Congratulations to the City of Grand Island on being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance. This honor is extended to each and every person who has invested in our youth with your time, talent and treasures.

As the President of the Heartland United Way I have the privilege of working with many of the excellent organizations in our community who are passionate about their work with young people. It is an honor to serve communities that are investing in their most valuable asset - youth today who will be the leaders of tomorrow. I know firsthand the kinds of challenges our young people and families face and all that our communities are doing to help them succeed. It is great to see the America's Promise Alliance recognize the commitment and the efforts here in Grand Island.

While we pause to celebrate this great accolade, let us not forget that there is still much to be done. The 2006 Kids Count Report recently released information for Hall County that shows 16% or 2325 of our children, ages 0-17, are living in poverty with 44% or 6332 children Medicaid eligible. We also know that 73% of mothers with children under 6 years of age are working and that these children need (and deserve) quality child care. While these statistics reveal the number of youth that are at-risk, one of our communities' greatest threats is the danger of methamphetamines. While meth is very harmful for the user, it is also dangerous for children. Diann Muhlbach, former CASA director, reviewed 75 child abuse and neglect cases filed in 2005 and found that 40% sited meth as a factor in endangering the lives of children.

We must continue to make children our top priority and in turn inspire others to follow our lead. Celebrate Grand Island for doing the right things for the right reasonone child at a time!

Karen Rathke

President, Heartland United Way

410 W. 2nd St, Ste 1

Habitat for Humanity grant award

Recently, it was announced that Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity won the 2007 Cans for Habitat national grant. I admit, I was shocked and thrilled.

After six years in the program, it continues to amaze me that so many people have joined in the effort of recycling their aluminum cans for Habitat. Of course, our goal is always to have as many people as possible recycling their cans for us, so we can help more low-income families in our area.

To date, aluminum can recycling money and grants have totaled over $385,000, which has helped 15 families into homes of their own. We are currently seeking applicants for this year's "House that Cans Built", as well as other Habitat homes which will be completed in 2009.

Each person who recycles a can for Habitat's housing mission is appreciated, as are our Can-Do team of volunteers who pick up cans from recycling sites and take them in for processing. These supporters, together with the volunteers who build homes, work with the families, promote Habitat and do so much more, actually build homes, build hope and build a better community.

There are so many opportunities for people to participate in Habitat's outreach this year. We are excited to partner again with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans on a home, plus work with businesses on the Home Builders Blitz. Then later in the year, on the "All Church Build" and the "House that Cans Built". Not only will people be needed to work on these homes, we also need people who can help with support services. Habitat for Humanity is possible because people come together to share their time and talents to help local families.

If you want to be part of Habitat's outreach, or would like more information on where to recycle or how to apply for a home, information is available by calling 308-385-5510 or visiting the Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity Web site at www.habitat.org.

Dana L. Jelinek

Executive Director, Grand Island Area

Habitat for Humanity

410 W. 2nd St. #6