Resources
Purpose:
Bridges to Hope is committed to supporting formerly incarcerated Nebraskans through providing tangible items, referrals, and other needed resources that expand community support and encouragement. We also work closely with many other organizations that provide mentoring, job training, leadership skill training, and other key elements of rehabilitation.
We would be happy to help you find the best support or connect you with further resources that will contribute to your success.
The purpose of this page is to provide a list of easily accessible resources of a variety of broad topics essential to well-being, support, and reentry success. It is our hope that this page will serve you in discovering local resources and developing a community network.
This page is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive list, but rather a quickly accessible guide of local resources.
For more information, please contact us at
(402) 420-5696
Or visit us Mon/Tue 1:00-4:00; or Wed/Thus/Sat 9:00-12:00
3107 S 6th St., STE 107
Lincoln, NE 68502
Supplemental Resource Guides
Human Service of Nebraska 2.1.1
2-1-1 is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa and Nebraska residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 2-1-1 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services. The above link is to a searchable database of area services and resources.
The MyLNK app provides a mobile database of community services in Lincoln and Lancaster County. The app is free, easy-to-use and is consistently updated with
accurate information. Once downloaded, it does not require an internet connection to look up the information with the app.
Download for android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.leadershiplincoln.mylnk
Download for iphone users: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mylink/id1336646522?mt+8
Hotlines and Emergency Phone Numbers
Call for Emergency 911
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988
Resource Service Connection Provider 211
Adult Protective Services (402) 411-6000
Lincoln Police Department (Non-Emergency) (402) 475-6695
Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal food assistance program that helps individuals buy specific food items at authorized stores with an EBT card.
Who is Eligible?
Recipients must meet certain income and resource tests. Individuals must have an income less than 165% of the federal poverty level, be a legal citizen, a lawfully permanent resident, or Cuban or Haitian entrant, or allowed under compacts of free Association (COPA). iServe Nebraska Provides an online anonymous questionnaire outlining qualifications on their website.
Service Accessibility
EBT cards are accepted by most supermarkets and grocery stores.
SNAP Hotline Phone #: (855) 444-5556
For Help Navigating the Application Process:
Foodnet is a group of volunteers from many different churches and other non-profit organizations trying to stop the waste of food and provide for those in need. They provide mostly perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, etc. from donors for distribution at their Lincoln sites each day.
Who is Eligible?
Food is available to anyone in need.
Phone: (402) 416-6197
Distribution Sites:
Note- sites will occasionally close or change times
Matt Talbot offers various food services including meals, a food pantry, nutrition classes, and a representative from the food bank to assist individuals with getting and keeping SNAP benefits.
Who is Eligible?
Meal services are open to everyone
Phone: (402) 477-4116
Email: info@mtko.org
Meals
Lunch and dinner are served every day (7 days a week) from 11:30am-12:30pm and 5:30pm-6:30pm.
Fresh Choice Food Pantry
People in need of food assistance can select fresh and shelf-stable food from our pantry monthly. To sign up for a time to visit the pantry, talk with someone at the outreach desk between 11 am - 1 pm.
SNAP/Food Bank
A representative from the Food Bank is on site on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30am-12:30pm and on Fridays from 12:15pm-2pm to assist individuals with getting and keeping SNAP.
Nutrition Classes
Nutrition classes are offered at Matt Talbot every fourth Wednesday of the month at 10AM to provide guidance on how to prepare nutrient-dense meals and snacks, as well as how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
To sign up, visit the reception desk or call (402) 477-4116
Community Action's Gathering Place Soup Kitchen provides free hot, nutritious meals seven days a week from 5 to 6pm for anyone in need.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone in need of assistance- no questions asked.
Phone: (402) 471-4515
Email: ljanssen@communityactionatwork.org
The Food Bank of Lincoln offers mobile food distribution to meet the needs of individuals in Southeast Nebraska (schedule and located on website). They also offer a distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables through Lincoln Fresh at 20 sites in Lincoln (distribution schedule on website).
Who is Eligible?
Food pick-up is available to anyone in need of assistance.
Phone: (402) 466-8170
WIC
WIC is a nutrition program for5 pregnant, breastfeeding women and families with children younger than 5. provides monthly checks to buy healthy WIC approved foods, online grocery ordering, referrals to other programs, and breastfeeding information and support.
Who is Eligible?
