STEP Foundation “Thinks Outside the Box” to Support Community Projects Across Nemaha County

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is embracing another creative theme for 2026: “Think Outside the Box.” This year’s spring grant cycle highlights how local organizations, each representing a unique “box”, are improving quality of life throughout the county. STEP grants are awarded for charitable purposes that strengthen and enhance life for Nemaha County residents.

The first “box” is the B&B Ball Field at Sacred Heart Parish, which will soon shine brighter thanks to new LED lighting. The STEP General Fund awarded $5,400, with an additional $1,200 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund. The upgraded lights will improve visibility, increase safety for players and fans, and reduce long-term energy costs.

The Cardinal Community Foundation will receive $1,300 from the General Fund to install artificial grass on its playground, improving safety and allowing children to play outdoors more frequently. All labor and equipment for the project will be donated, making this upgrade a true community effort.

In Wetmore, the City of Wetmore will receive $3,500 from the General Fund for Phase 2 of its playground renovation. The project will replace aging cedar mulch with recycled rubber tire mulch and new underlayment. Volunteers will provide all labor, and equipment will be donated, helping create a safer, longer-lasting play surface.

The Mary Cotton Public Library will receive $1,000 from the General Fund for its OPEN SESAME! accessibility project. The grant will help retrofit four public restroom doors and two meeting room doors with automatic electronic openers, making the library more welcoming for seniors, individuals using mobility aids, and young children.

A $2,000 grant from the Chad Baker Memorial Fund will allow Nemaha Central to purchase a lift for students who cannot stand independently. The equipment will enhance safety for both students and staff during transfers and mobility-related activities.

The newly established Hecht Family Fund is making a strong impact in its first grant cycle.

• Best Life Community Services (formerly NCTC) will receive $1,901 for updates to its day services program, including folding tables, a table rack, and iPads with service plans.
• Nemaha Fire District #4 (Bern) will receive $8,000 from the Hecht Family Fund, supplemented by $2,000 from the STEP General Fund, to replace outdated SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment. Updated gear will improve safety for firefighters serving Bern, Sabetha, Oneida, Seneca, and St. Benedict.

Sabetha Community Hospital is also receiving support this cycle, with $1,000 from the STEP General Fund and $500 from the Glen J. Meyer Fund for its IPC (Infection Prevention Control) Compliance Initiative. The project will replace corrugated cardboard storage boxes with durable, washable clinical containers, quite literally swapping out one box for another to improve safety and meet updated infection-control standards.

The final “box” brings together multiple STEP funds to support Seneca Community Television. A combined $6,800, including $800 from the General Fund, $5,500 from the Baker Fund, and $500 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund, will help the station upgrade essential equipment.

The STEP Foundation extends its gratitude to the donors who make these grants possible and congratulates all recipients. The online grant application is available at www.nemahastep.org. Grants are awarded twice each year, with the next deadline on July 15, 2026.