Strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re built through relationships, shared purpose and intentional opportunities for people to thrive.
Grounded in the 2025 Lincoln Vital Signs report and shaped by hundreds of community conversations, Prosper Lincoln’s work in Connections focuses on supporting engagement within neighborhoods, building resident-led neighborhood initiatives and increasing opportunities for people to improve their economic status
“This isn’t about one organization or one solution – it’s about inviting the whole community to deepen their connections to one another, across generations and other differences,” said Amanda Barker, Connections driver and director of community engagement and partnerships at Lincoln Community Foundation.
As Prosper Lincoln 3.0 moves forward, a Connections Workgroup will help amplify voices and increase opportunities for residents to deepen their relationships and trust, improving the civic fabric of our community. This group of community leaders will help identify key partnerships and people-first solutions that address gaps and drive lasting impact.
We are excited to announce the folks coming together to focus on a more connected community:
- Amanda Barker, Lincoln Community Foundation
- Jim Bennett, Teammates of Lincoln
- Juan Carlos Huertas, First-Plymouth
- Nola Derby-Bennett, Lincoln Public Schools Community Learning Centers
- Lisa Guill, Asian Community and Cultural Center
- Randy Jones, Aging Partners
- Emily Koopmann, Belmont Community Center
- Krista Mettscher, Community Health Endowment
- Lily Sughroue, Civic Nebraska
- Dylan Wren, American Jobs Center
In their initial meetings, members of the Connections workgroup focused on defining what social and economic connectedness looks like in Lincoln. They identified essential elements, including inclusive and culturally competent practices rooted in belonging and shared responsibility.
The workgroup came to understand these as Practices of Connection, which often show up in everyday ways such as getting to know your neighbors, inviting others to community events, sharing stories across differences and offering personal support within our networks.
The group also explored the importance of Spaces for Connection, recognizing that meaningful relationships are built not only online, but in “third spaces” like coffee shops, libraries, parks and other community gathering places.
Alongside these spaces, the workgroup lifted up key Virtues of Connectedness – curiosity, self-awareness, collaboration, reciprocity, hope and purpose – as foundational to a thriving community.
Building on this shared understanding, the workgroup is now honing strategies that can be deployed locally.
While this work is still evolving, early themes include support for neighborhood associations and resident leaders, implementing the Weaver Awards in Lincoln, increasing use of platforms like VolunteerLNK, expanding and recruiting mentoring opportunities citywide and supporting intergenerational connection through the Age-Friendly Community planning team.
“I believe that with the Connections workgroup, we have the wisdom in the room to advise on the best practices of social and economic connectedness,” said Amanda. “These folks are working together toward a shared goal of prosperity and belonging for all.”
You can jump into making a difference in the Connections focus area by:
- Supporting engagement within neighborhoods like planning a neighborhood gathering, inviting friends along to a local event or introducing yourself to a neighbor you haven’t met yet.
- Building neighborhood initiatives that are resident-led.
- Pursuing more opportunities to build connection like signing up to mentor a young person or find a meaningful opportunity to get involved through VolunteerLNK.
Stay connected: Sign up for Prosper Lincoln updates on Connections, Housing and Early Childhood.
Share your story: Use #ProsperLincoln and tag @ProsperLincoln on Facebook.
Partner up: Reach out to Lincoln Community Foundation to explore how your organization can get involved.