Pregnant and Breastfeeding women (up to age 1), newly delivered mothers (up to 6 months after end of pregnancy, children up to age 5. Individuals must live in NE, have a nutrition or health risk, and meet income guidelines (enrolled in Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP or have a household income at or below the guidelines [family size of 1 annual salary of $29,526; family size of 2 $40,034, Family size of 4 $61,050]
How to Apply:
Find a WIC clinic, call 402-441-6200 to make an appointment, bring yourself and children applying for WIC, identification for self and children, proof of address, and proof of before tax income for everyone living in the home.
Phone: (402) 471-2781
Additional Food Resources
Interactive Online Map with Food Resource Locations:
https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Health-Department/Food-Resources
Housing
People's City Mission offers both Women's and Men's Temporary Housing for homeless individuals and families experiencing some form of personal crisis
Who is Eligible?
Men’s Shelter- Must be a male, age 19 and over, must provide a valid NE ID (Out of state guests must obtain a valid NE ID in order to enter the program tracks for extended stay)
Women’s Shelter- Must provide a valid photo ID, must provide birth certificates for all children, must provide social security cards
Emergency Shelter is offered for 24-48 Hours. Emergency Shelter policies vary based on seasonal needs, please contact the Family Shelter staff with any questions.
Phone (Shelter) (402) 475-1303
House for New Life offers a therapeutic Christian-based community servicing as a residence for people in transition for jail or prison. Average stay ranges from a few weeks to several months. Assistance with finding a job, life skills, and permanent housing is given. Capacity is 15 persons.
Who is Eligible?
Primary emphasis is for individuals in transition from jail or prison. Cost is $120 per week for program fees; based on ability to pay fees. Contact the facility directly for more information
Phone (402) 499-6064
To be eligible, participants must be experiencing homelessness and have a substance use diagnosis. The minimum stay is 6 months, while the maximum stay is 2 years, depending on the individual's circumstances. Participants are required to pay a $20.00 monthly program fee and volunteer at Matt Talbot.
Contact Chris at Christopher.huzra@mtko.org or (402) 817-0608 for eligibility.
Additional Housing Resources
For additional resources, including landlord contacts, visit Housing Resources
Transportation
StarTran is a City-owned bus system that provides citywide transportation to the residents of Lincoln. Passes may be purchased using the Token Transit app.
Who is Eligible?
Low-income individuals can purchase a StarTran 31-day Pass for $8. (1 family household $31,300); 2 family household $42,300; 4 famuly household $64,300; must demonstrate photo ID with birthdate). General cash fares are $1.25. A 31-day fixed-route fair is $17.00.
Heartland Bike Share Bike LNK
BikeLNK is a bikeshare network with 21 stations in and around Lincoln's downtown center.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone is eligible. Bike Rental Charges are $8 for the first hour and $6 for each hour following. Monthly passes are $17 and an annual pass is $100.
Download BCycle app for tutorials, to purchase BikeLNK passes, and to locate stations.
Ponca Express
The Ponca Tribe offers first come/first serve free transportation within the Lincoln area for appointments, meetings, or gatherings. Transportation must be scheduled in advance. Transportation hours are 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri.
Who is Eligible?
Free transportation is available to both Native and non-Native community members in Lincoln and Omaha.
Begin the transportation request process at
https://poncatribeofne.formstack.com/forms/online_ponca_express_transportation_request
Additional Transportation Resources
Free bus vouchers may be available at Grace Chapel at 1345 S 16th Street, Ste 2 | (402) 484-8555
Education and Training
Center for People’s Community Reentry program offers support for individuals as they transition from incarceration into the workforce and community life. All participants receive training in effective communication, workplace etiquette, computer literacy, and other essential skills.
For more information, contact Center for People.
Phone: 402.476.4357
Center for People offers courses through Penn Foster for individuals to earn their High School Diploma. This flexibility allows for coursework to be done online, through your phone or computer.
For more information, contact Center for People.
Phone: 402.476.4357
The People Obtaining Prosperity scholarship program (POP) is a partnership between Center for People and Southeast Community College. Through POP, participants can attend SCC and earn their associate's degree tuition free.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants should apply through the Center for People website.
Applicants must be
- Registered and accepted to SCC
- Have applied and been approved for a pell grant
- Be a current resident of NE and have live in NE for the past 6 months or more
-Must be free from any incarceration or legal status that would prevent you from attending SCC
-Must not be receiving any other scholarship that covers tuition
Phone: 402.476.4357
Center for People offers a free, four week Warehouse Logistics and Forklift Training class. All training is OSHA-compliant, and learners will receive a JJ Keller certification upon course completion. This certification is valid for three years, paving the way for new careers and employment as material handlers, order pickers, stockers, warehouse operators, and more.
