Clyde Malone Center

Children are what makes a community, a community. They are the future of our community. Our future leaders, teachers, business professionals, and overall community members. There are countless numbers of programs throughout this city that provide care for children of Lincoln at after school programs, summer camps, and numerous other organizations. One, in particular, holds the core of the Lincoln community together by providing exceptional care and service to kids and their families. The Clyde Malone center, located right in the center of the city, is doing just that.

This children's center is not like every other after school program around. Located on 20th and U street, the Malone center's mission is to honor and strengthen the African American community in Lincoln and Lancaster County by serving as a cornerstone for educational, cultural, and advocacy programs for all people. You can't say that about every child care center. The Malone center really takes their service to heart. They strive to create a community where person develops to their full potential. The thing that sets the Malone center apart the most from other places, in my opinion, is the fact that they aren't just watching children for their parents, they are helping these kids grow and make sure they succeed in the future. They do so by honoring their four core values: Accountability, Diversity, Collaboration, Excellence.

The Clyde Malone Center also has a number of programs that they feel will contribute to their vision of bettering the African American community. A few that really stand out to me (but these aren't all of them! http://www.malonecenter.org/programs) include: Health Outreach Program, Talented Tenth, Moving Forward to End Domestic Violence, and Strong Courageous Girls Program. The fact that they strive to reach out and teach these kids about important issues that will shape their future speaks wonders to me.

My roommate had the pleasure of working at the Clyde Malone Center for two years as a Youth Worker. I decided to ask her a little bit about her experience there. When asked what the most rewarding thing about working there she stated that making a difference in a kid's life every single day was hands down the best part about the job.

"We really got to do a wide range of activities with the kids that varied every day.  We would help them with their homework, go on educational field trips around the city, and contribute to the multiple programs we had set up on site."

Lincoln may not be a city that is struggling much with their community members, but I honestly think that is because of great organizations like the Malone Center. Places like this should really get more recognition for the work they are doing for the kids of this community and their future. It's only going to reflect in years to come, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Lincoln.