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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative Annual Report
The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative is thrilled to announce the release of our 2024 Annual Report! This comprehensive overview highlights the incredible progress made this past year toward creating a welcoming environment for immigrants, refugees, and New Americans in West Michigan. Inside, you’ll find key census data, including countries of origin and language insights from service providers, as well as updates on workgroup goals, future initiatives, and the latest team of dedicated steering committee members driving this important work forward. We invite you to explore the report and celebrate the collaborative efforts making our region more inclusive for all!
Click on the Image for translations of the annual report in Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese!
 Click on the image for flyers in multiple languages!
Safety and Support while Navigating West Michigan
Saturday January 11th, 10am-12:30pm
Kent County Human Services Complex - 121 M.L.K Jr St. SE, Grand Rapids MI
We encourage immigrants, refugees, and New Americans to attend this essential community event designed to provide vital resources and information. Language support will be provided in Haitian Creole, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Spanish, and Swahili. Click the image to access flyer in all languages on our events page.
Attendees will learn about the court system, local law enforcement, immigration legal services, MDHHS programs, and victim advocate services available in our community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and empower those navigating life in West Michigan!
 The West Michigan Welcome Plan is hiring 5 paid interns!
Current students in a post-secondary program (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s) are encouraged to apply.
Interns will support workgroups focused on Education, Economic Development, Equity, Safety, and Community Engagement. Tasks include attending meetings, assisting with administrative duties, supporting event planning, and updating resources.
Gain valuable experience while making a real impact in your community.
Apply now!
 Food Licensure Workshop Survey
The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative Engaged Communities workgroup is working to empower New Americans as entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture industry. We seek to learn more about existing resources, about community needs, and to come alongside food service education entities to provide language support to increase access to their courses.
As a New American with interest/experience in the food industry, OR a service provider with education opportunities in the food industry, your input on this goal will help us prioritize the needs of our community.
Fill out the survey here!
YOU BELONG HERE!
If you haven’t joined us yet, click here to get started.
Want to support our mission even further? Meet our funding development team and see how your contribution can make a difference for all of West Michigan.
And don’t miss our fun video highlighting our accomplishments—watch it here!
Latest Updates
Michigan Supports Local for Small Business Saturday
This Small Business Saturday, November 30, celebrate the diversity and creativity of your community by supporting immigrant-owned small businesses. From authentic cuisine and handcrafted goods to unique services and experiences, these businesses enrich Michigan’s cultural and economic landscape.
Let’s make a difference together—shop small and invest in immigrant entrepreneurs who make our communities vibrant and welcoming!
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International Refugee Assistance Project
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) integrates legal aid, strategic litigation, policy advocacy, media advocacy, and legal information to uphold and advance the rights of people seeking safety around the world. Click on Image for More Information!
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Warming Center Locations
The list of warming centers in Grand Rapids has been updated and is available now for distribution! Please share widely! Click on the Image to view and download!
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Navigating Holiday Conversations on Immigration and Politics
The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, but they can also bring challenging conversations, especially in today’s post-election climate. Discussing immigration and politics with those who hold different views can feel stressful or even overwhelming.
To keep conversations positive and constructive, The Opportunity Agenda offers tools and strategies grounded in values-based communication. By focusing on shared values like family, fairness, and opportunity, you can foster meaningful dialogue while advocating for social justice in ways that connect and resonate.
Let’s turn these moments into opportunities for understanding and growth. Click on the image for tips and resources to guide your holiday discussions.
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Community Engagement
Every Nation Center Survey
Empowering Youth Global Connections is working to transform the Every Nation Center dream into a vibrant hub for the international community. Their vision includes an international grocery store, a café with food carts for aspiring chefs, dedicated spaces for cultural events and meetings, a globally diverse library, and programming designed to build bridges between cultures. To make this dream a reality, they need community support. If you’re interested in helping bring this vision to life, please take a moment to fill out their survey and share your thoughts.
Fill out the Survey Here!
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Postpartum Aide Volunteers
MomsBloom is seeking compassionate volunteers to support families during the postpartum period. They are especially in need of multi-lingual volunteers to help ensure that all families feel supported.
Currently, they have Spanish and Kinyarwanda-speaking volunteers, but the demand for additional language support continues to grow. If you’re passionate about helping new parents and have language skills to offer, consider volunteering with MomsBloom to make a meaningful impact in your community.
