WELCOME. West Michigan Refugee EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

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1 WELCOME 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

2 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Appreciation and Urgency Almost 10 years ago, Frederick Bw Ombongi began dreaming with friends and colleagues about a place that would help refugees integrate into the West Michigan community while celebrating and sharing their own customs and traditions. He turned that dream into reality in 2006, when he co-founded the West Michigan Education & Cultural Center. Late last year, Fred decided to step down from our Board of Directors to pursue new dreams. On behalf of WMRECC staff and the hundreds of refugee students and families we have served, we want to thank him for his inspiration and leadership. We pledge to keep this particular dream of his alive for many years to come. The mission Fred laid out for WMRECC has taken on a new urgency in the wake of the refugee crisis gripping the Middle East and Europe. Pressure is building for the U.S. to welcome more Syrians and other peoples fleeing conflict in their countries. WMRECC has the framework in place to help refugee families succeed right here in West Michigan. We provide a local solution to a global problem, inspired by the can-do spirit of Frederick Bw Ombongi and the philanthropic tradition of West Michigan. I hope you will continue to support us in our efforts! Susan Kragt Executive Director

3 Education is the future for my children. I want them to be able to grow up and take care of themselves. Education is the key to my children s future, it is the key to my future too. Fadumo, featured above with her children as they toured Burton Middle School

4 MISSION Our Mission To support refugee children and families to gain the necessary skills for seamless and successful integration into the community by providing comprehensive educational support and youth development services, along with fostering cultural knowledge and understanding. What? How? Why? Our objectives are to empower refugee families to succeed in school and in life; to support refugee children to finish school and become selfsufficient; to provide refugee families a place to socialize; to foster a lasting sense of community; and to foster leadership development in the refugee community. We support our mission through three main programs: Project Faulu (Succeed), which includes homework services, a reading program and referral services; School Impact, which encompasses school liaison services, educator workshops, peer support, and parent workshops; and Summer Programming, which incorporates reading classes, field trips and leadership training. Immigrants and refugees show extraordinary resourcefulness in bringing their families to the United States, yet they often feel powerless once they get here. Educating children strengthens the entire family s understanding of, and connections to their new country and culture, enabling them to become contributing, productive members of our community.

5 OUR BOARD Our Board The Board of Directors at WMRECC is committed to diversity at every level. Board members bring a wide variety of experiences, skills, and perspectives to the leadership of the organization. Roll over photos to learn more about our board. Emily VanderMolen Board Chair Mary Nader Treasurer Esaw Kurban Secretary Ed Donahue Co-Founder & Director John Harrington Director Kathryn Lett Director Empowering refugee families and children through education is key to helping refugees succeed in our community. The work of WMRECC is incredibly important both to refugee and non-refugee families alike. I m proud to be a part of such an incredible organization. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to succeed in our country and providing education and teaching the necessary skills to integrate into our country is a priority for us. Education and cultural understanding is a critical part of modern society, and I believe that every member of our community deserves the opportunity to flourish in these two aspects to reach their full potential. WMRECC s mission does just that for refugees in our community and I truly value all the work that the organization does to help these children and their families to be successful in our society. The organization has made tremendous progress in the past few years, and it is an honor to be able to contribute to this mission With the ongoing troubles in the world, particularly Syria, it seems to me the mission of WMRECC is essential to the assimilation of refugees from around the world into our culture. To see the thirst for knowledge and growth of the children has been a true blessing of the after school program I am humbled by their determination. As an English Learner educator it is important to me that the community supports my students and their families. WMRECC is doing just that through programming and various supports which together greatly impact our richly diverse community in a positive way.

