ABOUT
Mission Statement

African Resource informs, connects, and equips African immigrants in West Michigan with people and resources to foster a flourishing community where recent African immigrants can prosper emotionally, educationally, economically, and socially.
Equity Statement
Diversity strengthens the community. We recognize the barriers of disadvantage and discrimination and create a community where all people are valued and all perspectives are respected and appreciated.
Board of Directors

Abe Vreeke
Board Chair

Joyce Arthur
Secretary

Bernard Ayoola, PhD
Executive Director

Don Bratt
Treasurer

Adetunji Ojo
Member

Eric Washington, PhD
Member

Jennifer McDonald
Member

Arin Ebosele
Member
Youth Empowerment Team

Al Gasake
SuccessNow Consultant

Toluwani Adekunle, PhD
Program Manager

Sarah Atang
FutureNow! Tutor

Nadia Raei
CampusConnect Lead

Michaella Ouoba
SuccessNow Coordinator

Beta Akari
Family Liaison, FutureNow!
Our History
Founded in 2014, the African Resource Center of West Michigan was established in response to the growing needs of African immigrants and refugees in Kent County. As the County’s African diaspora expanded, so did the demand for culturally responsive services that address the complex realities of resettlement, integration, and wellness. The Center’s mission is to inform, connect, and equip African immigrants with the resources and relationships necessary to thrive across four key domains: emotional well-being, educational achievement, economic mobility, and social inclusion. The African Resource Center operates with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. We recognize the systemic barriers—linguistic, cultural, economic, and institutional—that disproportionately affect African immigrants. Our programs are designed to reduce disparities, build trust, and promote long-term resilience. We serve a broad demographic, including adolescents, families, and individuals navigating the challenges of resettlement. Our approach is trauma-informed, linguistically accessible, and grounded in lived experience.
