Tom Randa, Executive Director
Good Neighbor Community Center
In 1973, the Seventh-day Adventist Churches of Lincoln saw a need for basic and emergency services in our community. They founded the Good Neighbor Community Center. Over the years, we have provided emergency food, clothing and household items in a kind, understanding environment. Each client is personally welcomed and encouraged to participate in our programs. Their passion is not only assisting individuals with basic and emergency needs but also giving them opportunities to build bright futures for their families and the entire community. In 2003, Good Neighbor Community Center was duly incorporated under the laws of NE state and we are now collaborating with like-minded organizations, schools, businesses, churches, and individuals in Welcoming Neighbors and Supporting Stability.
Tom Randa, is currently the Executive Director of the Good Neighbor Community Center. Tom told us he was born in Kenya and at the age of 18 he came to the United States to go to college. His original plan was to attend the Bellevue Community College in the State of Washington. His host family, who were Seventh-day Adventist, thought maybe he should be attending one of their colleges. After some checking they found that Union College in Lincoln, NE was lower in cost. Therefore, off Tom went to Union College and Lincoln, NE. Tom met his wife at Union College who was studying nursing. Tom arrived in Lincoln in 2001 and graduated from Union College in 2005. His wife graduated in 2007 and was working at St. Elizabeth Hospital during her college days. That position turned into a permanent job, therefore Tom had to get a job. He applied for a position at GNCC, which he did not get, but two months later he applied for IT position and got it. About five months later he became the program director because the director had to leave because of her husband’s health. During that time Tom learned about every position there was at GNCC and even learned how to write grants. In 2012, Tom became the Executive Director of GNCC.
GNCC has several programs to help those that find themselves in the low-income bracket. They have a Food Distribution Program where you can get canned food, frozen meat, dry beans, pasta, etc. They do distribute perishable foods, like fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, etc. only on Monday and Wednesday. During the pandemic that we are currently in, they have people come only on Monday and Wednesday for all their food. They do a no-contact type deliver, where they come to the back door of GNCC and staff put the food into the trunk of the car.
Other programs include a project that helps refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa. They work with collaborating agencies in resettling the new refugees into Lincoln and Lancaster County so they have a smooth transition. These people can come to the center for clothes, get food, and enroll in some of the classes that GNCC offers. They also offer interpretation services to assist with any appointments they might have and translating documents that the clients might need.
Tom said they hope to open up the Grandparents Christmas room soon so that grandparents can go Christmas shopping for their grandchildren this year.
Some of the classes that GNCC offer to clients are: Women classes, English classes, GED classes, computer classes and an activity class. They help with rent/utility assistance and work the agencies that are involved so that their clients can get these services kept on or housing for their families.
Tom said that GNCC has been giving out lots of diapers to younger families who just can’t afford to pay the price for diapers. They usually have about 20 families on Monday and Wednesday who come for food during normal times. During the pandemic they have had as many as 150 to 200 families come for food. They recently received a grant for $290,000 which is be used for rent and utility help.
Right now, there are no volunteers helping and only five staff members who have been helping with the distribution of food, diapers, etc. Tom can’t wait until we have seen better days ahead.