Volunteer Info

The greater Lansing area is home to a large population of refugees from all corners of the world. Many of these individuals have suffered grave injustices and lived in places where they had little or no control over their lives. They have lost family, friends, homes and entire communities.

When refugees come to America, they usually have little money, few contacts, and a limited understanding of America’s vast and complex culture. That is where the Refugee Development Center comes in.

The RDC is a hope-filled, welcoming place that provides refugees with the education, support, and language skills they need to succeed. Over the course of a year at the RDC, you will see:

* Adults from Somalia, Burma, and Cuba learning English together—some returning semester after semester because of the relationships and support they have found in their classes.

* Children of all ages getting homework help, going on field trips to the mayor’s office, or painting a mural on the wall of Christ Lutheran Church.

* Hundreds of volunteers of all ages, tutoring children, mentoring youth, and teaching English.

* People from America and around the world whose lives will be enriched by learning with new friends.

Thanks to our many volunteers and community partners, we are changing the lives of hundreds of refugees. We invite all those who wish to invest in our community’s future and contribute to newcomers’ experiences to get involved at the Refugee Development Center!