The Refugee Education Center

To support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community.

The Refugee Education Center supports refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

We are educators at the core, but we know that life is complex, and every story unique. That’s why we address the needs of not only the students we serve, but the whole family, focused around three core pillars of post-resettlement support:

• Education: We were founded on a belief that education is a gift and an opportunity. We acknowledge unique needs of refugee students and design our programs and services to coincide with traditional education in order that students may excel academically at an equitable rate as their American-born peers – and prepare for success in their new homeland.
• Family Stability: Many complex barriers can interrupt the lives of refugee families. Whether it’s a health and safety crisis, job loss, housing challenge or other life-challenge, our team is equipped to walk alongside refugees in these challenges, providing direct support or vital referrals to local social service agencies and programs.
• Culture and Belonging: For many, the United States poses culturally challenging situations that differ from their birth-countries. We seek to prepare refugees to successfully engage with their new culture while also retaining their own cultural identity, values, and traditions.