RGI believes in empowering others in our community. That’s why we are proud to support the Laotian American Community of Michigan (LACM), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Laotian heritage and culture.

Founded by a female refugee leader, LACM works tirelessly to provide educational resources, social services, and cultural events for the Laotian community here in Michigan. We are inspired by their mission and the impact they have on those they serve.

Here, we celebrate the hardworking members of LACM, including their president, Theep Phommavong, whose leadership continues to guide their incredible work. We look forward to working together to strengthen our shared mission of empowerment and community support. (Winter 2024)

We are excited to share that RGI has expanded from our annual garden plot to a new perennial plot that is double the size! This expansion will accommodate more clients and allow us to welcome our newest group of beneficiaries—seniors. To ensure easy access for all, we’ll be adding raised beds for planting.

This community garden provides a space for our beneficiaries to grow their own food while fostering connections with other clients. RGI will supply everything needed—seedlings, tools, and volunteers to assist with planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.

Located in a local park, this site is the ideal setting for community gathering and growth. The park is equipped with a picnic shelter, playground, bathrooms, grills, a walking trail, and other community garden plots—including another garden maintained by the park itself. With plenty of parking, it’s accessible and convenient for all who join us.

We’re excited about this new opportunity to serve our community and look forward to seeing the garden come to life!

We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the incredible generosity of local farmer, Carole Caplan, RGI is expanding to a third location in Fall 2024! This new site will focus on growing culturally appropriate foods to better serve our beneficiaries.

With the help of dedicated volunteers, we successfully moved garden beds from our other location to make room for growing herbs at this new farm. The location is fully equipped with an irrigation system, hoop house, barn, tools, equipment, and fencing—setting us up for long-term success.

We’re also incredibly grateful to Carole, who will be mentoring our team, sharing her invaluable knowledge and experience in farming. Her guidance will be crucial in helping us continue our mission of empowering refugees through sustainable, culturally relevant farming practices.

Stay tuned for more updates as we grow and expand our impact in the coming months!

We are thrilled to share that RGI has found a new home in Ann Arbor! Our new location spans about an acre and holds immense potential for growth and healing.

Introducing "Seng's Suane Dok Mai" (Sunshine's Flower Garden) - a sanctuary dedicated to our clients' well-being, named after the founder's beloved mother and brother. This name holds deep significance, reclaiming cultural identity and honoring those whose names were erased by colonialism.

Stay tuned as we cultivate this space into a nurturing haven where resilience blossoms and healing begins anew.

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In the heart of our culture and heritage, food and festivities intertwine, marking the arrival of a new year with warmth and abundance. From vibrant dishes bursting with flavor to the rhythmic beat of traditional music, every moment is a tribute to our rich cultural legacy.

Wishing everyone a joyful Lao New Year filled with love, laughter, and delicious memories. ສະ​ບາຍ​ດີ​ປີ​ໃຫມ່! #2024 #LaoNewYear

RGI board members, volunteers, and our dedicated founder came together to sow 3000 flower seeds and herbs, laying the groundwork for our upcoming flower garden. Each seed represents a promise of beauty, resilience, and renewal, reflecting our commitment to empowering refugee communities through nature's healing embrace. 🌻

#FlowerGarden #CommunityEmpowerment

In just two weeks, our seeds have sprung to life, heralding the start of a vibrant journey ahead. Now, we're nurturing these young plants as we carefully transfer them into individual cells, each a step closer to our Memorial Day planting goal. Together, we're cultivating hope and growth in our community garden. 🌼

#CommunityGarden #GrowthInProgress