Volunteer Form
If interested in one time and occasional volunteer opportunities, sign up here or email kaitlin@momsbloom.org for more information
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CWS Welcoming to the Neighborhood Event
Tuesday December 3, 9:30am-11:30am
435 La Grave Ave. SE Suite 102, Grand Rapids MI
CWS Grand Rapids invites the community to celebrate the opening of its new resettlement office with coffee, donuts, and a guided tour. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the team and learn how to get involved in welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood. To mark the occasion, attendees are encouraged to participate in the Warm Welcome Giving Tree by bringing a grocery gift card to share holiday cheer with clients. Join in spreading hope, joy, and a warm welcome to all this season
Free Event but Registration is Required
Register Here!
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Treetops Giving Tuesday Sip & Shop
Tuesday December 3rd, 4:30pm-7:00pm
906 Division Ave S Grand Rapids MI
Tickets $15 in advance, or $20 at the door
Join this Open house style sip and shop event at Treetops Collective's store, Rooted Together. Enjoy mocktails while you peruse our refugee made and inspired goods. If you'd like to bid on items in the online auction, you'll need to register for an account also. Choose Tickets from the menu to register for the event.
Online Auction Begins November 28th and culminates with the Sip and Shop event.
Register and Bid Here
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2024 WMHCC End of The Year Breakfast
Tuesday, December 10th, 8am-10am
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Huizenga Grand Room
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tickets: $35.00 for Members/$50.00 For Non-Members
The Hispanic Chamber invites members, the Board of Directors, and stakeholders from the West Michigan community to connect and celebrate the successes of the region. This annual gathering offers an opportunity to network, enjoy a hot breakfast, review the Chamber’s 2024 highlights, and gain insights into forward-looking plans for 2025.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For sponsorship opportunities or to reserve a group table, please contact Deena at (989) 621-2470 by Friday, November 22.
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 Les Clay's Christmas Concert
Saturday December 14th, 6-8pm
Cornerstone University - Matthews Performing Arts Center
3000 Leonard Street Northeast Grand Rapids, MI 49525
The community is invited to a heartwarming celebration at Les Clay's 5th Annual Christmas Concert, themed "Legacy"! This year’s concert honors Les Clay’s remarkable journey, celebrating five years of community, culture, and creativity. The festive evening will be a tribute to everyone who has been part of this journey, highlighting the impactful work being done and sharing an inspiring vision for the future.
Guests can look forward to a captivating lineup of performances blending African and Western holiday traditions, featuring talented artists, live music, and vibrant dance routines. The evening promises beautifully crafted sets and storytelling that embody Les Clay’s spirit of unity and growth, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
To make it a night to remember, the concert will conclude with an African Christmas Shop, offering unique, handcrafted gifts to add a special touch to the holiday season.
Buy Tickets Here!
New American Leader Training
January 31st to February 2nd, 2025 (Detroit, Michigan)
$150 registration fee if accepted / Scholarships Available
- Priority Application Deadline: December 2nd, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET
- Final Application Deadline: December 13th, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET
Ready to Lead® Midwest offers a unique training program that views the immigrant experience as an asset in civic leadership. Designed by New Americans, the curriculum covers essential skills like crafting a values-driven stump speech, mastering grassroots fundraising, and leveraging heritage to succeed as a candidate. Participants will also engage with New American leaders from across the country, learning from elected officials.
After completing Ready to Lead®, alumni gain access to ongoing one-on-one coaching, resources, and a national network of New Americans dedicated to transforming leadership across the nation.
APPLY HERE!
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Celebrate Arab & Islamic Culture at "Tales of Two Worlds"
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Join the American-Arab Intellectual Property Association for Tales of Two Worlds: Celebrating Arab & Islamic Culture, an inspiring event dedicated to fostering cultural appreciation and understanding in West Michigan.
Founded in 2021 by international intellectual property expert Haitham Hashem Atiyah, the association is committed to promoting cross-cultural connections. This celebration showcases the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of Arab and Islamic communities in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Be part of this opportunity to celebrate diversity and deepen understanding of the vibrant cultures that enrich West Michigan.
View Sponsor Packet Here!
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Funding Opportunities
MiLEAP Universal FAFSA Challenge
Grant Applications must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2024
Local school districts and public school academies can now apply for funding through the $10 million MiLEAP Universal FAFSA Challenge to help integrate FAFSA completion as part of high school graduation requirements. This initiative empowers Michigan students to unlock financial aid opportunities and build pathways to further education.
With funding awarded based on 12th-grade enrollment, participating schools will receive support to implement evidence-based strategies for FAFSA completion, helping students access financial resources like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee.
Apply Here!
