City of Lexington, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
LEXINGTON — The Lexington Community Relief Support program aims to support Tyson employees needing assistance with basic needs as the plant prepares to close.
A community meeting was held at The Well on Wednesday, Jan. 7 to discuss the proposed plan to support community members following the announcement of Tyson’s closure.
The Lexington Community Relief Support program was developed by the Lexington Community Foundation, Orthman Community YMCA, Lexington Ministerial Association and the Lexington Welcome Center.
Rex Adams, Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God Church, said that Lexington already has many services that already assist people in need but the plan aims to “help one another to help others.”
Beth Roberts, Executive Director Lexington Community Foundation, said that the program aims to support the employees with four basic needs.
Food Assistance will be handled by the Lexington Welcome Center; Utilities Assistance will be handled by the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska; Rent and Mortgage Assistance will be handled by Micah’s House and Healthcare Assistance will be handled by the Lexington Regional Health Center.
Intake volunteers have been trained to meet with people in need at the Lexington Welcome Center to help them with their needs. Multiple languages will be available.
To receive support, residents can apply in person at the Welcome Center, 1501 Plum Creek Parkway No. 5, from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting on Monday, Jan. 12.
The strategic plan intentionally leverages community resources without overburdening any single entity.
For the first month, the support program will take all comers. After this, the Lexington Public Library will be hosting educational events about unemployment assistance and educational opportunities. These events will be free of charge and those who attend will receive a voucher that they took part.
Robert said the program was born out of agencies determining the basic needs of Tyson employees that they need to survive and other needs can be handled by existing services in the community.
Tyson Foods announce on Nov. 21, 2025, that they planned to permanently close the beef processing plant in Lexington that employs around 3,200. The plant will officially close on Jan. 20, 2026.
