Tina Neustrom

 Tina, a founding Refugee Community Assistance board member, grew up in Northern California, where she graduated with a degree in Public Relations from University of the Pacific. Tina moved to Chicago in 1985, when she began her career as a flight attendant for American Airlines.  She married a nice guy from Iowa in 1992 and moved with him to the Des Moines area.  She has loved raising her family in Iowa and enjoyed volunteering in many roles at her children's school and her church.  In recent years she has been very active in serving the refugee community in central Iowa.  She is passionate about assisting refugee families with housing needs and helping them settle into successful, happy lives.

Lisa Stratton

Lisa and her husband are founding board members of Refugee Community Assistance.  Lisa was born and raised in Iowa, graduated from Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa and is a mother of two adult sons and one grandson.  Lisa retired with more than 33 years of global finance industry experience employed by John Deere, Wells Fargo and DLL Finance.  Upon retirement she served four years on a board of directors for a condominium complex as finance director.    She has been providing personal hygiene items as well as food items to both the homeless and the refugee community in Des Moines and surrounding areas.  These experiences have provided her with the opportunity to work with many people in need from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Her desire to volunteer in support of RCA continues to grow as the needs of refugees in Iowa continue to evolve.  

Jeff Stratton

Jeff and his wife are founding board members of Refugee Community Assistance.  Jeff was born and raised in Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  Jeff has been a resident in the Des Moines area for 35 years, worked in finance for 32 years and retired from John Deere financial after 30 years of service.  Jeff has been active in a number of volunteer positions around the community, including refugees, the homeless and for the mentally and physically disabled.  Jeff’s experiences have allowed him to meet folks from all over the world in different circumstances and financial conditions.  He continues to assist people grow and improve their position in life for themselves, their family, and community. 

 Rich Schulte

Rich was born and raised in West Des Moines, Iowa and is a founding board member of Refugee Community Assistance.  Rich graduated from Iowa State University with bachelor and master degrees in Mechanical Engineering.  Rich worked in the aerospace industry before joining the family automobile business as General Manager.  Rich and his family have volunteered in many capacities over the years, including church, global mission trips, and local homeless outreach.  Rich continues to serve the homeless weekly, as well as support local refugees as they begin their lives in Iowa. 

 Kari Schulte 

Kari, a founding Refugee Community Assistance board member, is a lifelong Iowan, born and raised in West Des Moines. Kari graduated from Iowa State University, majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing. Kari worked in marketing and management for her family’s automobile business, and as the event director for a local homeless organization. Her greatest joy and dedication has been raising her two children, along with volunteering in the community.  Kari has served on many boards as well as volunteered for many school, church and non-profit organizations. She continues to have a great passion for helping persons in need, especially newly arrived refugees, and our elderly and homeless populations. 

 Terri Kruse 

Terri Kruse is a founding board member of Refugee Community Assistance (RCA). She was born and raised in South Dakota, graduated from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD with a BSN in nursing, and enjoys spending time with her 6 children and 5 grandchildren. She has worked as an RN at various hospitals and medical facilities in South Dakota, Des Moines, Iowa, Miami, Florida and the World Health Organization in Rome, Italy with many cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nationalities and health areas. She currently works as a school nurse for Des Moines Public Schools with 1500 students and their families from many countries, speaking 65+ different languages. She has volunteered at various church activities, civic organizations and Free Medical Clinics for 30+ years and enjoys assisting people from all walks of life. These experiences have led to her skill and focus on assisting with the needs of newly arrived refugees as they begin their lives in Iowa.  

Mike Kruse

Mike is also a founding board member of Refugee Community Assistance (RCA). He was born and raised in South Dakota, graduated from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD and Florida International University, Miami, Florida with a master’s degree in physical therapy and enjoys spending time with his 6 children and 5 grandchildren. He has worked as a Licensed Physical Therapist in Miami, Florida, Des Moines, Iowa and for the World Health Organization in Rome, Italy with many cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nationalities and health areas. He currently works as a Physical Therapy Clinic Director in Des Moines, Iowa and enjoys working with patients from many different countries, cultures and languages. He has volunteered at various church events and civic organizations for 30+ years. These experiences have led to a skill and desire to help newly arrived refugees with their many needs as they search to improve their lives in Iowa.