Thrive
Attend THRIVE 2026
dont miss our RIBBON CUTTING of our Expanded Newcomer Center - May 20, 2026
Thrive 2026 is more than our annual spring fundraiser—it marks a major milestone for the Refugee Development Center and the community we serve. This year’s event will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of our newly expanded Newcomer Center, made possible through the Michigan Community Center Grant. This expansion represents a deep investment in welcoming, supporting, and empowering newcomers in Mid-Michigan, creating more space for connection, learning, and opportunity.
On May 20, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 pm at 5509 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing, guests will gather for an evening of reflection and celebration. Thrive 2026 will highlight the resilience and resolve of the individuals and families who walk through our doors, while honoring the community of staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible. The evening will include a special ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the expanded space, alongside dinner, drinks, storytelling, and connection.
As our signature annual fundraiser, Thrive directly supports the programs that bring the Newcomer Center to life, including First Steps Early Childhood, Youth Field Trips, Tea Time, Sewing Circle, Driving Education, English Classes, Health and Housing Navigation, Pathway Programming, and Circles of Support. This event is both a celebration of how far we have come and an invitation to continue building a thriving, welcoming community together.
Resilience. Resolve. Community.
- Date: May 20th
- Time: 5:00-8:00pm
- Location: RDC’s Newcomer Center, 5509 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing, MI 48911
- Dinner, Drinks, Stories, Friends
- Join us to celebrate the resilience of our students, and recognize the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers, and supporters—the people who make it all possible.
