The Good Neighbor Community Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, recently celebrated a remarkable achievement: 103 immigrants and refugees have successfully obtained U.S. citizenship through its programs since 2017. This milestone underscores GNCC’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and fostering inclusivity within the community.

Established in 1973 as a mission of the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Lincoln, GNCC provides essential and emergency services to families and individuals in Lincoln and Lancaster County. The center serves people of all backgrounds, embracing the principle of religious and cultural inclusivity. Among its many programs, GNCC offers specialized services for refugees and immigrants, including English classes and citizenship preparation, designed to promote self-sufficiency and integration.

Transforming Lives Through Education

Since 2017, GNCC’s citizenship classes have been instrumental in guiding 103 individuals to pass their naturalization tests on their first attempt. This milestone reflects the achievements of Tareq Al-Shareefi, a community health worker and outreach advocate at GNCC, and Carol Leonhardt, a board member and volunteer, who have worked tirelessly to prepare participants for this life-changing step.

"We’ve worked hard to make sure our students feel supported every step of the way,” said Al-Shareefi. “For many, this is not just a test—it’s a testament to their resilience and determination to build a better future."

A key part of the program’s success is the involvement of volunteers like Leonhardt, a GNCC board member and member of Piedmont Park Church. Leonhardt conducts mock interviews to prepare students for the citizenship test, helping them gain confidence and familiarity with the process.

"Many of them come to us unsure of themselves,” Leonhardt shared. “Our goal is to instill confidence and help them realize they can succeed."

While this milestone highlights the work accomplished since 2017, GNCC’s programs have had a broader impact over the years, helping many individuals achieve citizenship and thrive in their new community.

Celebrating Success

On January 19, 2025, GNCC held a special event to honor this milestone. The celebration included a proclamation by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, who declared the day as “Good Neighbor Citizenship Day.” The proclamation recognized GNCC’s vital role in helping immigrants and refugees achieve their dreams while strengthening Lincoln’s cultural fabric. 

Zainab Al-Baaj, director of GNCC’s Middle Eastern and North African Hope Project, emphasized the center’s mission of creating a welcoming environment.

"We are messengers of hope, offering support and guidance to those navigating the path to citizenship,” Al-Baaj said.

GNCC Executive Director Tom Randa, a member of the College View Church, expressed his gratitude for the hard work of both staff and volunteers. “Carol’s work has been transformational,” he said.

"Her commitment and compassion create a space where students feel encouraged and prepared to achieve their dreams."

The event also highlighted the broader impact of GNCC’s programs. Lincoln is home to 30,000 immigrants and refugees from 150 countries, and GNCC’s work aligns with the city’s “One Lincoln Initiative,” which promotes belonging and equal opportunity for all residents.

Building a Better Future

For many participants, gaining U.S. citizenship is life-changing. It provides access to better job opportunities, the right to vote, and the ability to travel freely with a U.S. passport. “It’s not just about passing a test,” said Al-Shareefi.

"It’s about opening doors to a brighter future."

GNCC’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to service. Through its programs, GNCC has become a vital resource for those seeking hope and opportunity in a new land.

Get Involved

The Good Neighbor Community Center continues to make a profound impact in Lincoln and beyond.

The original article was published on the Mid-America Union Conferences Outlook Magazine news site.