What We Do
RDC offers in person and virtual programs. Contact RDC at: info@rdclansing.org or Sign up here to learn more or get involved.
Programs
English Language Program: The English Language Program is for all students over 16 wishing to improve their English skills. Offering 6 levels of English instruction in a variety of settings, our program helps each participant learn English and improve career opportunities.
Tutoring: Tutoring is available for all family members to help with English learning, computer learning, academic work, work readiness, career laddering and other areas requested by students.
Youth Mentoring: Youth Mentoring is available for 15-24 year old students. Youth will be matched with a mentor to build friendships, focus on college and career readiness, and learn to navigate life as a young adult.
Cultural Broker Leaders: Cultural Broker leaders help lead, engage, advise, and develop culturally and linguistically competent programs and practices for RDC families.
School Orientations: School Orientations help students succeed in their new schools by acquainting youth and their families with school personnel, students’ academic and behavioral expectations, and the buildings they will be attending.
G.L.O.B.E. (Gaining Learning Opportunities through Better English) Camp: GLOBE summer camp provides the opportunity for newcomer youth to explore their new community, improve their English skills and make lifelong friendships.
EFEL (Engaging Families in Early Literacy): EFEL is for refugee parents and children ages 0-5 to practice songs, games, and learning activities. Sign up for EFEL here.
Bridges: Bridges is a place for adults to share parenting strategies, information, skills, and support that can help refugee kids and families thrive.
Veggie Box: Veggie Box is for newcomer families to receive fresh fruits and vegetables delivered weekly in partnership with Allen Neighborhood Center.
Newcomers Soccer: Newcomers Soccer is for middle school students providing team members with regular opportunities for: academic enrichment, peer support, soccer training and friendship.
Youth Leadership Institute: Leadership Institute is for young adults aspiring to become leaders of positive change in their communities by obtaining tools and skills needed to transform passion into action.
Drop-in Center: Drop in Center provides one-on-one support and guidance for refugee neighbors (basic literacy, computer access, resume writing, job applications, college applications)
Women’s Sewing Circle: Women’s Sewing Circle creates a space where refugee women learn valuable skills that can be applied to a new job, practice English, and build deep friendships with each other and the volunteers that work with them.
One&All: In partnership with LEAP, One&All is an inclusive entrepreneurship program designed to increase successful entrepreneurship and small business ownership among underrepresented populations including people of color, women, refugees, immigrants and more.
Career and College Readiness: In coordination with our English Language program, our career and college program is here to help students prepare for success. Topics include goals setting, career navigation, job readiness skills, interview practice and more.
THRIVE closet: Our THRIVE closet has a variety of items that are free and open to all our newcomer neighbors. Items include: coats, hats, gloves, sheets, blankets, office supplies, hygiene supplies, etc. Our staff deliver items to families on a regular basis.
Computer Literacy: The computer literacy program offers practice using computers, email, virtual learning, and the internet.
Financial Literacy: The financial literacy program helps with money management in the U.S. and improvement of financial self-sufficiency through budgeting, banking, savings and information on credit cards and the electronic banking process.
Citizenship and Civic Engagement: Our citizenship and civic engagement program offers classes and individualized practice preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and skills to be an active and engaged citizen.