UNK’S INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM

Our church body has a long history of involvement in UNK’s International Friendship Program and has been faithful to love and reach out to the international students who are living in our community for college.  There are 3 levels of involvement with IFP:

1. Conversation Tables at UNK (which are such an easy on-ramp to get your feet wet in simple, engaging conversations with students).

2. Mini Socials (which allow you to host a meal just one time to connect with students who could use some interaction with families and individuals outside of campus).

3. Hosting program (which is being paired with a student for a semester or two, inviting them into meals, family events, and other everyday rhythms during the week).

We are grateful to partner with this program as we help international students make Kearney feel a little more like home away from home.

KIDS HOPE

Kearney eFree and Emerson Elementary launched Nebraska’s first KidsHope USA program in the Fall of 2021. KidsHope places trained mentors in the schools one hour, once a week, for one year. Each mentor has a prayer partner, and together, they commit to loving and supporting the student they are matched with.  We also serve and support the administrators and staff at Emerson. We are committed to helping our local public schools thrive! To connect with our Kids Hope director Nicole, click here.

STOREHOUSE

Storehouse is eFree’s in-house ministry serving people in our church family and in our community who have hit a rough patch financially. We offer resources such as a fully stocked pantry, small household items, toiletries, a shower, and more; we also offer financial assistance while paired with a Care Team member who will walk with each participant long term as they work toward being able to support themselves and their families again, and to share with others the fruit of their labor. We offer group gatherings and individualized care for both women and men.

HELPCARE

 Kearney’s volunteer-run HelpCare Clinic serves Buffalo and Kearney counties patients who do not have insurance. We have partnered with HelpCare since its inception and support HelpCare by serving throughout their open hours and with other needs they might have. HelpCare’s priority needs include doctors, nurses, translators, and receptionists.

EFREE TRANSIT

We know that our community’s lack of transportation can be an obstacle for those without access to a vehicle. eFree Transit seeks to eliminate this obstacle for Kearney’s homeless shelter residents by giving rides to a church service and back each Sunday.  We are committed to giving people who are homeless an opportunity to worship with their church family Sunday mornings! Click here to connect.

ADOPTION GRANTS

Kearney eFree holds an adoption grant fund for couples in our church and our community. If you are looking for a way to give financially, we invite you to join us in supporting adoption through this grant. Our team not only gifts grants to help toward the astronomical costs associated with adoptions, but we also provide a support system and way to connect them with other couples and families who have had a similar journey. Thank you for helping us respond in this way to God’s call to place orphans into a family. To learn more about this opportunity, click here.