Newcomer Center
Refugee Development Center’s Newcomer Center is a community space that offers a range of programs catering to the needs of approximately 2,500 individuals every year. Located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing (UU Lansing) on Lansing’s South Side, the center offers a wide range of activities year-round:
- K-12 youth programs: Tutoring, mentoring, high school college and career guidance, life skills classes, playgroups, school orientations, and school-family engagement
- Early literacy programs: First Steps early literacy program, preschool/nursery education, and multi-generational learning
- English classes: Language education groups for all ages and skill levels, from emerging to advanced
- Workforce development programs: Skills labs, career exploration, and college access assistance
- Health and housing navigation services: Landlord-tenant support, lease and pathway to home ownership guidance, insurance access, language support, and crisis intervention
- Digital literacy programs: Access to devices, internet, and computer classes
- Citizenship education: Civics education and citizenship test preparation
- Driving lessons: Hands-on instruction in a state-of-the-art driving simulator
- Food access: Food box distribution and other food staples
- Community and wellness activities: Yoga, art, music, drumming, physical fitness, sewing, social clubs, tea time, and more
Our Impact thru Q3 in 2025
987 youth and 879 adults participating
506 newcomers used our health and housing navigation services
682 adult English students participating
265 youth participate mentoring
346 0-4 year olds enrolled in First Steps Early Childhood Program
332 youth participate youth tutoring
Our Partnership with UU Lansing
RDC’s Newcomer Center is located in Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing (UU Lansing). Our partnership with UU Lansing extends beyond sharing the space itself, as it exemplifies shared values of inclusivity and social justice. By sharing a space that is deliberately crafted to nurture community, equality, and social progress, we work together to forge a more vibrant and inclusive Lansing.
Our Grant Award
Improvements to RDC’s Newcomer Center are made possible in part by funding from a 2023 Michigan Community Center Grant, administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The grant, totaling $1 million for capital improvements, marks a significant milestone for RDC as we work toward our mission to uplift the community. We are honored to receive this award, which will enable us to modernize existing classrooms, repurpose unused space for full functionality and accessibility, create safe outdoor learning spaces, improve energy efficiency, and boost building security at the Newcomer Center.
Our Sincere Thanks
Dedicated newcomers, volunteers, community partners, supporters, and funders make RDC’s Newcomer Center a hub of community connection and a place of welcome. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community — your contributions are essential to our mission. We also extend special thanks to the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for their belief in our work and for awarding us significant grant funding.