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Mar 28, 2024
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by Caitlin Visniski
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Refugee Development Center Awarded Michigan Community Center Grant: Empowering New Beginnings
By: Caitlin Visniski
Since its establishment in 2002, the Refugee Development Center (RDC) has been unwavering in its mission to cultivate inclusive learning environments and foster opportunities for refugees across mid-Michigan. Through a diverse array of programs ranging from English language support to cultural brokering and civic engagement initiatives, the RDC has consistently served as a beacon of support for refugees in the region. The RDC has recently been awarded the Michigan Community Center Grant. This grant will further bolster their efforts, particularly in their Newcomer Center, as they continue their vital work of uplifting and empowering the community they serve.
The $1 million grant, designated for capital improvements, represents a significant investment in the RDC's Newcomer Center, situated within the Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) of Greater Lansing. At the heart of this initiative lies a profound aspiration: to forge a hub of unity, and empowerment to foster a more inclusive Lansing community. Anchored by this vision, the Newcomer Center will serve approximately 2,500 individuals seeking refuge and support. Its diverse array of programs, ranging from K-12 youth initiatives to workforce development, mental wellness activities, and beyond, reflects its commitment to holistic empowerment. From English language classes to citizenship education, health advocacy to food access provisions, the Newcomer Center will implement a multifaceted approach aimed at nurturing both individual growth and collective resilience within this community.
Empowered by the grant, the RDC plans to transform the infrastructure and functionality of its facilities. The RDC envisions a comprehensive modernization effort, revitalizing existing classrooms, repurposing underutilized spaces to maximize functionality and accessibility, and establishing safe and inviting outdoor learning environments. The grant will enhance energy efficiency and bolster building security, ensuring that the Newcomer Center remains a safe and inclusive environment for all.
UWSCMI applauds the RDC on receipt of the Michigan Community Center Grant from the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. We look forward to watching the growth and impact of the new center in RDC's work within the community.