Who is Eligible?
This course is free and is open to both the general public and participants in the Opening Doors program. Students must be enrolled in Clarity to enroll in this course. Clarity registration is available by appointment on Fridays.
There is currently a waitlist to join the class. Call or visit our front desk to reserve your spot.
Phone: 402.476.4357
This program provides free services that help students plan for college, learn about financial aid, and complete the FAFSA.
Lincoln Phone: 402.475.5222
The Reconnect2Success Reentry Initiative focuses on providing services in three core areas: education, job readiness, and personal development.
Who is Eligible?
ReConnect Inc. serves youth, adults, and their families in Omaha, NE and surrounding communities. Referrals come from Federal Probation, State Parole, and Probation, County Jail, and community partners.
Phone: (402) 934-4933
Center for People offers educational opportunities including community classes, skill training, and scholarships, as well as job resources including resume assistance, job seeking, and career connections.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals must apply for the educational program. Application schedule is located on the website. Applications request learning commitment, interest in educational pathway, and services utilized. Reviewed Job Postings are located on the Center for People website- application requirements depend on position.
Free walk-in resume assistance is offered every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Phone: (402) 476-4357
Email: info@centerforpeople.org
Employment Opportunities
The Nebraska Department of Labor website provides reemployment services and assistance including links to hiring events, vocational rehabilitation, services for justice-involved workers, as well as Nebraska job opportunities.
Email: NDOL.reentryservices@nebraska.gov
Ybor (ee-bor) provides a 12-month workforce development and coaching program for people desiring to redirect their lives after incarceration and become contributing members of the Lincoln community. This is done through on-the-job training and living wage pay, stability coaching, and professional development opportunities.
Who is Eligible?
Formerly incarcerated individuals.
Health
People's City Mission offers a free medical clinic that provides dental, chiropractic, and mental wellness care to uninsured residents of Lancaster County, filling gaps in the existing medical network where it is difficult to meet the needs of low-income uninsured residents as quickly as necessary.
Who is Eligible?
Services are available to individuals in Lancaster County, NE who lack medical insurance or the ability to pay for health care.
New patients must fill out a patient application form. Services are scheduled by appointment only.
Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, with variable hours. Business hours are depending on provider availability. To confirm availability, call (402) 817-0980 prior to arrival.
Phone: (402) 817-0980
Clinic with a Heart offers free health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals, including medical care, dental services, vision care, behavioral health support, spiritual care, and referrals and health education local to Lincoln, NE. Care is delivered by dedicated volunteers who serve with dignity, respect, and compassion.
***Clinic with a heart also offers school and sports physical forms.
Who is Eligible?
Identification or proof of income is not required. All services provided at Clinic with a Heart are free to patients, and no insurance is required. Patient forms and scheduling of visit must be completed prior to being seen.
Clinic With a Heart is available to take scheduling calls Monday through Thursday from 9a.m.- 6:30p.m.
Phone: (402) 421-2924
Lincoln Family Medicine provides patient healthcare including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and other resources. Services include family medicine, obstetrics and women's health, pediatric care, surgical services, behavior health, medical acupuncture, on-site diagnosis, and lab services.
**Schedule online or by calling (402) 483-4571
Who is Eligible?
The Lincoln Family Medicine requests bringing your insurance card (if you don't have insurance, they will work to provide the best affordable care), photo ID (call if you do not have a traditional ID form), medical history, and list of medications.
Lincoln Family Medicine assists in filing health insurance. Accepted insurance providers are listed online. Patients with no insurance will receive a 30% discount for a physician's professional services paid in full at the time of visit.
Patients who are financially unable to meet the provisions above for payment may apply for need-based discounts. Please contact the business office to apply. Decisions are made on an individual basis.
Phone: (402) 483-4571
Mental Health & Crisis
The 988 lifeline is a free and confidential resource providing support, and additional helpful resources.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone, anytime.
Phone: 988
CenterPointe offers crisis services 24/7, addressing a wide variety of needs, from those who may be suicidal to those seeking information about services available in the community.
Who is Eligible?
The helpline is available to anyone, 24/7
24/7 Crisis Line: (402) 475-6695
MHA’s housing programs exist to provide safe ad supportive environments for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Peer Specialists are available 24/7 for support, as well as offering employment specialists and connections to community resources.
Who is Eligible?
MHA Housing Programs are eligible for individuals coming out of state correctional facilities, within 18 months after release, on parole, on state probation for a felony, or for potentially for those on any type of state probation (inquire with your probation officer). MHA’s priority population is those that live with mental health issues, substance use, trauma and/or other life altering experiences.
