Kids Can Community Center Invites Public to Celebrate 110 Years of Service

Kids Can (formerly Social Settlement) Community Center (kidscanomaha.org) invites the public to come celebrate 110 years of service to children in the Omaha community on Tuesday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Remarks will take place at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and refreshments will be served at the event.

Over their 110 years in the community, many things have changed, including what the children are spending their time doing. In the early years children learned things like sewing, military drills, citizenship and trades. Now Kids Can learning is based on STEMsmart Academy. While most people are aware that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, not everyone is aware of what the smart stands for -strengths, music, art, reading, and tutoring.

At the event, guests will be able to can try their hand at more traditional crafts such as sewing and building birdhouses which were popular in the 1960’s. They’ll also get to experience the type of programs that children are now learning like robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality.

Established in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, the organization was rebranded to Kids Can Community Center in 2009 to better reflect their vision and programs. The focus on children and families was a common thread throughout the first century of the organization. They had their first school-based program in 1916, the first summer program in 1923, and the first preschool program in 1942. As the organization approached the 21st century, leadership focused on programs for children and began outsourcing or eliminating activities that fell outside of their core mission.

RSVPs are welcome, but not required. Contact bhunter@kidscanomaha.org for more information or check out their Facebook page (@KidsCan.Omaha).