Joaquin* didn’t like school and never read on his own. Now that he attends Prime Time Family Reading Time, he is interested in books. His grades have improved, and his mother has confidence he will graduate from high school when he is older.
A U.S. military veteran, Patricia* had not dealt with her post-traumatic stress disorder until participating in Nebraska Warrior Writers. Being able to write stories and poems helped her find ways to express her thoughts and feelings in a way she had never been able to do before.
Julia learned to explore different perspectives on global policies at Capitol Forum on America’s Future. She is now a senator representing her home district at the Nebraska Unicameral.
Daniel* found the courage to speak out about injustice when a published poet mentored his school’s Louder Than a Bomb slam poetry team. Mentoring poets are funded through a grant provided by Humanities Nebraska.
Valerie found that hosting a Museum on Main Street exhibit from the Smithsonian increased the total number of visitors to the museum she manages by 20%. That number included a boost in out-of-town visitors who ate and shopped locally, giving her community a measurable economic boost.
Everything Anthony* knew about the history of civil rights were limited to books until he attended Nebraska Chautauqua. Listening to scholars present first-person accounts of what different historic figures experienced helped Anthony make a connection to those who have had to fight for equality. “I learned much about the civil right movement that I didn’t know,” he said.
Isolated from friends and family during the pandemic, Ellen participated in Dear Stranger, HN’s letter exchange program. Ellen’s letter was sent to a participant who lives in different part of the state, with differing experiences and perspectives. Now the two exchange letters regularly.