6 OUR STAFF Our Staff Krishna Bista Community Worker Mother Teresa says, I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. So what I do now, I am very happy to help the refugee community to do better in the field of education. So that the next generation will not face the same difficulties that refugee parents face now. Nathaniel Harrison Family Engagement Coordinator Education is the gateway to opportunity, and being able to assist refugee families with integrating into the US school system improves not only their chances of success, but our community s chance to succeed. Erin Blackwell School Engagement Coordinator Working for WMRECC provides me with access to support the strengths of our educational system, community partners, and most importantly incoming families. Susan Kragt Executive Director Education gives refugees the opportunity to be themselves and offer their unique point of view and skills to West Michigan strengthening our community and making it a more exciting place to live! Salome Campbell Community Engagement Coordinator Education allows us to advance in the world and create many wonderful improvements to our lives and to the society as a whole. That is exactly what WMRECC does by supporting refugee students and their families to succeed in school and in life and it is an honor to be a part of this great purpose. Abdi Osman Student Support Coordinator The reason I work at WMRECC is that I want to support refugee students to do better in school and have a better future, so they can support their families and countries, and for them to become more independent. Refugee students go through a lot before they migrate to a peaceful country so I want to be a huge positive impact that happens to them.

7 HISTORY History at a glance Families hold meetings to identify and prioritize needs. Hires two staff members. Susan Kragt becomes the first Executive Director. Relocation to Kentwood, Michigan. Continue to serve refugee students from all over West Michigan WMRECC designated as 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs focus on after-school tutoring, reading, and parent referral services. Increase effectiveness though creation of computer lab. Current programs expanded to include school liaison services, parent workshops, peer support groups, school engagement, and additional summer offerings.

8 The center is a happy place for the children, where they can be free to express themselves without holding anything back. It feels good to know that they can relate to us adults and that we can help them overcome any cultural barriers or issues while being academically successful. Alioune WMRECC Volunteer

9 BUDGET BASICS The majority of our income goes to supporting our three program focus areas: student support; parent engagement; and school engagement. Every dollar donated helps ensure refugee students can succeed in school and in life in our community. 5% Corporate Contributions 7% Other Contributions 1% Individual/Business Contributions 1% Interest Income 11% Management 2% In-Kind Donations Support & Revenue Expenses 84% Grant Income 89% Programs

10 YEAR IN REVIEW The Year In Review , Students Served in Tutoring 100% of students increased one letter grade in at least one subject* 50% of students were reading at or above grade level (last year 70% were below grade level!) *Report cards were collected for 38 students enrolled in other WMRECC programs but not currently attending the tutoring program due to lack of transportation. Out of these 38 students, only one met this indicator. Parents Attended a Parent Workshop 85 Students Participated in Peer Support Activities Volunteer Hours Given 116 volunteers gave a total of 4,659 hours over the course of the year. 5 Professional Development Workshops Provided Attended Converging Paths Leadership Conference Converging Paths Collaborative Participants: Kent Social Services Network, Kent Intermediate School District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Wyoming Public Schools, Forest Hills Public Schools Students Attended our Summer Program 69% of participants showed reading improvement. 203 Students and 132 Parents Received School Liaison Services

11 MEET NASTEHA Meet Nasteha Nasteha, pictured above, graduated from East Kentwood High School this year and started at Central Michigan University this fall on a scholarship. It was an honor for our staff to attend her graduation ceremony and participate in the joy of Nasteha and her family at such an accomplishment. Nasteha and her siblings began attending programs at West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center in Throughout her time at the program, she grew as a student and a leader amongst her peers even speaking on panel discussions with local educators, helping teachers understand the refugee student experience. The program staff at WMRECC describe her as humble, smart, and ambitious. When asked how she did it, Nasteha responded I studied hard and made the effort to go to s tutoring program for homework help. I got a lot of help from the volunteers at the Center, especially Carla, with my math and biology homework. I would like to give back what the Center gave me by tutoring the other students if I get the chance. Nasteha s father, Abul Malik, continues to transport her siblings to the program, despite his busy schedule. After witnessing first-hand the impact WMRECC s programs had on his elder daughter s academic success, he wants the same success for his other children. When asked about the program he replied, I appreciate and am thankful for what the Organization has been contributing to the community. The staff and the volunteers are doing a wonderful work.

12 THANK YOU thank you اركش asante urakoze cane mahadsanid धन यव द murakoze Welcoming refugees into our community is a group effort. What we accomplished this year was made possible through the donated time and money of many individuals in our community. We are humbled by what this dedicated group has been able to do for refugee students in West Michigan. And we know these gifts will continue to come to fruition in years to come. Whether you are a long time supporter of our work, or are considering donating for the first time, we promise to make sure your donation is put to good use. Thank you!