Mission of Mercy

Hundreds of people lined up for hours outside the Mission of Mercy dental clinic in Grand Island, waiting for the no-cost dental care provided on a first-come, first-served basis. In 2017, MOM provided free dental services to 1290 area residents valued at $764,462.

85 dentists donated their services, many of them bringing their office staff and personal office supplies to help make the event a great success. Nearly 900 other volunteers helped with the event, including a young boy who had received treatment on Friday and returned Saturday to see if he could volunteer. He was given a volunteer t-shirt and helped with the clean up procedures!

The generous contribution for the Hastings Community Foundation has added to the improved health of many of our neighbors and friends. I am hopeful the foundation will respond in a similar manner when Mission of Mercy returns to central Nebraska.

The Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO)

The Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO) was formed in 1995 following a trip to Ozu by a group of Hastings citizens. The HIEO members maintain our connection to our Sister City in Japan and organize yearly summer visits by Ozu Public School students in home stay experiences with Hastings Families. The HIEO has also organized visits to OZU by groups of Hastings Citizens to experience life in Japan in home stay with individual families, to the benefits of all.

The goal of this yearly effort is to foster International understanding and education between different cultures.

The Hastings Community Foundation was happy to support the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the relationship between Hastings and our sister city of Ozu, Japan! A total of 35 Japanese visitors came for the festivities. The grant assisted with transportation and banquet costs.

Hastings College

The Hastings Community Foundation has been a friend and benefactor of Hastings College for many years. Most recently, the Foundation awarded a grant for construction of the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center, a building that is quickly becoming an important artistic and cultural center for the campus and community. A grant from the Foundation is a stamp of approval for any project, so the award also helped inspire others to give.

“The Foundation has made a remarkable difference for Hastings College and the entire community. We are truly grateful!”

– Judee Konen, Associate Vice President for Advancement

Teen Reach

Teen Reach Adventure camp is a camp for teenagers, ages 12-15, who are currently in the foster care system. The three-day camp is staffed by volunteers who donate their time and energy to these kids, providing hope and changing lives, one person at a time. Campers have fun participating in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, along with opportunities to develop leadership and team building skills.

“Teen Reach Adventure Camp wants to congratulate the Hastings Community Foundation for 30 years of contribution to the Hastings community. Thank you for your support for T.R.A.C. by providing scholarships to at-risk youth in our community to attend camp.”

– Joni Schlatz, Co-Director, Child Placement Coordinator of T.R.A.C.

Hastings Literacy Program

GRADUATION DAY!

The Hastings Literacy Program provides GED test preparation classes to adults in Adams County and the surrounding area. Many of the students are immigrants to this country and are non-native speakers of English. Many other students have never completed their high school education. Once the staff determines a student is ready to take their GED test the next hurdle may be the cost–$120.00! For the last 4 years, the Hastings Community Foundation has provided GED Test Scholarships to the program.

“We are able to use those funds to motivate students to earn their GED and possibly remove a financial obstacle that is standing in their way of a successful and productive future.”

– Ann Cannon, Adult Education Coordinator