Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA - The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Aida Olivas, of Hastings, Neb., to receive its 2016 Bob Steffen Pioneer Award. She will be recognized at an award ceremony on March 10 in York, Neb.
The Bob Steffen Pioneer Award is bestowed by the Center for Rural Affairs each year to a person or persons who work with the Center to make extraordinary contributions in building community engagement within their own communities. People who receive this award provide a model for innovation, stewardship or community development.
“Aida’s main goal in her community is to make sure everyone has what they need and knows how to access the services they require,” said Kathie Starkweather, of the Center for Rural Affairs. “She goes above and beyond to be a resource for migrant workers and new Americans on everything from where to get water and food to how to open a business.”
Olivas serves on the migrant staff of Head Start in Hastings, a position created to respond to the needs of migrant farm worker families. She recently ran for Hastings’ Board of Education. She was unsuccessful but will continue to pursue elected office.
“Aida is a model for effectively bringing communities together, especially those with large populations of culturally diverse residents,” said Jordan Feyerherm, community development manager, who works closely with Olivas. “She is an undeniable asset in promoting our cross-cultural work in Hastings.”
Aida knows firsthand the difficulties of making a new community home. She arrived in Hastings from Mexico more than 20 years ago with two young children, and worked to overcome the challenges of learning the language and navigating the culture.
“Because of her experiences, she is committed to helping others overcome the challenges she faced in becoming a new American in rural Nebraska: finding a sense of belonging, learning the language, accessing services, and making connections across cultures,” Feyerherm said.
With Olivas’ help, a team of community leaders was formed in Hastings to promote the values of intercultural understanding and inclusion. The team regularly meets to encourage inclusive practices, identify existing barriers to inclusion, and promote easy and straightforward access to city services and programs.
“This is all done to help people achieve their full potential and strengthen their community, together,” Feyerherm said.
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