Our Vision
Kalamazoo is a community rich in resources where all people are empowered to be self-determining and to thrive in American Society.
About us
Hope, Support, and Opportunity for All
Guiding Our Purpose: Vision & Mission
Guided by our vision and mission, we are committed to creating positive change and building a stronger, more connected community.
Our Mission
Kalamazoo Refugee Resource Collaborative creates partnerships to transform the experience of refugees, migrants, and immigrants from a life of uncertainty to a life of freedom, equity, and security.
KRRC achieves this by:
Unifying and streamlining the capacity, voice, and effectiveness of member organizations and community members around a mutually agreed upon agenda of protection, care, and welcome.
Advocating in the Kalamazoo area for the access to resources, protection, and rights for refugees and other immigrant populations who are forcibly displaced and at risk.
Building excellence and durability in Kalamazoo refugee resettlement and integration processes, solutions, and services through alliances with member agencies.
A Message of Gratitude
As KRRC marks its seventh year, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of the newcomers who inspire our mission. What began as a grassroots effort to welcome refugees in Kalamazoo has grown into a Regional Community Collaborative committed to creating spaces where every New American feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.
This past year has been shaped by the voices and needs of newcomers and those directly helping them. Together, we have worked to expand programs that provide critical resources, foster community connections, and address the unique challenges faced by those building new lives in Southwest Michigan. In partnership with over 50 organizations and countless individuals, we have strengthened pathways for newcomers to celebrate their identities, pursue their goals, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast: to listen, innovate, and create opportunities that empower newcomers to overcome barriers and succeed on their own terms. Thank you for your continued support in helping us build a welcoming and inclusive community.
With gratitude,
Neena Marion
President & Founder
Kalamazoo Refugee Resource Collaborative