‘A safe place.’ Refugees fleeing war, violence finding help at new Tri-Cities center
For 15 years, the nonprofit B5 was located in Apartment B5, a two-bedroom unit at Central Park Apartments in Kennewick’s resettlement housing.
Even with limited space, the organization has served more than 2,000 refugees and immigrants in Tri-Cities.
Now, they have a big, new home.
On Wednesday, B5 marked the grand opening of its new 4,000-square-foot Community Learning Center. The new center — at 715 S. Jean Place in Kennewick — is in the same neighborhood as its original apartment.
The $2.1 million building was funded through the Bridges to New Beginnings capital campaign. B5 raised money for two years and obtained $750,000 in Washington state funding.
“When refugees come here, they’ve had to flee because of war, violence or other reasons. We can offer a safe place,” said Theresa Roosendaal, B5 executive director. “We believe that we have an obligation to help these people so that they too can thrive.”
They provide Ready for Kindergarten children’s classes, after-school programs, tutoring and mentoring for children, adult English classes and citizenship classes.
The center features a large event space, kitchen, classrooms, childcare area and office space for more than a dozen employees and volunteers, in addition to an outdoor play area.
B5 partners with Kennewick School District, Boys and Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties, Educational Service District 123, Washington Department of Social and Health Services and other groups.
