Thelander to celebrate 20 years at SWNCBC on Sept. 4

Before she became the Executive Director at Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation (SWNCBC), Amy Thelander thought maybe she’d be a cosmetologist or a nurse when she “grew up.”

However, life seemed to have a different plan for Thelander as she found herself working an entry level office position in the SWNCBC office, and things only continued to grow for her from there. 

After four years with the company, in 2008 Amy moved up to the Program Manager position and then in 2012 she was appointed the Executive Director of the program.

In her 20 year tenure with SWNCBC has wrote and administered $6,045,740 in grants to at least 216 households in the 5 county area that the program covers. 

“I really do love my job. I love the challenge and helping people,” Thelander said.

“This can be one of the most stressful jobs sometimes, but the rewards far outweigh all that, because it’s so great to be able to go in and help someone buy their home, or go into to someone’s current home and help them make it more efficient with windows or siding or whatever the need may be,” she said. 

SWNCBC has a staff of four in the office including Thelander. Deb Marshall, Administrative Assistant has been with SWNCBC since 2012. Steph Miller, Program Manager was hired in 2016, and Amy Sauer who serves as Deputy Director and was hired in January 2024.

“I absolutely could not do what I do without my amazing staff. I can’t say enough about them. We have a great team here and we have fun,” Thelander said. 

SWNCBC says they have applied for more housing Grants and will continue to do so. 

“We haven’t even heard who was awarded this year and we are already working and discussing every day ‘what can we do next?’” Thelander said. 

Thelander is the wife of Brent Thelander and the couple have three boys, a new grandson with another grand baby on the way.

With no plans on leaving any time soon, Thelander said in looking ahead, “My ultimate goal would be someday to build another maybe six unit duplex, we know that really is the biggest need of our community is rental properties,” which she acknowledged would be a “big” challenge.  

An Open House will be held in honor of Amy and her 20 years of service on September 4 from 2-4 p.m. at the SWNCBC office at 115 3rd St., Grant in Grant. 

Their office can be reached by calling 308-352-4338.