The Carol Yoakum Family Resource Center opened its doors in April, 1995.  Its purpose was to provide family support to residents of the neighborhoods of northwest Lincoln.   With over 6,600 square feet, the center provides a variety of programs to serve families. 

Over the years, the programs have continued to change to meet the needs of families in the area.   Today, the center offers a child care center operated by Cedars Youth Services.    There are GED classes and a computer center.   There is a weekly food distribution supported by the Food Bank of Lincoln and the Truckloads of Help Program from the Center for People in Need.  A Clothing Closet offers free clothing and a wide variety of other free items.   The center is a selling location for Star Tran’s “Ride for $7.50"  bus passes.   Lincoln Police Department has a substation located at the center.   Meeting space is available for public groups including weekends and evenings.

A special emphasis is given to youth programs.   The Expanding Horizons Enrichment Program offers free summer enrichment classes for students in grades 1 to 6.  Classes include areas of interest such as art, nature, science, literature, drama, geography, history, music and more.  A Summer Food Program, sponsored by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department, provides a free lunch to anyone 2 to 18 yeas old on the front patio of the center.

In 2005, Lincoln Housing Authority became the lead agency in the Arnold School Community Learning Center (CLC).   The CLC contracts with Lincoln Parks and Recreation to provide quality, affordable before- and after-school programs at Arnold Elementary School.   Academic enrichment clubs are also offered at the school at no charge.  Other services and activities include family nights, behavioral health support, and neighborhood outreach.   The primary goals of the CLC are to improved student learning and youth development, strengthen and support families, and strengthen and support neighborhoods.  

The Carol Yoakum Family Resource Center Coordinator also serves as the Arnold CLC Site Coordinator.