Dear Friends and Future Supporters,
This campaign is about investing in the future of refugee children and families—and in the future of West Michigan. It will strengthen programs that support children from cradle to career, expand access to early childhood education, and ensure families have the guidance and resources needed to build stable and thriving lives.
I invite you to join us in this next chapter. Your support will help ensure the Refugee Education Center remains a place where dreams are nurtured, futures are shaped, and families are reminded that they do not walk this journey alone.
With Gratitude,
Frederick Bw’Ombongi
Founder & Former Board Member
Honorary Campaign Committee
The strength of West Michigan is rooted in the people who call it home, and refugee families are an essential part of that story. When they have the opportunity to thrive, our entire community is stronger.
For 20 years, the Refugee Education Center has been committed to supporting refugee families on their journey to becoming fully participating members of the West Michigan community. Through the Forward Together Campaign, we are expanding our capacity to walk alongside refugee families from cradle to career by providing academic support, family stability through resource navigation, and community integration while preserving cultural identity. At a time when many supports are constrained by shifting policies and funding, we are investing in the future of West Michigan by standing with the families who make our community stronger. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure that when refugee families flourish, our entire community flourishes with them.
These Pillars of Support work together to equip refugee families with the tools and confidence to thrive in West Michigan.
Programs that support refugee children from cradle to career in the places they live and learn.
Multicultural, multilingual early childhood education.
Robust guidance through post-secondary education into their career launch.
Parents who receive assistance navigating education and pediatric primary healthcare services.
Entry into schools and businesses that are prepared to welcome them due to cultural competency coaching and consulting.
Our Goal:
$1.5 Million
Capacity Building
Childcare Scholarship Fund
Organizational Sustainability
Forward Together,
Meg Derrer, CEO
Refugee Education Center
Dear Friends,
We believe that when refugee families thrive, West Michigan thrives. This is a shared future, and it will take all of us.
I invite you to join us in this important work. Together, we can move forward—ensuring that the next 20 years are marked by even greater opportunity, impact, and belonging.
