Foundation already at work

Arthritis sufferers in central Nebraska can make use of a new Hastings
resource center opened recently by the Arthritis Foundation.

The center opened on the second floor of the Burlington Center, 747
N. Burlington Ave., around May 15, said the director and lone
employee, Julia Foote.

She welcomed members of the community Thursday at the center's grand
opening celebration.

Foote grew up in Hastings and had been working for the foundation's
Nebraska chapter in Omaha before moving back to open the new office.

"We thought we'd wait until we were a bit more settled to have the
open house," Foote said.

The Arthritis Foundation Central Nebraska Resource Center is a
clearinghouse for information on all of the more than 100 types of
arthritis, Foote said.

The foundation provides brochures and videotapes, gives educational
programs and works to be sure arthritis sufferers get the medical
attention they need, she said.

Even before the office opened, the foundation arranged for aquatic
therapy classes for arthritis sufferers in Hastings, Grand Island and
Kearney. The foundation has started a support group in Grand Island
and is working to start one in Hastings, Foote said.

The center serves all of Nebraska between Aurora and North
Platte. Foote also raises funds for the foundation and is planning a
benefit art auction Sept. 23 at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Sept. 24
at the Interstate 80 Holiday Inn north of Doniphan.

Famous prints will be sold on the auction through an arrangement with
a company that specializes in fund raising. Several central Nebraska
artists also have donated work to be sold.

Since the foundation has limited resources, Foote said, it tries to
hold its advertising expenses to a minimum.

Still, she said, public awareness of the Hastings center's existence
is growing and should continue to grow.

"We have plans for 1996 and beyond to do more public forums and work
with doctors to get out the word we're here," Foote said.

The public is welcome to contact the arthritis center at (402)
463-9766. Foote's office is Room 209 in the Burlington Center.

Normal office hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. People
with questions also may call the foundation's toll-free number, (800)
692-5292.

The Hastings Tribune.
Copyright 1995 Hastings Tribune.
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