Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties

Noemi Laurel Zavala didn't come to this work by accident.

As one of our Child Learning Providers at the Learning Community of South Omaha, she walks alongside children every step of the way to help them grow.

Q: What inspired you to work at The Learning Community, and how do you continue to stay motivated and passionate in your role?
A: As a graduate of the Learning Community Center of South Omaha, I was inspired by the kindness and sense of family the staff created for me every day. Now, I aim to provide that same welcoming environment for others. I stay motivated by the strong support of an amazing team and manager, and our mission. I’m very passionate about helping children grow and love that I can provide children with developmental opportunities as they play. I strive to create a caring and safe space for them to learn and prepare for their future.

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable experience or success story from your time working at The Learning Community that has had a lasting impact on you?
A: A memorable experience for me was teaching mindfulness and self-regulation to children. One child shared a breathing technique we practiced in class with his mom when she was upset, helping her calm down. Hearing from both the child and the mother how it made a difference for their family was incredibly meaningful and even inspired me to use the same techniques with my 5-year-old during stressful situations. I am so proud to see those skills carry beyond the classroom - both personally and professionally.

Please welcome Rut to the Learning Community family! 🎉

Rut recently joined our team, and she's already exactly where she's supposed to be. In her own words: "I wanted an opportunity to grow, gain experience, and be part of a positive environment where I can contribute and learn from others."

That spirit is what this work is made of.

When you see Rut around, make her feel at home — she's already looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Welcome, Rut. We're so glad you're here. ❤️

What if your job was to change a child's life before they ever started kindergarten?

The Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties is hiring, and we're looking for people who believe every family deserves access to high-quality early education, real support, and a community that shows up for them.

Ready to do work that matters? Go to learningcommunityds.org/careers to apply.

Your GED. Your schedule. Your kids covered.

Metro GED classes are now available onsite at the Learning Community Center of South Omaha — right at 23rd and M.
Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available so you can find a time that actually works for your life. And childcare is provided during class for children ages 0–8, so nothing has to stand in your way.

This is what it looks like when education is built for parents.
📍 23rd & M Street, South Omaha
📞 Call 402.502.5512 to enroll today.

Last Thursday, Teresita stood before the Learning Community Coordinating Council and said this:

"Thanks to all the learning and support I received, I now feel ready and capable of helping my children with their homework and encouraging them to stay motivated and be successful people. I am grateful to every teacher, every navigator, every staff member, every worker, every executive, and every donor who makes this possible. You are changing lives. You are helping mothers like me believe in ourselves again. You are helping families create a better future. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

This is why we show up every day.

Teresita — thank you for trusting us with your journey, and for having the courage to share it with the room. You are exactly the kind of mother your children will look back on and be proud of.

To every teacher, navigator, and staff member she named — she sees you. So do we.

Happy Birthday to our incredible CEO, Gerald Kuhn! 🎉

Today, we celebrate not only your birthday but the vision, leadership, and heart you bring to the Learning Community every single day. Your commitment to children, families, and our community continues to inspire all of us to lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your wisdom, and your belief in the power of collaboration to create lasting change. We are grateful for your leadership and honored to serve alongside you.

Wishing you a year filled with continued blessings, joy, good health, and unforgettable moments. May this next chapter bring even greater impact and fulfillment.

Happy Birthday, Gerald! 🎂🎈🎉

💙 A special thank you to Casey’s for treating our team to lunch on May 15!

Acts of generosity like this mean so much to our staff as they continue supporting children and families throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties each day. We are grateful for community partners who recognize the importance of investing in the people who help strengthen our communities.

Thank you, Casey’s, for your kindness, support, and delicious lunch! We appreciate your partnership and your commitment to giving back to the communities you serve.

Celebrating culture, community, and connection. 🎉

Our Cinco de Mayo celebration brought families together for a day of learning, joy, and shared experiences.

💛 Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Partner Highlight – NCFL, National Center for Families Learning

Partnerships like this move our work forward.

Thank you to Nebraska Children and Families Foundation for supporting programs that strengthen families and early learning.