Heartland Workers Center celebrates graduates and community leaders as part of its leadership development work across Nebraska. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
Families Lead, Communities Strengthen: Heartland Workers Center Releases 2025 Annual Report
Omaha, NE – In a year marked by uncertainty and growing challenges for immigrant and working families, the Heartland Workers Center (HWC) remained a steady presence, organizing, educating, and building leadership from within the community. HWC’s 2025 Annual Report documents not only the realities families faced, but the resilience and collective power they demonstrated in response.
Rooted in the belief that lasting change comes from within, HWC’s work in 2025 focused on developing leaders, promoting workers’ rights, and expanding civic participation across Nebraska. The results reflect what is possible when individuals are supported not as beneficiaries, but as decision-makers and leaders.
Community Resilience
As outdated immigration systems and rising fear impacted communities, HWC responded with direct support and consistent presence. Staff conducted in-home visits, shared meals, and equipped families with tools to prepare and respond.
HWC community members conduct outreach as part of the organization’s direct support and neighborhood-based engagement efforts. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
In 2025, HWC distributed 7,721 Family Safety Plans and reached 2,194 individuals through presentations, ensuring families had access to critical information and resources during uncertain times.
Volunteers gather after a community cleanup effort, reflecting HWC’s focus on connection, service and collective action. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
Leadership at the Heartland Workers Center
Leadership development remained at the core of HWC’s mission. Community members engaged in HWC programs were nearly three times more likely to see themselves as leaders compared to those not yet involved.
- 865 mentorship meetings held with community leaders.
- 297 graduates from the Family Leadership Institute across six Nebraska counties.
- 366 leaders actively participated in HWC Core Teams.
- 77% of leaders plan to continue their education.
In addition, 15 young leaders represented Nebraska at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute conference in Chicago, strengthening their skills and building connections with peers nationwide.
HWC defines leadership not by title, but by action, individuals stepping forward with purpose, care, and a plan to strengthen their communities.
Participants take part in a Heartland Workers Center training session focused on leadership, skills and community preparation. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
Building Power Through Civic Engagement
HWC continued to expand civic participation as a pathway to collective power. Through its PowerUp Civic Series and community-based outreach efforts, leaders gained practical knowledge on voting, civic rights, and community advocacy.
- 568 bilingual voter guides distributed.
- 367 community conversations and engagements.
- 867 doors knocked during Omaha municipal elections.
- 86 leaders participated in a civic field trip to the Nebraska State Capitol.
HWC leaders and families visit the Nebraska State Capitol as part of civic education and engagement efforts. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
HWC leaders and families stand outside the Nebraska State Capitol during a civic field trip. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
Through the Pathway to Citizenship initiative, HWC exceeded its goal by supporting 51 citizenship applications, more than double its initial target of 25. Five participants have already successfully passed their citizenship tests and interviews. These efforts are not just about process, they are about welcoming new voters, advocates, and leaders who are shaping a stronger Nebraska.
HWC community leaders take part in neighborhood outreach tied to civic engagement and local participation. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
HWC leaders use community outreach tools while connecting with residents about civic rights and local engagement. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
Workforce Development and Economic Stability
HWC’s workforce initiatives continued to grow as trusted pathways for skill-building and workplace safety. Through the Health and Safety Training Institute and partnerships with industry leaders, participants accessed high-quality certifications and training opportunities.
- 155 leaders enrolled in the Heartland Workforce Solutions’ workforce program CREED.
- 148 participants earned OSHA 10-hour safety cards.
- 16 OSHA trainings conducted across Dodge, Douglas, and Hall counties.
- 28 workers filed claims to improve workplace conditions.
New certification opportunities expanded access to career advancement:
- 84 First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
- 23 forklift safety certifications.
- 10 Community Business Academy certifications.
Participants display certificates after completing a workplace health and safety training through Heartland Workers Center. Courtesy of Heartland Workers Center.
At the same time, HWC supported long-term financial stability through education and coaching. In partnership with financial institutions and community organizations, 177 leaders completed financial management and preparedness sessions, moving from crisis-driven decisions toward long-term planning.
Community, Connection, and Collective Growth
Throughout the year, gatherings like Cafecito with HWC created space for connection, reflection, and shared purpose. These events brought together leaders, supporters, and partners to celebrate progress and strengthen relationships that sustain community organizing.
HWC’s work was made possible through the support of foundation and community partners committed to building a more inclusive Nebraska.
Looking Ahead
As HWC looks toward 2026, demand for its services continues to grow both from families already engaged and those seeking support for the first time.
“As we look to 2026, we are clear about what comes next,” said executive director Lina Traslaviña Stover. “Demand for our work is rising in two ways. Families who have been part of Heartland Workers Center continue to need support. At the same time, more families are reaching out for the first time. Many arrive to HWC in crisis, and any delay to services carries serious risks.”
“What we build in 2026 will determine how many families are reached, how many are protected, and how much ground our communities are able to hold. We move forward with urgency and resolve, and invite you to stand with us as this work expands.”
About Heartland Workers Center
The Heartland Workers Center envisions a community where collective power is rooted in each individual’s ability to promote, protect, and defend their human rights. Through leadership development, worker advocacy, and civic engagement, HWC works alongside immigrant and underrepresented communities to build power and create lasting change.
The impact of this work is clear: stronger families, informed communities, and leaders who are shaping the future of Nebraska from within. Continued support ensures that this work not only continues, but grows to meet the urgency of the moment.
To learn more about Heartland Workers Center and its 2025 Annual Report, visit or connect with HWC online: www.heartlandworkerscenter.org
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