General Line: (402) 975-2032
Keya House Warmline (24/7) (402) 261-5959
Honu Home Warmline (24/7) (402) 975-2032
Substance Use and Treatment
Stepping Stones Lincoln provides substance use services including alcohol and drug evaluations and counseling for ages 13 and older. Recommendations and referrals for treatment as well as outpatient counseling services by appointment are available.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals 13 and older who complete the evaluation of which alcohol and other drugs are a problem. Court evaluations are for ages 18 and older. Probation vouchers for payment of services are accepted for adults only.
Phone (402) 488-6511
Through the C.A.R.E. Program (Counseling, Advocacy, Referral, Evaluation/Education), Matt Talbot provides Alcohol & Drug Education Classes, Substance Use Evaluations & Counseling, and Weekly AA meetings to those who struggle with substance use and addiction.
Who is Eligible?
Weekly AA Meetings are held Tuesdays at 5:05 and are open to all.
Alcohol & Drug Education Classes are held quarterly over a weekend for individual who have been cited for MIP, DUI, or possession offenses. Both an 8-hour class ($75) and a 15-hour class ($90) are offered. The 8-hour class is held on a Saturday from 9am-4:30pm. The 15-hour class is held from 9:00am-4:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Substance use evaluations are offered case by case- fill out the form on the website for more information.
Transitional housing is available to those experiencing homelessness who have a substance use diagnosis. Participants stay 6 months to 2 years, depending on the individual's circumstances. Participants are required to pay a $20.00 monthly program fee and volunteer at Matt Talbot.
Phone: (402) 817-0608
Email: christopher.huzra@mtko.org
Houses of Hope operates three halfway house facilities. Each provides an alcohol/drug free transitional living environment for adult males who have completed primary alcohol/drug treatment who need additional support to return to independent living. While in the halfway house, individuals will maintain employment, participate in individual and group counseling, develop skills needed to deal with day-to-day issues, and engage in 12-step recovery groups.
Who is Eligible?
Houses of Hope requires an application for their transitional living services (found online). This application requires a current substance use evaluation (last 6 months) as well as other personal information.
Phone: (402) 435-3165
Saint Monica’s is an organization that provides a wide range of personalized services to women who are diagnosed with substance use and/or co-existing health issues, including: residential treatment, outpatient therapy, community support, and peer support.
Who is Eligible?
Saint Monica's is available to women only. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale, based on income of each women, her ability to pay, and ability of funding. St. Monica's accepts Medicaid, limited private insurance, and self pay.
To be admitted, you must have a drug and alcohol evaluation within the last six months that recommends the level of treatment needed. Upon review, a phone interview will be scheduled.
Phone: (402) 441-3768
Additional Substance Use and Treatment Resources
For additional resources, including AA meeting locations, visit
Legal
NSBA provides free legal resources, tools and information, as well as a "find a lawyer" search.
Who is Eligible?
The NSBA website is available to anyone. Resource specific information is also included for low income legal assistance.
(When navigating the website, scroll down to "For the Public")
The VLP works to make the legal system accessible to low-income Nebraskans who need information, assistance, and representation from a Nebraska lawyer.
Who is Eligible?
VLP's primary areas of assistance are family and consumer law. VLP does not assist with criminal cases, appeals, or all civil law areas.
VLP can only help low-income applicants and may not be able to serve all who apply. Many factors determine whether a person is eligible for services. Generally, income eligibility is based on the federal poverty income guidelines. VLP does not provide assistance with criminal problems, appeals, or all civil cases. VLP does not provide assistance to persons who are incarcerated. Do not ask Legal Aid of Nebraska to refer you to VLP.
Lawyers/Legal Professionals Phone: (402) 986-6501 (press 1)
Public Information: (402) 986-6501 (press 3)
Online program where qualifying low-income Nebraskans can post a civil legal question for review and response by a Nebraska attorney.
Who is Eligible?
There is no cost to use this service. Only non-criminal legal questions are allowed. Volunteers can not call you and can not represent you in court
You can use this website IF all of these are true for you:
- Your income is low for a family the size of yours
-The value of your checking account, savings account, stocks or bonds are low
-You aren't in jail or prison
-Your legal problem isn't related to a criminal charge
-You don't already have a lawyer to help you with your legal problem
-You are an adult
Legal Aid of Nebraska is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal representation to underprivileged citizens.
