OUR STORY
Our journey began with a belief in the healing power of books. Kathleen Ousey started with a book publisher, she spearheaded book drives for children in foster care and hospitals. Her unwavering belief in providing comfort through quality books drove her to rally funds from family and friends, extending support to the homeless, children in foster care, hospitals, and women's shelters.
Simultaneously, her passion led her to sell books to families, a path that serendipitously connected her with Kimberly Fix in 2020. Through their shared passion, launched a campaign delivering backpacks filled with books to over 500 children in foster care.
Their success led to the creation of Linked2Literacy, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the literacy gap. Through creative fundraising and partnerships, they provided books to 18 organizations across Nebraska. By 2022, with support from the Weibling E-clinic at UNL and a dynamic board, Linked2Literacy was incorporated. Their first major project was hosting free holiday book fairs for children at Community Learning Centers.
Today, Linked2Literacy continues to foster empathy, empowerment, and a love for learning, one book at a time.
OUR IMPACT
Linked2Literacy is transforming our community by distributing thousands of books and running impactful programs like the Book Bridge Program and EMPOWERME packs for kids in foster care. Through events like WORDSTOCK , we've engaged thousands and provided essential literacy skills.
L2L’s collaborations with organizations like DPIL, Teammates, Lincoln Public Schools, and Unite For Literacy, and more have amplified our reach, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive. By focusing on diversity and inclusion, we’re promoting a love for reading that fosters emotional and cognitive development, making a lasting difference in our community.
18,000+ BOOKS GIVEN
Over 18,000 books provided to children and families in our community through donations and partnerships​
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CREATED PROGRAMS
Created and incorporated the Book Bridge Program and EMPOWERME, with more to come.​
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COMMUNTY
Engaged with thousands of community members through volunteering, donations, and events such as WORDSTOCK.
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COLLABORATIONS
Partnered with DPIL, Teammates, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln City Libraries, and more, expanding reach and impact.