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
150+ newcomers visit the Newcomer Center every day
Nearly 1,000 children served every year
584 newcomers used our health and housing navigation services from 2022 to 2023
50% increase in demand for adult English classes during Q1 2024
150% increase in total program participation from 2022 to 2023
56% increase in demand for our First Steps early literacy program since 2022
39% increase in youth tutoring participation from 2022 to 2023
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 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 volunteers, community partners, supporters, and funders have stepped up to make RDC’s Newcomer Center a reality. 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.