December 5 at Lincoln South Rotary - Cultural Centers Coalition Building

Tom Randa, was our speaker on December 5 and he shared the latest information about the Cultural Centers Coalition Building.

Tom started by sharing his journey to the Good Neighbor Community Center. We could feel the challenges – the highs and lows – of that journey as the story would unfold.

 

Growing up in Nakuru, Kenya in a family with deep education and faith values, he dreamed of pursuing a higher education. He hoped to study abroad – especially the United States. At the time, opportunities for advance study and career development were limited in Kenya.

 

In November 2000 he secured a student visa. As he was booking his flight he was asked if he was traveling to Washington or Washington D.C. and he quickly answered D.C. but would learn that was a mistake.

 

He was traveling little money, and he had no cellphone. So, navigating unfamiliar cities, traveling by train across the country to reach Washington state was a challenge. He had to rely on the kindness of strangers. He travelled from D.C. to Chicago and then across to the West Coast.

 

Tom said that he was relieved to finally reach Washington state but concern took over again while realizing that his resources were dwindling and he had no housing. He turned to his faith and asked a taxi driver to take him to the nearest Seventh Day Adventist Church.

 

That decision changed his life.

 

A church member named Art Bingman was working on the roof of the Bellevue SDA Church when he noticed Tom outside of the building. Art listened to Tom’s story and generously opened up his home for Tom.

 

Art was a member of a different SDA Church – Kirkland. Between the Kirkland and Bellevue Churches, he received support – got enrolled in school and bought winter clothing. He was finally settled into his life in America.

 

Tom learned of the Union College (now Union Adventist University) in Lincoln and their strong financial packages. They also had on-campus work opportunities which made it possible for him to continue his studies. He moved to Nebraska in December 2000, enrolled in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. That blend of technology and organizational leadership set the foundation for his future career.

 

After graduation and volunteering in roles that provided experience in community service, he found the doors open at the Good Neighbor Community Center. Tom appreciated the mission of GNCC – especially the commitment to serve low-income families, refugees and immigrants, much like his journey. With a personal experience of the challenges and uncertainty, he understood what it was like to be dependent on the compassion of others.

 

Tom’s background in Computer Information Systems and Business allowed him to strengthen the Good Neighbor Community Center’s systems, communication, and leadership, eventually leading to his current role as Executive Director.

 

He talked about the Cultural Centers of Lincoln forming a coalition (CCL). The organizations involved:
• Asian Community & Cultural Center
• El Centro de las Americas
• Good Neighbor Community Center
• Indian Center
• Malone
• Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

 

Besides Tom's presentation, some information is from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfZCjYaUQgQ&t=7s

 

 

Tom mentioned that a goal is to ensure that everyone who comes there can find success. They are constantly looking for answers that will serve the most people. They currently find that they are competing for funding.

 

With the help of the Community Health Endowment, they looked at trends. The focus was on Minority and Poverty trends. The initial meeting with the Community Health Endowment was in May of 2019. They then had strategic meetings among the CCL leadership and community advisors in June 2019 through December 2020.

 

 

Studies show that there will be increases in both minority and poverty populations in the years to come. The CCL looked at the trends and needs and developed strategies to address the issues. Looking at the current centers, they set out to address:

Tom M. Randa is the Executive Director of the Good Neighbor Community Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, where since 2012 he has devoted his endeavors to aiding families who require essential and emergency services. Prior to this, Tom served GNCC as Program Director and IT Technician from 2007 to 2012,  overseeing program delivery and technical operations.

 

Tom’s commitment to helping families in need is rooted in his own story. Growing up in Kenya under difficult circumstances, he set an ambitious goal to pursue the American dream—not only to better his own family’s circumstances, but to create opportunities for others facing hardship. That gratitude and drive continue to guide his leadership today.

 

Beyond GNCC, Tom serves as Board Chair of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln, where he works alongside fellow leaders to bring partner organizations together around a shared vision of creating a community facility that strengthens collaboration and expands services for families. He also contributes his expertise on multiple boards and committees, including the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health, the Lancaster County-City of Lincoln Justice Council, the Union Adventist University Master of Public Health Advisory Board, the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Lincoln Steering Committee, and the Mayor’s Community Committee on Local Foods. He previously advised Southeast Community College’s Adult Education program and Mourning  Hope’s advisory group on community engagement. In addition, Tom occasionally serves as a substitute host for Cause Collective Radio, sharing conversations with local nonprofit and community leaders.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Administration from Union Adventist University (formerly Union College). Early in his career, he worked at Developmental Services of Nebraska, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve greater
independence.

 

With 18 years of nonprofit leadership and community engagement at the Good Neighbor Community Center, Tom has focused on practical solutions in areas such
as strategic planning, fundraising, and coalition-building. His work has helped strengthen local nonprofits, build partnerships, and expand opportunities for
families.

 

Outside of his professional commitments, Tom enjoys playing the keyboard and piano, songwriting in Swahili, and running.