorers Program beginning May 27. Our program provides a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children learn through hands-on exploration, structured play, and meaningful relationships.

For our youngest learners, we focus on:

• Responsive, individualized care

• Sensory exploration and early development

• Strong caregiver bonding and routines

For our preschoolers, summer includes:

• Themed learning experiences

• Outdoor play and nature exploration

• Early literacy and kindergarten readiness activities

• Social-emotional skill building

• Weekly field trips

• Weekly water days

Our classrooms are open Monday–Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexibility for working families while maintaining consistent, high-quality programming.

Spots are limited, and summer enrollment fills quickly. We encourage families to reserve their space as soon as possible.

To learn more or begin the enrollment process, contact us today!

Willard Community Center’s first-ever Galentine’s Bingo Night was a huge success!

Community members gathered for an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and meaningful connection, all in support of a cause that brings people together year-round. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, we raised $1,130 to directly support Willard’s Adult & Senior Program.

Funds raised will help sustain and expand opportunities for older adults in our community, including wellness classes, social engagement events, creative programming, and access to nutritious meals. As our Adult & Senior Program continues to grow, community support like this plays a vital role in keeping programs accessible and affordable.

Beyond the fundraising impact, the evening reflected what Willard does best: creating spaces where people can connect, build relationships, and support one another across generations.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated prizes, and helped make this inaugural event such a success. We look forward to making Galentine’s Bingo Night a tradition in the years ahead.

For 46 years, Willard Community Center has been a trusted gathering place for families in southwest Lincoln. Now, we are growing in a powerful new way.

Beginning Summer 2026, Willard’s Early Explorers program will expand to include licensed infant care, followed by toddler care in Fall 2026. This expansion will add 8 infant slots and 12 toddler slots, directly addressing one of the most critical childcare shortages in Lincoln.

Meeting a Critical Community Need

Families across Lincoln face long waitlists for infant and toddler care. These early years are foundational for brain development, social-emotional growth, and long-term school readiness. By expanding Early Explorers to serve children from infancy through preschool, Willard will provide:

• High-quality, nurturing care during the most critical developmental years

• Continuity for families within one trusted program

• Stability for working parents

• Stronger transitions into preschool

Our current preschool and pre-k program is rated Step 4 in Nebraska’s Step Up to Quality system, reflecting our long-standing commitment to excellence. This expansion allows us to extend that same high standard of care to our youngest learners.

Growth with Purpose

This is not growth for the sake of growth. It is growth rooted in listening.

Over the past several years, families have consistently asked if Willard would ever serve infants and toddlers. At the same time, workforce participation in our community depends on reliable, affordable childcare options.

Expanding Early Explorers strengthens the entire community, supporting children, parents, and employers alike.

A Continuum of Care

With this expansion, Willard will offer a full early childhood continuum:

Infants → Toddlers → Preschool → Before & After School Programs

Families will be able to grow with us, building relationships that last for years, not just a season.

Looking Ahead

Small room modifications and preparations are already underway to ensure the new classrooms meet all licensing standards and reflect the warm, welcoming environment families expect from Willard.

We are excited for this next chapter and grateful for the community partners and supporters helping make it possible.

On Friday, February 13, 84 individuals gathered at Willard Community Center for our Pal-entine’s Brunch, a celebration of friendship, belonging, and community.

The event brought together community members, children and families from our Early Explorers classrooms, participants from our adult and senior program, and Willard staff. Around shared tables and warm meals, laughter filled the room and meaningful conversations unfolded across generations.

What makes Pal-entine’s Brunch special isn’t just the food, it’s the opportunity to slow down and connect. Families shared smiles with older adults. Longtime participants welcomed new faces. It was a powerful reminder that Willard is more than a building; it’s a place where relationships grow.

Events like this reflect our mission of helping area residents grow, connect, and contribute. From our youngest learners to our older adults, every program at Willard is rooted in creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning so meaningful. Community is built in moments like these, one shared meal, one conversation, one smile at a time.

The Lakeview CLC volleyball team kicked off the season last week by taking on the Huntington CLC in their first league game of the year. The match was full of energy, teamwork, and determination. Lakeview came away with an exciting win!

Players showed great communication, effort, and sportsmanship throughout the game, setting a strong tone for the season ahead. This first victory is a wonderful reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm the team brings to the court.

Congratulations to the Lakeview CLC volleyball team on a great start. We’re looking forward to cheering them on as the season continues!

Presented by Jodi Richards from Roper and Sons Funeral Home

Thursday, January 29 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Willard Community Center

Join us for a relaxed and informative presentation designed to make a difficult topic more approachable. Learn how funeral pre-planning works, explore traditional and cremation options, and ask questions in a comfortable, no-pressure setting.

Participants will receive free handouts, including a Funeral Planning Guide and helpful checklists, along with complimentary Chapstick and pens.

This presentation is intended to provide clarity, peace of mind, and a trusted resource for residents, families, and staff. All are welcome to attend.

Willard Community Center will host a special educational session led by guest speaker Daniel Kasparek, a speech-language pathologist with Bryan Health. This informative class will focus on understanding different types of memory and how they affect daily life.

Participants will learn practical, functional strategies to support day-to-day activities, along with simple exercises that can be practiced in the home environment. The session is designed to be accessible, engaging, and useful for adults looking to better understand memory and build tools that support independence and confidence.

The class will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Willard Community Center. Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a healthcare professional in a welcoming, supportive setting.