The closure of the Tyson Foods beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, has left more than 3,000 employees seeking immediate support. This plant, which employed a significant portion of the town’s population, shut down unexpectedly, prompting local organizations and nonprofits to provide essential aid to the displaced workers.
In the wake of the closure, communities have rallied to assist former Tyson employees in their search for new opportunities. Many workers prefer to remain in Lexington, despite the company offering positions at other locations. The Lexington Community Foundation, alongside other local agencies, has implemented various programs aimed at delivering temporary relief.
“The news was a complete surprise; no one anticipated the closure,” said Maria Zavala, a former Tyson employee. She noted that families are facing significant disruptions, with some relocating while others struggle with transportation issues.
As former workers flocked to the Opportunity Center to apply for unemployment benefits, long lines formed outside the facility. Brent LeClair, regional manager for the Nebraska Department of Labor, explained that having identification documents can expedite the application process. Staff from other areas, including Grand Island and Lincoln, have been brought in to manage the increased workload.
LeClair characterized the situation as “unprecedented,” likening the atmosphere to a retail rush on Black Friday. “We know it’s a lengthy process, but we are doing our best to assist as many people as possible,” he said.
To provide immediate support, the Lexington Community Foundation has collaborated with various organizations. “We received overwhelming communication from the community offering support,” said Beth Roberts, executive director of the foundation. On January 23, 2023, the foundation raised $259,000 in donations, dispersing $105,000 to those in need.
The Welcome Center has been set up to assess the needs of Tyson workers, directing them to local organizations such as the Community Action Partnership and Micah’s House. Operations have moved to the Dawson County Fairgrounds, utilizing a ticket system to manage the influx of requests efficiently. Applicants only need to provide their Tyson employee number and name to access services.
Despite these efforts, some former employees have experienced delays in receiving aid. “We are still facing challenges with utilities and rent payments,” noted Lidia Sanchez, another former employee. “They say they are helping us, but progress seems stalled.”
As of January 27, 2023, the Lexington Community Foundation announced a temporary pause in Welcome Center services, aiming to resume operations in mid-February. “We need many volunteers to ensure we can keep up with the demand,” Roberts emphasized, noting the necessity for support across various relief areas.
During this pause, agencies are working through a backlog of referrals. By February 6, 2023, the foundation had raised $457,535 and dispersed $299,835 to assist nearly 4,878 individuals and households. Micah’s House has been particularly focused on helping laid-off workers with rent and mortgage payments.
Sauer, a representative from Micah’s House, expressed concern about missing individuals who might need assistance. “It’s been hard to sleep at night wondering if we are reaching everyone who needs help,” she shared. The nonprofit has already assisted around 300 households and continues to receive new referrals daily.
Once services resume, the intake process will allow for only 20 individuals per day at the Welcome Center to prevent overwhelming community agencies. Former Tyson employees will be directed to the Exhibition building at the Dawson County Fairgrounds, with support from the Orthman Community YMCA and local volunteers.
For those interested in supporting the relief efforts, donations can be made through the Lexington Community Foundation’s website.
