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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.

WELCOME PLAN UPDATES

Registration Now Open for the 2025 Welcoming Interactive!

May 20-22, 2025 | Detroit, MI

Presented by Welcoming America in partnership with Global Detroit and the City of Detroit Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Welcoming Interactive is an annual conference highlighting successful practices in immigrant inclusion, covering economic development, civic engagement, and more.

Registration is officially open! Here’s what you need to know:

Welcoming Network members are eligible for two (2) conference registrations at 50% off! Check your email for the discount code sent last week. Didn’t receive it? Reach out to Anthony Salas at anthony@welcomingamerica.org for assistance.

Take advantage of early-bird registration between January 22 and February 28 for just $450 (or $225 with member discount). After February 28, rates increase to $599, so act fast!

Scholarship Assistance:
We’re offering $500 scholarships to help cover conference expenses! Applications are open from January 22 to February 7, so don’t wait—apply today!

Grant Writing Workshop Recap Our first-quarter grant writing workshop titled "What Documents do I Need?" was a success, helping immigrants and refugees in our community build stronger, more sustainable organizations. The workshop covered essential topics, including what documentation is needed to make your organization grant-ready. We were thrilled to welcome 18 new attendees and 10 new organizations to the session. If you missed the workshop or want to revisit the materials, you can watch the full video recording, access the slides, and visit previous workshops on our Grant Workshop Page. We have three more workshops planned for this year, and we’d love for you to join us. If you haven’t signed up for the upcoming workshops yet, just click the link below: Grant Writing Workshop Registration

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Important DHS Memo Regarding Parolees

Note: This summary is for informational purposes only. Consult an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.

A recent DHS memo highlights changes impacting parolees and their eligibility for expedited removal. The memo grants ICE the discretion to terminate parole status and suggests parolees whose status has been terminated may be considered for expedited removal. Although further guidance on specific categories is awaited, this development underscores the importance for all parolees to consult with a legal service provider or immigration attorney promptly.

Key Considerations for Parolees:

• Explore options such as filing asylum applications or alternatives (e.g., T visa, U visa, SIJ, or family petitions).
• Gather documentation proving entry over two years ago or demonstrating urgent humanitarian needs to maintain parole.
• Carry critical documents, including attorney representation forms, proof of pending applications, and a "Know Your Rights" card when interacting with ICE.

For assistance, reach out to trusted legal service providers like MIRC, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, Clinton Counties, United Community Family Services, or the International Institute of Metro Detroit.

Support Our Native Language Book Drive: Donate at Kentwood Library & Treetops Collective We're excited to announce donation bins for our Native Language Book Drive at Kentwood Public Library and Treetops Collective. These bins provide an easy way for you to donate books and support language preservation in our community. Why Donate? Your contributions help create resources for students at select Kentwood Public preserving their native languages. Whether it’s children’s books, adult literacy materials, or cultural texts, your donation makes a difference. Where to Donate: Kentwood Public Library Treetops Collective Monetary Donations: Prefer to give money? Simply scan the QR code on the bins to make a secure online donation. Thank you for helping preserve and celebrate Native languages! For more info, visit Monetary donations can be made directly via the Welcome Plan’s donation page. Click to edit this placeholder text.

Latest Updates

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen? Michigan United will Help – For Free! This free, 14-week online citizenship classes starting in February will guide you every step of the way. From U.S. history and government to writing skills and interview prep, we’ll make sure you’re confident and ready. Plus, we’ll connect you with legal assistance for your application. Click here to register or share with someone who could use this support. Listo para convertirte en ciudadano estadounidense? ¡Michigan United esta aquí para ayudarte, y es gratis! Estas clases gratuitas de ciudadanía en línea de 14 semanas, comenzando en febrero, son para guiarte en cada paso del proceso. Desde historia y gobierno de los EE. UU. hasta habilidades de escritura y preparación para la entrevista, nos aseguraremos de que te sientas seguro y listo. Además, te conectaremos con asistencia legal para tu solicitud. Haz clic aquí para registrarte o comparte esta información con alguien que lo necesite.

