The African Community Center of West Michigan is Michigan’s only African Refugee program that welcomes newcomers who were forced to flee persecution within their home country. For many refugees, arriving in a new place and culture is a challenging experience, yet their hope for well-being is strong. The African Community Center responds to this challenge by offering educational and social services to help refugees integrate into their new communities, recover from past trauma, gain personal independence and economic self-sufficiency, and quickly become contributing members of their families and communities.

Cultural Adjustment Services

Adjusting to a new home can be stressful. The African Community Center assists refugees in overcoming culture stress through cultural adjustment workshops and matching clients with their new American friends.

English as Second Language (ESL)
    All of our computers are equipped with English as Second Language (ELLIS) software.
Financial Education

Computer Training
    Refugees receive computer training on basic computer skills, e-mail, Internet, job searching, and typing.
    Our computer lab is open to all refugees and immigrants during regular business hours.

Community Outreach

Our community outreach program works with community-based organizations to provide our clients with advice for developing the leadership capacity within local ethnic/immigrant population groups. We also promote awareness about the challenges refugees face throughout the cultural adjustment process in West Michigan, as well as about general African issues. In addition, we engage newcomers and members of the West Michigan community to enhance cross-cultural communication and appreciation.

One-On-One Literacy
    We match refugees with their new neighbors in West Michigan to help integrate newcomers to West Michigan and allow volunteers to learn about African cultures.

Women Support Group

Cross-Cultural Youth Programs
    We currently work with the African Student Organization within East Kentwood High School to enhance cultural awareness and assure African students have a voice to express themselves.

After Foster Care Support Group

Youth Employment Services (YES)
 

Translation, Interpretation, and Referral Services

We provide referral services to organizations, businesses and individuals who are in need of translation/interpretation services. We have access to a vast community of translators and interpreters who speak the many languages of Africa.