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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 From left to right in the photo: Juana, Andrea, ZamZam, Bena, Welcome Plan Coordinator Hollin, and Judith
Exciting News: Meet Our New Interns!
We’re thrilled to introduce the five talented interns who have just joined the Welcome Plan team! These bright individuals will provide invaluable administrative support to our workgroups, while also gaining professional development and mentorship through our collaborative partnerships. We can’t wait to see the impact these amazing minds will have on our work – welcome aboard, team!
 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!
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:
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.
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We are developing an important section of information under our Legal Resource Page for community safety in light of incoming policy changes. This evolving platform will feature essential information such as passport guidance, "Know Your Rights" presentations, and updates on Temporary Protective Status (TPS) expiration dates.
Click here to Visit the Community Safety Resource Page
The Immigration Policy Tracking Project (IPTP)
View a comprehensive and up-to-date catalog of immigration policies from the Trump administration, including key source documents and current status updates.
Community Explainer: Laken Riley Act
by the National Immigration Project
The Laken Riley Act exploits a tragic murder to criminalize immigrant populations, vastly expand immigration detention, and encourage anti-immigrant states to file lawsuits against the federal government for certain immigration decisions it makes. This explainer breaks down what the Laken Riley Act means for our communities and how we can protect each other.
View Here
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CLINIC - Know Your Rights flyers.
This initiative aims to make vital information more accessible and reach diverse communities. CLINIC is calling on supporters to help distribute the flyers across their networks, ensuring everyone has access to essential rights-based information. Available in 8 languages, more coming soon.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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!
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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
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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:
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Brad Walsh, President, Orion Construction
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James Peacock, Economic Opportunity Organizer, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
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Chad Nienhuis, Vice President, Lakewood Construction
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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
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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
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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
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Health Literacy Classes for Refugees
Thursdays March 6 - May 15
9:00am-11:00am
Near 60th and Division
The Literacy Center has been awarded the Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) grant and is launching specialized health literacy classes to support refugees in navigating healthcare systems.
Organizations and community members are encouraged to share this opportunity with staff, clients, patients, and refugee families. A multilingual flyer is available in English, Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, and Farsi/Dari. Printing double-sided is recommended, with English on one side and the selected language on the other.
Printed copies can be provided upon request, and on-site outreach is also available to best meet community needs. For more information or to arrange materials, please reach out Info@literacycenterwm.org.
Text "Health" to 616-551-4553 To Register
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Diversity & Talent Workshop
Thursday, March 25 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Grand Rapids Chamber
$50 Registration
The series will also focus on the different ways to attract and retain top talent and include best practices in community and Belonging. Hear from Dr. Shaq Anthony from Corewell Health on Cultural Conversations: How Do We Build Healthy Cultures?
REGISTER NOW
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Funding Opportunities
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.
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:
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Plain Language Training – Self-paced online modules to simplify complex language for clear and accessible communication.
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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!
 February
06 | West Michigan Minority Contractors
21 | Empowering Black Businesses - A Glimpse of Africa
22 | Panel Discussion and Art Show - A Glimpse of Africa
March
06 | Health Literacy for Refugees (recurring every Thursday)
25 | Diversity & Talent Workshop
 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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