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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 Click on Image for Event Flyer
Grant Writing Success Academy
Workshop #1: “What Documents Do I Need?”
Wednesday, January 22
2:00–5:00 PM
The Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Join us for the first session in our Grant Writing Workshop Series, designed to empower the immigrant community with the skills and confidence needed to secure funding and drive meaningful change!
Don’t miss this chance to take the first step toward making a bigger impact in your community.
 click on image for flyer
Support Multilingual Literacy in Kentwood Schools!
Join the Improving Educational Outcomes Workgroup in an exciting pilot program to bring native language and bilingual books to multiple Kentwood Public Schools. Our goal is to promote bilingualism and identity-affirmation by providing students with books in their native languages.
Together, we can inspire a love for reading and celebrate the rich heritage of our immigrant and refugee communities. Your contribution will help us reach our goal of donating 50 books to each of the selected elementary, middle, and high school libraries.
Monetary donations can be made directly via the Welcome Plan’s donation page.
 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!
 Click to on the image to download the Resource Document
Introducing the School Front Office Resource Guide: Community Resources for Newcomers
We’re excited to share the Front Office Resource Guide: Community Resources for Newcomers! This comprehensive document is packed with helpful information, including resources for child care, community organizations, worship centers, stores, and more—all tailored to support newcomer families in West Michigan.
Key Points to Remember:
- Assign a staff member as a point of contact for individuals using the guide.
- Work alongside families to address their specific needs.
- Provide guidance and follow-up support as requested
Click on the Image to download this important resource!
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!
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Latest Updates
PREPARATION & RAPID RESPONSE RESOURCES for Immigrants & Community Allies
As shifts in U.S. immigration law and policy are anticipated in 2025, it's crucial for individuals, families, and communities to stay informed and prepared. This resource document, provided by Welcoming America, provides helpful links and information to support rapid response to these changes. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and the information provided is not legal advice. For specific immigration concerns, we strongly recommend consulting a reputable attorney.
Click here to view the Rapid Response Resource Document
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Beware of Immigration Scams on Social Media
Scammers are targeting immigrants on platforms like Facebook, impersonating lawyers and offering fake immigration services. They promise work permits, green cards, or citizenship, but their goal is to steal your money. These scams often involve fake USCIS appointments through Zoom or WhatsApp.
To protect yourself:
- Visit USCIS.gov for accurate information and updates.
- Be wary of websites not ending in .gov.
- Know that USCIS accepts specific payment methods — anyone asking for different payments is a scammer.
- Share this information with others in immigrant communities.
If you suspect a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Spanish ReporteFraude.ftc.gov) or call (877) 382-4357. For more tips, visit ftc.gov/immigration for advice on how to find real immigration help and avoid scams targeting immigrants.
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Community Safety Resouces
We are developing an important section of information under our Legal Resource Page for community safety in anticipation of policy changes in 2025. This evolving platform will feature essential information such as passport guidance, "Know Your Rights" presentations, and updates on Temporary Protective Status (TPS) expiration dates.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we collaborate to bring the most relevant resources to our community!
Click Here to View
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The 10th Annual DACA Survey is open!
The legal battle around DACA continues, and the results of this survey have been used in many previous fights to defend and protect DACA.
If you have DACA, had DACA in the past, or are eligible for DACA but locked out of applying, we encourage you to take the 2024 survey.
Our first sweepstakes closed October 31 and winners have been selected, but we are happy to announce a NEW sweepstakes. Participants have the opportunity to win one of two $50 Target gift cards, regarding which the following rules apply.
Take the Survey here
The survey is gathered anonymously. Your personal information will be completely protected, and any information you submit through the survey will be confidential. Published findings will not contain any personally identifiable information.
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Community Engagement
LGBTQIA+ Awareness
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Virtual Monthly In-service Recommended for professionals who work with families
In-service participants will be able:
- Learn what safe and affirming language is
- Understand healthcare disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community
- Identify resources
Register Here!
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Grand Opening of the Empowering Youth Global Connections Diversity Library!
EYGC's library, open to the public, offers a collection of books for both kids and adults from around the world.
Event Highlights:
- Readings for kids
- Delicious snacks
- Raffle drawing
- Explore books and games!
Click on the image for the event flyer and more details.
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Free MLK Commemoration Event: "Growing Together" with Arbor Circle
Thursday, January 16th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Wealthy Theater 130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Arbor Circle will partner with Dr. Lisa Lowery to explore Dr. King’s 1967 book Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?. Dr. King’s final work addresses the crucial role of social determinants of health—such as poverty, housing, education, and economic inequality—in achieving true equality. Dr. Lowery will reflect on these themes, emphasizing the power of the “creative dissenter” in driving social change.
Registration is required. Feel free to share with others!
Register Here!
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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
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!
2024 Section 107a Adult Education Innovation Program Request for Proposals
Deadline for submission is by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2025.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO-WD) is offering approximately $5 million in funding to support innovative approaches that increase enrollment, retention, and completion in adult education programs. This funding aims to support scalable, evidence-based innovations for adult learners, including those without a high school diploma and English language learners. Proposals should align with best practices and focus on enhancing program delivery, support services, and workforce connections.
Announcement and supporting documents are available on the Funding Opportunities and Adult Education pages.
If you have questions regarding the application or need assistance with the application in NexSys, please contact the LEO-WD Adult Education team at LEO-AdultEd@michigan.gov.
Job Opportunities
Engagement Director - Treetops Collective
- Fundraising and Events
- Donor Engagement and Communications
- Leadership and Supervision
Send your resume to trish@treetopscollective.org
Refugee Systems of Care Specialist (remote) - Michigan Public Health Institute
Application Deadline : 1/5/25
The Refugee Systems of Care Specialist will support Michigan's home visiting system in adapting to the needs of refugee populations. Through planning, training, resource development, technical assistance, and data tracking, this role connects home visiting programs with best practices to better serve refugee communities.
More Information Here!
Development Director - ASJ US
The Development Director is responsible to design and implement a strategy for how we
can engage deeper with existing and emerging communities of ASJ donors and supporters across the US. The position will have significant fundraising and development responsibilities, and will require up to 8 total trips throughout the US per year in addition to one annual trip to Honduras.
More Information Here!
Administrative Assistant - ASJ US
The Administrative Assistant is responsible for office management, office
organization and administration, scheduling and meeting management, fundraising support, administrative errands, and printing and mailing. This is a part-time position, 28 hours per week on average, 4 days a week
More Information Here!
Elementary Community School Coordinator (Bilingual Spanish) - West Godwin Elementary
Application Deadline: 1/3/2025
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!
 January
8 | LBGTQAI+ Awareness
11 | EYGC Reading Safari Library Open House
11 | Safety and Support While Navigating West Michigan Event
16 | MLK Commemoration Event: "Growing Together"
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.
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