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‘Stories of Impact’ debuts at First Friday April 5

If you’ve been following Civic Nebraska, Nebraska Appleseed, or the South of Downtown Community Development Organization on social media since December, you likely have seen several of our Stories of Impact portraits and short films. Since last fall, the three organizations – which make up Collective Impact Lincoln, a multi-year initiative to lift up Lincoln’s core neighborhoods – have partnered with Lincoln storyteller Gabriella Parsons on the project, which has put faces, names, and narratives to the neighborhoods.

On April 5, during Lincoln’s next First Friday event, you can experience all of the Stories – and some of the neighbors who inspired them – in one place. Join us for the premiere of the Stories of Impact exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Asian Community and Cultural Center, 144 N. 44th St. Short film screenings will be at 7 and 7:30 p.m. The free, family friendly event is open to the public, and we’ll have complimentary snacks and beverages for our visitors.

Stories of Impact’s narratives feature Collective Impact Lincoln’s focus neighborhoods –– Near South, Everett, Belmont, Hartley, Clinton and University Place. Stories aims to amplify the perspectives of individuals who reside in these neighborhoods by asking them to reflect on where they live and what makes their community unique.

Carlos and Niem

The perspectives were inspiring, insightful, and often profound. Take Carlos Riverra, who moved from Miami to Lincoln’s Near South Neighborhood a year ago. Carlos works in telecommunications, but his goal is to own a mobile car-washing business in Lincoln. A mobile car wash is just how it sounds; every piece of equipment needed to wash a car –– vacuums, hoses, supplies, etc. –– is on wheels. When asked what brought him to Lincoln, Carlos looked at his son, Niem, and said: “This little one right here.”

Or Florine Joseph, a longtime resident of the Clinton Neighborhood who works five days a week in The Salvation Army food pantry. Stories of Impact told of her involvement in Lincoln spans a lifetime career in public service to community empowerment to everyday conversations with her neighbors.  “They say I’ve helped people,” Florine said. “I like to think they’re right.”

Florine Joseph

Or Linda London in the University Place Neighborhood, who owns and operates London Stringed Instrument Repair on North 48th Street. Linda’s reputation — not only in the neighborhood but across Lincoln -– is of a master of her craft and a staple in the local music community. “I don’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t here,” she said. “This is my life. All my friends are here, my customers are my friends. I like what I do and there’s never a day I don’t want to get up and go to work. It’s simply a joy.” 

Linda London

Made possible in 2017 by Woods Charitable Fund’s Breakthrough Initiative Grant, Collective Impact Lincoln creates lasting, meaningful, resident-led investment and positive change in the Star City’s core neighborhoods. Through canvassing, community events, and our Community Builder Workshops, we help neighbors examine their communities’ natural strengths and take up new ways to improve.

We hope to see you at the Asian Community and Cultural Center on April 5!