Catalina is a Lincoln parent raising her daughter, Isabella. She works hard to provide for her family, and recently, several pressures became difficult to manage at once. As Catalina navigated mental health challenges, daily routines became harder to maintain, including supporting Isabella’s regular school attendance.

Isabella’s school connected the family to Central Navigation after concerns about attendance grew. Our navigator, Adrienne, helped the family identify their most urgent needs, connect with mental health support, coordinate transportation, and access ongoing parenting coaching. Rather than sending Catalina in several different directions on her own, Central Navigation helped create a clearer path forward.

With support in place, Catalina began rebuilding daily routines that worked for her family. Isabella is now attending school consistently, and Catalina reports feeling more confident as a parent. Through coaching, the family has also strengthened communication, increased connection, and built practical strategies to manage stress before it becomes crisis.

Catalina shared that Central Navigation was “the first time I felt someone saw the full picture of what we were going through.”

Central Navigation isn’t just for families like Catalina’s. There are individuals and families in our community, who like Catalina, are living above the poverty threshold but who are not thriving. Recent data from United Way’s 211 helpline tells us that 83% of all callers from Lincoln and Lancaster County are unable to afford an unexpected $400 emergency, such as a car repair or a medical emergency.

Any family overwhelmed and in need of guidance is encouraged to call Central Navigation.

When we unite in something bigger, we open up opportunities for families. We can imagine new solutions that help families strengthen their resiliency before a crisis occurs. We can create a stronger Lincoln and Lancaster County, for every generation.