Speakers

As a lifelong active and athletic individual, Lois has always understood the importance of exercise and staying engaged. Like many young parents, her journey began with involvement in her children's activities, fostering a love for community and healthy living.

When she became her mother's caregiver, Lois’s focus shifted to understanding the needs of Active Older Adults. Viewing the world through her mother’s eyes gave her valuable insights into the physical, social, and emotional priorities of seniors.

After relocating to Council Bluffs over 15 years ago, Lois began working at the Senior Center, which later merged with the YMCA four years ago. This partnership has expanded our offerings, enabling us to provide a wide range of physical activities and social programs that promote health, connection, and vitality for our active older adults.

At HLC, our mission is to create a “home away from home,” a welcoming space where every individual feels supported and inspired to live their best life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is dedicated to igniting the potential of youth across the Omaha and Lincoln areas in Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs in Iowa. The organization offers two impactful mentoring programs designed to foster youth development. The MentorU Program partners with high schools in Omaha and Council Bluffs, including Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, to support students enrolled in an enrichment course focused on boosting academic engagement and success. Most mentoring takes place online, with in-person visits once a month for dinner and interactive activities at the schools. Through these connections, mentors provide vital guidance and support, helping youth thrive academically, socially, and personally.

The STARS Scholarship, an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation, focused on breaking barriers to higher education for parents in Pottawattamie County. The program provides scholars financial assistance, personalized career planning, and tailored guidance. The need for this program is evident: According to the 2023 U.S Census Bureau, only 23.4% of Pottawattamie County residents aged 25 to 64 have not pursued education or training beyond high school. In an economy where the majority of jobs that pay livable-wage now require postsecondary education, this statistic underscores the urgency of supporting adult learners. STARS Scholarship meets this challenge head-on, offering a comprehensive program designed to not only help scholars access postsecondary education, but thrive within it. Through rigorous, hands-on educational seminars and one-on-one coaching, participants develop essential skills that prepare them for both academic and career success.