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

WELCOME PLAN UPDATES

Urgent: Federal Funding Cuts Impact Refugee Families in West Michigan

In January 2025, the new Trump administration froze federal funding for refugee resettlement, cutting off critical support for families who had fled violence and were approved to begin new lives in West Michigan. Flights were canceled, and funds for essentials like food, housing, and initial services were halted. Yet in Kalamazoo, a spirit of unity emerged. Local organizations, including the Kalamazoo Refugee Resource Collaborative (KRRC) and members of the faith community, quickly came together to develop a plan to support these families. While federal assistance remains uncertain, local volunteers and agencies are stepping up, ensuring no one is left behind.  Read more about this amazing work here.

As the West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative continues to work within our communities, it’s clear that there is a shared desire to create a lasting, homegrown system of support in West Michigan. We’ve listened to the needs voiced by local organizations, and now, we’re reaching out to those of you who believe in the power of community.

If you’re interested in joining this effort,

please sign up to be a part of our Community Support Network here 

Join Our Quarterly Grant Writing Workshop!

Are you an immigrant-focused or owned business/nonprofit looking to enhance your grant writing? Join our next workshop to learn about key internal accounting practices and essential documents for successful applications.

What we’ll cover:

• Crafting mission statements, project plans, and financial summaries.
• Using letters of support and showcasing past grant results.
• Planning for long-term program sustainability.
• Navigating the complex documents needed for government grants, including compliance records and certifications.

Click here to learn more and register!

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: 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.

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

Community Residents Are Encouraged to Share Your Concerns on House Resolution 19

Michigan’s House Resolution House Resolution 19 has passed. This resolution requires local governments to comply with federal immigration enforcement in order to receive state funding, which could place unnecessary burdens on municipalities and impact essential services.

The resolution unfairly targets local governments that adopt policies prioritizing community safety and protecting residents' rights. These policies do not prevent cooperation with federal immigration authorities when required, but this approach penalizes municipalities for making decisions based on their communities' needs and well-being, creating an imbalance that undermines local autonomy and fairness.

For Information on testimony submitted on House Resolution 19, please visit: https://www.house.mi.gov/Committee/HGOV (scroll midway down the page to the center drop down titled Testimony) to access additional perspectives and talking points.

In addition to the impact on our immigrant communities, some main points from the Michigan League of Public Policy are:

1. This rule attacks basic human rights
2. Circumvents local control
3. Creates an unfunded mandate for local law enforcement.

 To review testimony provided by the Michigan League of Public Policy click here.

Take action now! Let your representatives know that you support fair and balanced approaches to immigration enforcement that respect local decision-making and protect the rights of everyone in Michigan

Find your Michigan State Representative
Find your Michigan State Senator

Know Your Rights Session  Wednesday, February 26th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Date & Time:  (in-person or Zoom) 2025 E Beltline Ave SE Suite 402, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Due to high demand, A Glimpse of Africa, in partnership with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates and attorney Bill, is offering another Know Your Rights Session. This session will cover important topics such as 4th Amendment rights, interacting with law enforcement and ICE, understanding warrants, and preparing for potential detention or deportation. This session is open to immigrants, refugees, allies, and anyone looking to support immigrant rights. Registration is required. Register here For more info or assistance, email aglimseofafrica@gmail.com. Let's stand together during these uncertain times!

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Updates (MIRC)

This is an ongoing document with periodic updates for coalitions, community groups, or other networks serving immigrants in Michigan. Click Here to View

MIRC Self Help Tool

Short term guidance for those affected by new policies - Note: These are general guidelines, not legal advice. For case specific questions consult an immigration attorney. Click Here to View

Michigan Legal Guide - Parental Authority Guide

A self-help tool to assist people on preparing delegations of parental authority available in Spanish and English. Click Here to View

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

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. Click here to view this resource!

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 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!

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

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

Free Homebuyer Education Virtual Class Session 1 - Saturday, February 22, 10am-11am Join My Family Empowerment for a free, informative virtual class on homebuying, presented by Tisha Mosley, a HUD Certified Housing Counselor. Learn valuable tips, resources, and expert advice to help you navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take the first step toward owning your home! Register by emailing Info@myfamilyempowerment.com or calling 616-747-0710

Celebrate 3 years of Ukrainian Resilience Saturday, February 22 2:00 PM – Solidarity March (Starting at Veterans Memorial Park, downtown Grand Rapids) 3:00 PM – Panel Discussion (Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE) YOU AS ME: How Do We Rebuild Together Those Things That Unite Us? The Ukrainian Society of Michigan (UASMI) and Grand Rapids Sister Cities International Dnipro Committee (GRSCI) invite the West Michigan community to a solidarity march and panel discussion marking three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The discussion, “YOU AS ME: How Do We Rebuild Together Those Things That Unite Us?”, will feature esteemed speakers exploring themes of solidarity, rebuilding, and the shared values between Ukraine and the United States. All are welcome to attend, show support for Ukraine, and engage in this important conversation. More Information Here!

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

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

Funding Opportunities

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

Job Opportunities

Center Director - Refugee Education Center

The Center Director will oversee and work closely with a diverse team to administer, supervise, coordinate, and monitor all educational programs and services for early childhood children in the program. This position will also work alongside community partners, fellow center directors, and local experts to support and expand the culturally responsive, multi-lingual model so unique to Refugee Education Center programming.

More Information Here! - Job Posting Flyer

please email your resume and cover letter to express your interest to careers@refugeeeducationcenter.org.

Assistant Center Director - Refugee Education Center

The Assistant Center Director will be responsible for the planning, supervision, safety, and education of students utilizing the approved curriculum in the Refugee Education Center’s early childhood education program. Working alongside fellow teachers, staff and the Center Director, this person will support the culturally responsive, multi-lingual model so unique to Refugee Education Center’s early childhood programming.

More Information Here! - Job Posting Flyer

please email your resume and cover letter to express your interest to careers@refugeeeducationcenter.org.

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

20 | Welcoming Refugees: A Call to Action for West Michigan

21 | Empowering Black Businesses - A Glimpse of Africa

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

22 | Free New Home Buyer Education Virtual Class

22 | Celebrate 3 Years of Ukrainian Resilience

26 | AGOA Know Your Rights Session

March

06 | Health Literacy for Refugees (recurring every Thursday)

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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