|
View as Webpage
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 federal government froze federal funding for refugee resettlement, cutting off critical support for families who were approved to begin new lives in West Michigan. 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 funding 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
Join Welcoming America, Global Detroit, and the City of Detroit Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs for this annual conference on immigrant inclusion, covering economic development, civic engagement, and more.
Early-bird registration is $450 ($225 for members) until February 28, then increases to $599.
Welcoming Network members receive 50% off two registrations—check your email for the discount code.
Donate to the Native Language Book Drive!
Support language preservation by donating books at Kentwood Public Library or Treetops Collective. Your contributions provide vital resources for Kentwood students, from children’s books to adult literacy materials.
How to Donate:
Thank you for helping preserve and celebrate native languages!
|
The Immigration Policy Tracking Project (IPTP)
View a comprehensive and up-to-date federal catalog of federal immigration policies and processes, including key source documents and status updates.
Community Engagement
Cross-Cultural Partnerships: Building Meaningful Friendships - Treetops Collective
Cross-Cultural Partnerships are authentic relationships built on mutuality, where both partners learn from one another. Whether you're practicing English, going on neighborhood walks, enjoying meals, attending Treetops-hosted outings, or exploring West Michigan, these partnerships are about doing life together.
What to Expect:
- Partner with a New American woman for 10-12 months
- Meet for 4 hours each month
- Build a meaningful relationship
- Receive support and training from Treetops
More information Here!
|
FREE employer-focused webinar on hiring immigrant talent
Mar 4, 2025 12:30 PM
Join Attorney Laura Hofman, Immigration Law Advisor with the Office of Global Michigan, for a free employer-focused webinar on best practices for hiring and retaining immigrant talent. Learn strategies for internships, short-term, and long-term hires, as well as key insights on interviewing and retention.
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your workforce with diverse talent.
Register Here!
|
Webinar: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities in Health Centers
Wednesday, March 5, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
This webinar is designed for Health Center staff, including Operations, Preparedness, Compliance, and Front-Line teams. It will cover healthcare providers' and patients' rights with a focus on various health center settings, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Submit questions during registration. For MPCA inquiries, to Anne Scott at ascott@mpca.net
Register Here!
|
Health Literacy Classes for Refugees
Thursdays March 6 - May 15
9:00am-11:00am, Near 60th and Division
The Literacy Center has received the Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) grant to launch specialized health literacy classes, helping refugees navigate healthcare systems.
Organizations and community members are encouraged to share this opportunity. A multilingual flyer is available in English, Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, and Farsi/Dari. Printed copies can be provided upon request, and on-site outreach is available to meet community needs.
For materials or more information, contact Info@literacycenterwm.org.
To register, text "Health" to 616-551-4553.
|
West Michigan Latina Conference
Saturday March 12, 8am-12pm
Goei Center - 818 Butterworth Street Southwest Grand Rapids, MI
The Latina Conference is a new event focused on Building on this legacy, we are proud to introduce the West Michigan Latina Conference, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change” This conference is designed to focus specifically on Latinas, offering a curated agenda that addresses both the professional and personal growth needs of this vibrant demographic.
Register Here!
|
Free Citizenship Class in March
Saturday March 15 and Sunday March 16 : 9am-11:30am
Refugee Education Center
2130 Enterprise St SE, Kentwood MI
Are you preparing for U.S. citizenship? Join our free Citizenship Class! This class will help you improve your English skills, understand the N-400 application process, prepare for the citizenship interview, and connect with resources for legal assistance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to take the next step toward citizenship.
To Register text Citizen Krishna at 616-219-5543 or Nash at 616-439-1468
|
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.
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
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!
March
04 | FREE employer-focused webinar on hiring immigrant talent
05 | Webinar: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities in Health Centers
06 | Health Literacy for Refugees (recurring every Thursday)
12 | West Michigan Latina Conference
15 & 16 | Free Citizenship Classes
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.
Quick Subscribe to our newsletter here!
|
