MEDIA ALERT

January 17, 2007


Contact: Jane Simpson, Director of Public Relations, (402) 978-5646, or
Julie Lingenfelter, New American Center Coordinator, (402) 371-7535

New American Center Holds Open House

The New American Center (NAC) in Norfolk is hosting an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 105 E. Norfolk Avenue, Suite 100. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 10 a.m. with a brief program to follow. Authentic Mexican cuisine will be provided from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The New American Center is a community collaboration of Norfolk agencies and institutions. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. serves as the Lead Agency with several Contributing Partners, including Alegent Health Community Benefit Trust, City of Norfolk, Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, Madison County, Nebraska Coalition on Public Advocacy, Norfolk Area United Way, Northeast Community College and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.

The New American Center seeks to serve not only the immigrant population, but the established government and private sectors that serve diverse cultures. The mission of NAC is to be a culturally sensitive and knowledgeable entity that serves to empower immigrants with the skills, guidance and support to acculturate and become self-sufficient members of the community. The direction and guidance of the NAC is provided by an Advisory Committee consisting of volunteers from the community who have knowledge of and/or have a vested interest in immigrant related issues that impact the Norfolk area.

Julie Lingenfelter of Lutheran Family Services is the NAC Coordinator. She is training to become a Board of Immigration Appeals certified Immigration Legal Worker. Lutheran Immigration Services (LIS) provides low-cost immigration legalization assistance to low-income immigrants. LIS focuses on assisting families in the process of reuniting.

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