View as Webpage
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 WMWPC at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce End of Year Event
We had the pleasure of attending the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce End of the Year Breakfast yesterday!. We learned about all the great work that is currently being done for local Hispanic business community!
Leadership Highlight Nominations
The WMWPC is asking you to nominate local leaders that help our Refugee/ New American/ Immigrant population to be featured in a monthly special recognition in our communications and online platforms. This highlight would be a great way to spotlight their work in our community and inspire others to do the same!
Please fill out this form to enter your nominee's information
|
 WMWPC Resource Page
We have added a new resource page that lists organizational support for residents that may have been discriminated against, harassed, or have been victims of hate crimes and/or victims of abuse of any type. As well as rights related to employment, housing, education, legal resources.
Our Welcome Plan Resource Page is still under construction, and we will continue to add resources as you share them with us. We will really appreciate your feedback and contributions of resources for our Refugee, Immigrant, and New American community in West Michigan. Click here to submit resources

EDUCATION AND RESOURCES
Welcome Sesame Webinar
Thursday December 7th 1:00pm
REGISTER HERE
Sesame Workshop invites you to a webinar highlighting our domestic Welcome Sesame initiative, which expands our efforts to support families affected by conflict and crisis. We will discuss our current content offerings, including 2 new professional development courses, as well as dive into ways these resources can be implemented in your work with children and families.
|
 The Rapid Transit Master Plan Survey
The Rapids needs help to develop its 20-year master plan. If you haven’t yet taken the survey, please take a few minutes to do so now. This is your opportunity to help shape future transportation options for our Community.
 Click on Image for Informational Flyer!
Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program
*make sure to check out the recent NRS infosession slides Here
Affordable housing is a critical need for newly arriving refugees and for local community partners and sponsors who provide resettlement support. The subsidy program provides refugees and other newcomer population-eligible households with monthly rental assistance for up to 12 months to help families successfully integrate into communities, become self-sufficient and thrive.
Applications will soon be available in Arabic, Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto, Spanish and Kinyarwanda. We will give an update on these translations as soon they become available.
Contact LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov for questions and support.
Click Here for more Information!
Apply Online Here
We are seeking to partner with Financial Institutions or Community Organizations that provide financial empowerment classes to connect recipients of the Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program with additional support. If you provide or are aware of this service, please fill out this form
Engagement Opportunities
LES CLAY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Saturday December 16th 6:00pm
1795 Knollcrest Circle Southeast, Grand Rapids MI 49546
Join us for a festive and soulful celebration at the Calvin University Gezon Auditorium! Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms and melodies of Africa, as talented musicians and dancers take the stage to deliver an unforgettable Christmas experience.
Get your Tickets Here!
|
Community & Law Enforcement
Mondays (excluding 12/25/23 and 1/1/24)
Treetops Collective 906 S Division, Grand Rapids MI
Area law enforcement agencies will be taking turns working at one of the offices at Treetops for an hour each Monday. These "Drop-in hours" will allow members of the community to stop in and chat.
Language Line will be utilized for interpretation, as needed.
Please click on the Poster Image for more details!
|
Funding Opportunities
Give Back Applications Available Now!
Treetops Collective is giving all income received from monthly donors in the month of December 2023 to one New American-led business or organization in January 2024 in the form of a grant. The value of this grant will be at least $5,785. All eligible organizations may apply using the form below. Applications from ineligible businesses or organizations will not be reviewed.
Eligible Organizations: - Must be an existing business or nonprofit organization - Must be led by an individual or family that has immigrated to or been resettled in the U.S. - Must do business in Kent County - Have fewer than 15 full-time employees
We need your help to spread the word to local New American-owned businesses in your network about this funding opportunity. Please forward this email or the application link with the description above to anyone who you think might benefit from this grant.
Capacity Building and Outreach
Due Thursday December 21st 2023
The Office of Global Michigan is pleased to share a funding opportunity for the Capacity Building and Outreach Program, a project made possible through the advocacy efforts of the Funding for New Americans Coalition.
A virtual grant proposal info session will be held on Monday, November 27th 11:00am – 12:30pm; below you’ll find information on how to join this call. Please submit any questions regarding the content of this Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to this session by email to Leo-refugeeservices@michigan.gov.
This information and a downloadable copy of this Request for Proposal is also posted on our website: https://www.michigan.gov/ogm.
|
Please share communications with Marcial Benavidez (marcial.benavidez@kentcountymi.gov) any communications that you would like to include on Tuesdays by 9am to be shared on the Weekly Wednesday Communication.
Want to Join the Collaborative?
 Completion of this interest form will connect you with our coordinator to learn more about the Welcome Plan Collaborative and get connected to a workgoup.
|