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Almost ten years ago, Frederick Bw’Ombongi began dreaming with his friends and former co-workers about a center for refugees to receive education support and to celebrate and retain their culture. The dream quickly became a reality and the West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center was born.

Years later, we owe so much of our success to this man who not only had the audacity to dream, but a willingness to make this dream a reality—ensuring that refugee students and their families can receive the educational support and youth development services needed to succeed in school and in life in West Michigan. As Fred steps down from the board of directors, we are filled with gratitude for his years of service and the contagious passion that has drawn so many of us to this work.