The Refugee Development Center is a vital nonprofit organization created in 2002 to provide critical services for refugees in mid-Michigan. By providing formal and informal learning opportunities, the Center aims to be an open and inclusive place for refugees to learn and locate the resources they need to flourish as residents and citizens.
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a welcoming, thriving community that collaborates with refugees and newcomers through education, engagement, and support.
Vision
We envision an inclusive and welcoming community where all newcomers have the opportunity to thrive and belong.
In order to volunteer with Refugee Development Center, you must complete an orientation.
Volunteers commit to serving in a weekly program for one semester (about 8 weeks). Volunteers must be 18 years old and must have completed high school. The RDC requires that all new volunteers attend a mandatory training and submit paperwork to process background checks before they begin their service.
Programs Offered:
- Adult English Class (ESOL): Assist weekly in our Adult English Classes (various levels) to support language acquisition. Volunteers will be helping with greeting students before class, familiarizing new students with classroom expectations, leading small groups, and providing support to teachers in the classroom. (Levels: Literacy= lowest level of English, students focus on learning the alphabet and phonics. Level 1= Beginner English, students typically know the alphabet and basic English phrases. Level 2/3= Highest level of English at RDC. Students are conversational, working on writing skills and preparing for LCC ESOL courses).
- Adult Digital Literacy Learning (DLL): Assist weekly in our Adult Digital Literacy Learning program to support language acquisition and new computer skills. Volunteers will be helping with greeting students before class, familiarizing new students with classroom expectations, leading small groups, and providing support to teachers in the classroom. Class is focused on basic computer skills, learning google suites, and utilizing technology as a tool for language learning.
- First Steps (FS) (Ages 0-5): Assist in our First Steps program to support staff in our nursery and toddler rooms. Focus on early literacy learning, language acquisition, and developing fine motor skills. Volunteers in this program must be comfortable being silly with kids and holding young children. Volunteers in this program should be willing to learn and ask questions, have the ability to thrive in a bustling environment, and has experience or skills related to working with children. It is important that volunteers are physically capable of sitting on the floor for extended periods of time and of getting up from the ground safely. Volunteers are expected to arrive 15 minutes before programming to prepare the classroom.
- High School Tutoring: Assist weekly in our High School after school tutoring program. Volunteers will be spread across classrooms to assist High School students with their homework; volunteers are split up based on skills. Students without homework attend English lessons with teachers in programs. Volunteers will be working directly with students and will support a team of staff and additional volunteers in programs.
- Sewing: Sewing volunteers will assist in our sewing class. Experience with machine sewing and ability to troubleshoot machines is necessary.
- Driving Simulator: Assist students with scheduled driving simulator appointments, oversee driving simulator, and close-down driving simulator after appointments. Driving simulator aides will be individually trained. (Individuals looking to commit to 4+ hours a week encouraged to volunteer in this program).
