Refugee Education Center Program Cancellation Notice: COVID-19
To our Refugee Education Center friends, volunteers, and supporters:
In light of Governor Whitmer’s announcement made last night, March 12, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily cancel all Refugee Education Center programs at our 2130 Enterprise St SE and 2530 Eastern Ave SE locations starting Monday, March 16.
Additionally, programs and services offered via in-person consultations will now be done remotely, via telephone, and other methods. Gov. Whitmer announced that due to 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan, the State has ordered the closure of all public and private K-12 school buildings to students starting Monday, March 16.
We are committed to following the recommendations of local and state officials. In light of these school closures and three confirmed cases of the virus in Kent County, we have come to this difficult decision. The safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, those we serve, and the communities in which we live and work are of great importance to us. We will do our part to support efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
We know that many of the individuals we serve rely on public and private social services such as ours, and these closures will create insecurities in their lives. Families rely on the Refugee Education Center for childcare in order to work, as a safe place for students to go after school, and support in uncertain times. This causes us much concern. Additionally, we are concerned for the many students in and around Kent County who rely on school meals and snacks. We are thankful for the many public and private providers stepping up to support these children in difficult times.
The Refugee Education Center plans to follow Gov. Whitmer’s mandatory school closure, which is scheduled to be lifted on Monday, April 6. If Kent County schools reopen as planned, we will resume programs at all Refugee Education Center locations. During this period, we will continue to provide updates and guidance to our staff, volunteers, supporters, and those we serve.
While this health issue unfolds, please know we remain committed to the needs of refugees in the West Michigan community and we will continue to support all individuals as much as we are able. Our staff will work remotely, pushing our mission forward and providing services in creative ways. We encourage all of our friends and neighbors to practice safe social distancing and recommended hygiene practices as recommended by health officials, and join us in thinking of ways to safely provide support to the community.
If you have questions about program updates, ways to support, or need support, please email us at info@RefugeeGR.org or message us at facebook.com/RefugeeGR.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit:
Thank you and best wishes,
The Refugee Education Center
Blerta Bushati - President, Board of Directors
Matt Clark - Advancement Director
Erin Van Maanen - Operations Director