Toolkit Highlight: Standing Up for Welcoming Prepare your community to face challenges and embrace unity with Standing Up for Welcoming: Four Practical Actions for Local Leaders. This toolkit offers clear, actionable steps to counter fear, address attacks on immigrants, and strengthen support systems for all residents. As we navigate an uncertain and shifting landscape, this resource equips leaders to foster belonging and ensure everyone in our communities can thrive. Together, we can create a future where all feel welcomed and valued. View the Toolkit here

WE HAVE RIGHTS An empowerment campaign to prepare for and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). Available in 7 languages! Visit Site Here

Share the New Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates Know Your Rights & Emergency Planner! We're excited to share the updated Know Your Rights and Emergency Planner from Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, designed to help our community stay informed and prepared. This invaluable resource includes critical legal information and emergency planning tips, available in both English and Spanish. We encourage all Welcome Plan Collaborative members to distribute this important document to those who may benefit. Let's work together to ensure our community is empowered and ready! View the documents in the Downloads section of our Community Safety page.

Community Safety Resouces  New Resource Additions have been added! 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

Immigration Resources for Schools

Role-Based Immigration Resources for Schools
Empowering your school to support immigrant students and families starts here! Our curated resource list is organized by common school roles—making it easy to find relevant tools and guidance. Resources are tailored for:

• Superintendents and School Boards of Education
• Enrollment Officers and Accounting Teams
• Security & Crisis Supervisors
• Bus Drivers
• Liaisons and more

From Welcoming Schools Toolkits to Information for schools on ICE requests for access or information, these resources help every role contribute to an inclusive and welcoming school environment. Explore the full list today!

Community Engagement

Volunteer Opportunity: Join Project Faulu! Refugee Education Center Project Faulu is looking for volunteers to support its after-school learning program, which provides valuable educational opportunities to students in our community. Whether you can commit to volunteering this semester or just want to help spread the word, your involvement can make a difference. If you're interested in volunteering, please visit Project Faulu for more details. Even if you're unable to volunteer at this time, The Refugee Education Center encourages you to share this opportunity with family, friends, colleagues, and your wider community—together, we can help make a lasting impact! Thank you for your support!

New Virtual Host Homes Certificate Course Available Refugee Housing Solutions (RHS) is excited to launch its free Virtual Host Homes Certificate Course, designed for resettlement agency housing staff and anyone interested in launching Host Home programs. The course covers best practices for supporting newcomers staying with host families during their first weeks or months in the U.S. Hosted on the Articulate 360 platform, the self-paced course takes several hours to complete, with the flexibility to save progress and finish at your convenience. RHS looks forward to your feedback and how the course enhances Host Home programs. Take the course here!

Circle of Everyday Parenting - EYGC Tuesdays, 12pm-3pm Starting February 4th (sign up by February 3rd) 100 Pine St., Zeeland, MI – City on a Hill EYGC (Empowering Youth Global Connection), in partnership with City on a Hill Health Clinic and GVSU nursing students, is hosting free parenting classes for New American Moms. These classes are open to mothers with children of any age, with a special focus on expecting moms and those with infants. Free childcare and lunch provided Parent leaders will assist with translation Located on the Zeeland bus route We have space for 30 participants, so please share with New American families! For more details or to sign up, email info@eygc.org. Click Here for the Spanish Version of the Flyer

West Michigan Minority Contractors event Thursday, February 6 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Grand Rapids Chamber   Industry leaders will share insights into upcoming projects and how you can get involved. This event will feature presentations from: Brad Walsh, President, Orion Construction James Peacock, Economic Opportunity Organizer, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. Chad Nienhuis, Vice President, Lakewood Construction Brad Mathis, Senior Vice President, Rockford Construction These leaders will discuss exciting projects poised to make an impact in the West Michigan area, offering valuable insights on opportunities for involvement and addressing any questions you may have about their initiatives in the Grand Rapids region. Light food and beverages will be provided, so come ready to connect, learn, and engage with fellow professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and gain valuable knowledge to help your business thrive! REGISTER NOW