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for services through Legal Aid of Nebraska if your household income is 125% of the federal poverty legal and you have few assets (for a single person, this is an income of $14,713 per year or below; and, for a family of four, $30,313 per year or below). Go the Legal Aid of Nebraska Website to see the income guidelines. Some exceptions apply to the income guidelines. Legal Aid of Nebraska cannot help you with a criminal case, personal injury case, or workers’ compensation case. Legal Aid of Nebraska's legal services are free; however, you may have to pay court costs.
Call for Help
1.877.250.2016
Monday/Wednesday 8:30am-11:30am
Tuesday/Thursday 1:00pm-3:00pm
Investigates incidents of abuse and neglect and may provide legal representation to protect the legal and human rights of people with disabilities.
Who is Eligible?
Detailed client eligibility is located online at www.disabilityrightsnebraska.org
Email info@disabilityrightsnebraska.org
Phone (402) 413-2016
NILAH is a free and confidential screening for immigration assistance. Call 1-855-307-6730 to speak with an access specialist about your immigration options.
Who is Eligible?
CIRA serves the most vulnerable immigrants within our communities. As a nonprofit law firm, our primary focus is providing free civil immigration legal services for low-income immigrants from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff.
NILAH is a free and confidential screening for immigration assistance. Call 1-855-307-6730 to speak with an access specialist about your immigration options. Our access specialists are bilingual in English and Spanish and have access to interpreters in over 240+ languages through Language Line Solutions.
Phone: 1-855-307-6730 (leave a voicemail Monday through Thursday 9am-5pm)
Law School Legal Clinics
Nebraska has two law schools: Creighton University School of Law in Omaha and University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. Both law schools accept a limited number of cases only. Clients are represented by law students under the supervision of Law School faculty.
Creighton Law School Civil Legal Clinic
If you’re a Douglas County resident who falls within the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are involved with a civil matter (non-criminal), you may be eligible for free legal services through the Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic. To apply, call 402-280-3068 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
University of Nebraska Law School Civil Law Clinic
The Civil Clinic handles a wide variety of civil cases for eligible low-income Nebraska residents. There is no charge for attorneys’ fees but clients may be responsible to pay a nominal administrative fee and court filing fees and costs if not eligible for a fee waiver from the court. To apply, call 402-472-3271.
Additional Resources
Provides comprehensive supports and services for individuals and families. Click the Community Resource Book link below to see their comprehensive list of
community information and resources.
3901 North 27th St Unit 1,
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 476-4357
RAN is a functioning public partnership supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and successful re-entry initiatives.
Provides list of member agencies with links to programs and services.
Advocacy information on reentry voting rights, “Ban the Box” fair chance in hiring processes, and professional licensure requirements.
ACLU Nebraska Mass Incarceration-Smart Justice
We’ve joined forces with faith leaders, fiscal conservatives, and others to advocate for reforms in the legislature and beyond. If advocacy with policy makers fails, the
ACLU has established a Prison Litigation Advisory Panel to guide litigation to end Eighth Amendment violations in Nebraska’s prisons. A series of reports produced by
the ACLU have successfully moved policy makers to pass historic reforms – but much work remains.
ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice
The ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice is an unprecedented, multiyear effort to reduce the U.S. jail and prison population by 50% and to combat racial disparities in the
criminal justice system.
The Reconnect2Success Reentry Initiative focuses on providing services in three core areas: education, job readiness, and personal development. Each core element is
designed to meet the individual needs of clients.
1941 So. 42nd Street, Ste. 502
Omaha, NE 68105
402-934-493
Community Hope Federal Credit Union-Lincoln
Community HOPE Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit financial home for our members. We are dedicated to assisting those unserved and underserved in our
community to find HOPE by providing a choice of financial tools and resources.
Location:
1625 N Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68508
Stop by during our business hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
402-476-0376
Nebraska Legislature FAQ on Nebraska’s Prison Reentry Policies
Lincoln AA Central Office
2748 S Street, Ste. AA
Lincoln, NE 68503
24 Hour Line: 402-438-5214
Nebraska Area Hotline: 1-877-AA OF NEB (1-877-226-3632)
Heartland Family Service-Choosing Non-Violence Batterer’s Group
The Choosing Non-Violence Men’s Batterer’s Group’s primary focus is the education of batterers. The group is meant to be educational for the abuser; however, the
interests of victim safety and autonomy supersede the interests of the abuser. Anger management techniques are included. The group advances the premise that
domestic violence is a criminal activity and is learned behavior, and therefore, changeable.
402-552-7400
Nebraska Statewide Directory of Resources for Sex Offender Outpatient Treatment