Youth Leadership
"Partners for Otoe County opens the doors of opportunity for all students (and adults) who participate. Their staff lead students who are excited to collaborate, increase their knowledge and have fun—success stories result."
- M.W., SDA Public Schools
"With the P4OC sponsored Enrollment Orientation Family Night Out, we help our 7th graders transition to junior high with ease—the SAIL conference further facilitates that tranistion—both are wonderful opportunities for our 7th grade students and their parents."
- C.M., Palmyra Guidance Counselor
Study Buddies Tutoring Program
Study Buddies surveys were completed with teachers, students, tutors and parents at the end of the semester. 90% of parents, 100% of students, 100% of teachers and 100% of tutors surveyed indicate satisfaction with the program. Comments follow:
"I enjoyed working with my student and observing her improvement."
- Tutor
"Angel's reading skills have really shown growth. He learned the basic multiplication facts."
- Teacher
"I think you (P4OC) have a very good program. I want to thank all of the tutors for their hard. I appreciate it very much."
- Parent
"The best part of Study Buddies was “playing games”.
- Student
"My son has moved three levels with the help of school and Study Buddies."
- Parent
"Skylar has had the same study buddy partner for two years,Trent. Trent has gone out of his way to make it fun and interesting. Skylar has gone from really struggling in reading to getting all A's. Study Buddies made a difference in his reading and showed him reading can be fun. It is a wonderful program."
- H. S., Parent
Growing Great Kids in Southeast Nebraska
“I've learned a lot. I didn’t know how to be a mother when I had my older daughter. Growing Great Kids brings mothers closer to their children, it helps you to connect with your baby.”
- A.L., mother of two daughters
After School Clubs
Best part of After School Club:
“That I got to take pictures for the year book and make posters for my team."
- 8th Grade Student
"The food in cooking club!"
- 8th Grade Student
"It was a lot of fun :0)."
- 7th Grade Student
"Working with others and becoming closer."
- 8th Grade Student
Court Appointed Special Advocates - CASA
"We decided to become Otoe County CASA volunteers because we knew there were too many children in the system, and the workload for case workers is more than the staff can handle. It is important for a child in this situation to have someone they can count on. Being CASA volunteers allows us to remain with one case until it has been completed. Getting to know the kids is the best way to understand what is going on and determine what is in their best interest. One of the greatest things that a CASA does is let the judge know how the child is feeling by being their voice in court .If you would like to help a child, find your local [CASA] program and give a child a voice to be heard."
- D.O. and J.O., Otoe County CASA volunteers
- Sen. Dave Pankonin quotes (Source: Nebraska City News-Press)
Otoe County Juvenile Diversion Program
Parent Comments:
“I was extremely satisfied with the program. It had the punishment for what they did and the sessions made them realize what could happen in the future.”
“My child would have continued doing the same things. She needed to see others doing things right. This Juvenile Diversion program allowed her to meet and talk with others trying to stay on the right path.”
“It helped my son realize he doesn’t have to make wrong decisions to get people to like him.”
“I enjoyed the time given for parent and child to talk and complete activities each week.”
Youth Comments:
“Juvenile Diversion taught me how to communicate with my parents better.”
“Juvenile Diversion made me think about how I treat my parents and others. I should be more considerate of others.”
“Things I do don’t just affect me but other people.”
“These Juvenile Diversion classes made me think harder and made me understand why I shouldn’t make a mistake like this again.”