Empowering Black Businesses - A Glimpse of Africa Friday, February 21, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM GRCCT, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 A free celebration of Black History Month with food, music, and community! The event features the kickoff of the AGOA Financial and Vendor Workshop series, offering valuable insights from experts, resources for Black and immigrant businesses, and networking opportunities to promote your business. Email Gdunai@aglimpseofafrica.org for more information and vendor signups

Panel Discussion and Art Show - A Glimpse of Africa Saturday, February 22, 2025 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM GRCCT, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Free event featuring food, music, and vibrant discussions! Highlights include a panel on Black immigrants and African Americans, an art show showcasing paintings, photos, and drawings that reflect Black stories, and a chance to win a prize for the best art. Email Gdunai@aglimpseofafrica.org for more information and vendor signups

Diversity & Talent Workshop  Thursday, March 25 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Grand Rapids Chamber The series will also focus on the different ways to attract and retain top talent and include best practices in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Join us Tuesday, March 25 to hear from Dr. Shaq Anthony from Corewell Health on Cultural Conversations: How Do We Build Healthy Cultures? REGISTER NOW

Funding Opportunities

Technical Assistance Opportunity – Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP)

Apply by February 3, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 annual cohort of the World Education Services (WES) Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP)! This year's focus is Driving Systems Change for Immigrant and Refugee Students. We encourage community and technical colleges to apply to receive access to customized technical support to improve the career success of immigrant and refugee students. Participants will also join the network of more than 45 SIIP communities-from Alaska to Maine to Texas-with access to virtual monthly roundtable discussions and in-person events.

View the Request for Proposals

Complete the SIIP 2025 Application

Adult Education Innovation Program Request for Proposals

Deadline for submission is by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2025.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

Apply by April 18.

FEMA recently released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities) funding, totaling $750 million in available support. These funds will help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments address high-level future risks to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience, and reduce disaster suffering. The application can be submitted between January 6-April 18.

Learn more here 

Challenge America, National Endowment for the Arts

Applications due by April 24, 2025.

Challenge America offers support of up to $10,000 for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Project activities may include, but are not limited to: arts programming; audience and community engagement, including educational activities; marketing and promotional activities; and organizational planning. This program welcomes applications from applicants that are primarily small organizations, first-time applicants to the NEA, returning Challenge America applicants, or applicants that have not been recently recommended for funding in one of our other grant programs.

Click here to find a full grant program description and application instructions. 

Prospective applicants can register here for an info session on February 27 at 3:00pm ET

Plain Language & Cultural Competency Training Services 

Due February 14, 2025

The Office of Global Michigan (OGM) is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in Michigan. To support this mission, the OGM collaborates with state agencies to improve language access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations accessing public services.

The OGM seeks consultants to develop two training programs:

1. Plain Language Training – Self-paced online modules to simplify complex language for clear and accessible communication.
2. Cultural Competency, Sensitivity, and Language Sensitivity Training – Customized, department-specific sessions to promote culturally and linguistically appropriate communication.

Consultants will design training materials, provide ongoing support, and evaluate the programs’ effectiveness. Proposals can address one or both programs, with funding contingent on scope and eligibility. Eligible bidders must have at least three years of relevant experience and demonstrate proven or innovative training approaches.

The project includes a one-year term with potential extensions, budgeted per the RFP guidelines. Proposals must include a detailed budget and narrative justification.

Additional Details Here!

Job Opportunities

Engagement Director - Treetops Collective

• Fundraising and Events
• Donor Engagement and Communications
• Leadership and Supervision

Send your resume to trish@treetopscollective.org

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!

January

31 | New American Leader Training

February

04 | Circle of Everyday Parenting (starting)- EYGC

06 | West Michigan Minority Contractors

21 | Empowering Black Businesses - A Glimpse of Africa

22 | Panel Discussion and Art Show - A Glimpse of Africa

March

25 | Diversity & Talent Workshop

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!

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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