August 1 at Lincoln South Rotary - Asian Community and Cultural Center

On August 1, 2025 at Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Lisa Guill, the Director of Communications & Welcoming Communities Coordinator for the Asian Community and Cultural Center.
The tag line on the website is Serving All Refugees and Immigrants & Celebrating Cultural Heritage. They are able to help New Americans from anywhere - they have staff and volunteers that make sure that everyone is served. To name only a few, she said they are currently actively serving Ukrainians, Afghans, Chinese, Sudanese and many from middle east. They make sure they have access to services - and know how to access those services. 
 
Lisa explained that we should imagine what it might be like for us. What if we went to a new county - alone - without our family. What if we were dripped in the middle of a new country without our support - without a job - not knowing the language, the government, or the culture.
 
She said that many cultures are defined as collectivist vs. the individualistic culture in most of the United States. The difference is that collectivists prioritize group, interdependence and social responsibility within the group. In the United States we tend to lean toward personal independence and self-reliance. Through their agency, they can provide that community - become the substitute family - and help them understand and live within the new culture.
 

Lisa shared that they are able to help with every aspect of life - again imagine that you are dropped into a new country - what would you need help with. They need help with a place to live, food, health services and applying for any government assistance programs that might be available. They also then need help with the language and working toward getting a job.

If they happen to have children with them, they need help getting into the school system.

She also shared that sometimes, refugees have high expectations of the children. Younger people have an easier time learning a new language. Soon the adults are relying on the youth for interpretation - and then for almost everything. It is a burden for the youth in the family. Children are expected to maneuver both worlds - the United States and the old culture. They may be expected to find a mate from their country, graduate, make plans for the future, and take care of the family.

The Center has programs specifically focused on youth - to try to address these issues and others. Lisa shared the story of one young lady who grew up without her father (he left the family). Her mother passed away. After living with an older sibling for a while, she was forced to live with her father. There was not a language issue - but just an issue of them not knowing each other. The Center helped her through. After she graduated - moved away for a while - she moved back to Lincoln realizing that the Center was the nucleus of her family - she felt she belonged here.

Lisa shared hat they have fun events at the Center - fundraisers - focused on the Asian culture. They are currently 85% grant funded and, like all other organizations, are concerned with the cuts for Federal grant dollars. She said that  their events are a great way to participate but another way to learn about other cultures (such as the "rules" that apply during Mahjong). Upcoming events:

3, 2, 1 - a jigsaw competition - August 21 at HobbyTown
Mahjong Club - August 14 at the Center
Curry Clash - food tasting and chef competition - November 16

https://www.lincolnasiancenter.org/
Sign up for newsletter: info@lincolnasiancenter.org

Lisa also talked about Lincoln/Lancaster County Welcoming & Belonging. Lincoln and Lancaster County has a very high rating as far as welcoming immigrants and refugees. There is a log going on even though the state of immigration is currently uncertain.
 
 
From their report:
 
 
 
BIO (from their website):

Lisa is a nonprofit communications professional with experience in multicultural marketing, strategic planning, and community engagement. She holds a B.A. from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Spanish and French Translation & Interpretation. She has served on a variety of nonprofit boards and committees.

In addition to serving as the Asian Center’s Communications Director, Lisa is the Welcoming Communities Coordinator for the Cultural Centers of Lincoln. Her role is to work with key stakeholders to execute the Lincoln/Lancaster County Welcoming & Belonging Strategic Plan to ensure that immigrants and refugees have the opportunity to fully participate and find belonging in our community.