Join Our Fight
Who We Are
Community Action of Nebraska (CAN) is a mission-driven nonprofit that empowers a network of nine Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to break the cycle of poverty across all 93 Nebraska counties. As a statewide support system, we strengthen Nebraska’s CAAs, amplify their impact and connect partners and policymakers to solutions that work. Through data-driven insights, technical assistance, advocacy and communications, we make it easier for local agencies to deliver life-changing services.
Our History
Community Action, through its 1,000-plus local agencies, is a trusted source of support and has a presence in 99% of counties across America.
Community Action was born during the War on Poverty, shaped by the leadership of visionaries like President Lyndon B. Johnson, Sargent Shriver, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, more than 1,000 CAAs were launched to give communities the tools to create change locally. Today, CAAs are present in 99% of counties across America.
Nebraska’s CAAs emerged soon after. In 1986, Community Action of Nebraska was founded to unite these agencies under one mission and provide statewide coordination, without duplicating the direct services of individual CAAs. Today, CAN is proud to lead and support this critical network.
Staff & Board
Staff
Community Action of Nebraska currently employs three full time staff members, one part time individual and several college students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Doane University through a robust internship program.
Leticia Meitzen
Board
Community Action of Nebraska currently employs three full time staff members, one part time individual and several college students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Doane University through a robust internship program.
Excecutive Commitee
Heather Loughman
Shari Weber
Vicky McNealy
Board Members
CAN’s Board of Directors is composed of the Executive Directors from each of Nebraska’s nine CAAs.