Past Grants

Bethany Christian Services of Michigan will expand their services in physical and mental health navigation, case management, referral services, and health education for the refugee population in West Michigan. Michigan is one of the top five states welcoming the largest number of refugees, with the population of refugees in Kent County growing by 16.6 percent from 2014-2019 versus a 5.3 percent population growth overall. The first phase of Bethany’s Refugee Health Navigation program focused on expanding the capacity of their Refugee Health Navigation Case Management program by hiring a medical supervisor, launching new outreach initiatives, and creating refugee support groups. With the first phase of expansion implemented, Bethany is ready to begin work on this second phase. Over a two-year grant period, Bethany will plan a series of educational sessions to be facilitated by ethnic community-based organizations (ECBO) partners for refugees. By partnering with ECBOs, Bethany will be able to provide needed health services, education, and referrals to the refugee community in a location that is comfortable, familiar, and facilitated by trusted members of those communities.