$5.65 million Economic Support Available for Symphony Orchestras
Grant applications must be submitted electronically by 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Symphony Economic Recovery Program, a new, one-time initiative aimed at supporting and advancing Michigan’s symphony orchestras. With a total of $5.65 million in need-based grants available, eligible orchestras can apply for awards up to $500,000 for projects and expenditures that enhance their sustainability and reach.
The grant period will run through Sept. 30, 2029, and funding can be used for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Employment support for artistic and administrative personnel.
- Concert production, including equipment, broadcasts and recordings.
- Capital improvements and facility maintenance or rental.
- Education and community engagement initiatives.
- Marketing and promotion efforts.
- General operations and administrative expenses.
- Consultant and training fees for organizational development, such as strategic planning, coalition building and grant writing.
- Health and safety supplies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Be a symphony orchestra (including community orchestras, tuition-based youth orchestras, chamber orchestras, sinfoniettas and regional or full-time orchestras).
- Offer public programs and performances.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Apply Here!
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP)
Application Submission Deadline: 12/17/2024
Nonprofit organizations and consortia are invited to apply for $12,000,000 in FY 2024 SHOP Grant funds to support innovative homeownership opportunities across the U.S. These grants facilitate self-help homeownership programs through land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, and planning and administrative costs (up to 10%).
Key Details:
- Applicants must operate in at least two states and use other leveraged funds for construction or rehabilitation.
- Average SHOP funding for land and infrastructure cannot exceed $25,000 per unit.
- SHOP homes must be sold below market price to low-income homebuyers, who must contribute sweat equity during development.
More information Here!
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
Application Submission Deadline: 01/24/2025 at 5 p.m. ET
The NSGP provides funding support for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This includes houses of worship. NSGP is a competitive grant program appropriated annually through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
More Information Here!
Job Opportunities
District Team Lead - Godwin Heights Public Schools
The District Team Lead is a dual role, consisting of both community school coordinator responsibilities and supervisory responsibilities. The District Team Lead will serve as liaison with schools and district leadership to support environments conducive to the community school strategy and will coach and support community school coordinators toward implementation of the strategy. As an extension of the KSSN administrative team, the District Team Lead will collaborate with KSSN Team Leads to allow for collaboration and to ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, practices, and expectations.
More Information Here!
Elementary Community School Coordinator (Bilingual Spanish) - Godfrey Elementary
The Community School Coordinator is responsible for the implementation, integration, alignment, and coordination of the community school strategy through relationship building and linking community resources to the school. The Coordinator will work directly with students, staff, and families, identifying barriers that limit student success, and will develop strategies and resources to improve attendance and promote student, family, and community engagement.
More Information Here!
Elementary Community School Coordinator (Bilingual Spanish) - West Godwin Elementary
The Community School Coordinator is responsible for the implementation, integration, alignment, and coordination of the community school strategy through relationship building and linking community resources to the school. The Coordinator will work directly with students, staff, and families, identifying barriers that limit student success, and will develop strategies and resources to improve attendance and promote student, family, and community engagement.
More Information Here!
Concentric Leaders (2025) - Treetops Collective
Treetops Collective is hiring for the 2025 Concentric Leaders position! They are looking for dynamic leaders fluent in Pashto, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Swahili, Tigrinya, and other languages.
If you or someone you know is passionate about community building and leadership, this is an exciting chance to create positive change.
Please share this opportunity within your network or apply today!
Apply Here!
The Floater Teacher(2) - Refugee Education Center
The Floater Teacher is responsible for supporting high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive early childhood education for refugee and nonrefugee children aged 0-3, as part of the Refugee Education Center’s early childhood program. With direction from the Center Director, the Floater Teacher will interact and develop relationships with the lead teacher, students, staff, parents, volunteers, and other community partners in order to meet the unique cultural needs of each child enrolled.
See Full Description and Apply Here
Student Assistant - Office of Global Michigan
The Student Assistant for the Office of Global Michigan will provide support to the Assistant Administrator, DS13, and OGM Director in implementing a research project and recommendations for next steps which can include the following areas: research, data management, report preparation, community engagement and administrative support.
See Full Description and Apply Here
 December
03 | Treetops Sip and Shop
03 | CWS Welcome to the Neighborhood Event
10 | WMHCC End of Year Breakfast
14 | Les Clay Christmas Concert
January
11 | Safe and Secure While Navigating West Michigan Event
31 | New American Leader Training
 Looking for a rewarding career? Consider Kent County!
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, please visit accesskent.com/jobs.
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.
 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.
Quick Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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