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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 Check out the Safety and Support while Navigating West Michigan event!
Hosted by our Safe and Connected Workgroup members, this important community gathering brought together over 100 participants to gain essential knowledge and resources for enhancing safety and connection in West Michigan.
Attendees received valuable insights into the court system, local law enforcement, immigration legal services, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services programs, including victim advocacy services. To ensure accessibility, language support was provided for Swahili, Haitian Creole, Kinyarwandan, Spanish, and Nepali across all presentations.
If you couldn’t attend or want to revisit key takeaways, watch the full video to hear from local experts and learn how to access vital community resources!
Additionally, our Safe and Connected workgroup is interested in knowing if there are any topics you'd like to see presented in a space where you already gather. If you're interested in having experts come and speak on public safety topics, we’d love to connect with you. Please take a moment to share your thoughts through this survey.
 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!
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!
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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.
Welcoming Network members receive 50% off two registrations—check your email for the discount code. For more information visit their website here.
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.
New Resources
Path to Health / Camino a la Salud - Exalta Health
Path to Health is a community-driven program offering in-home health visits to improve well-being through compassionate, culturally responsive care. If you’re over 18, live in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, or Kentwood, and have limited access to primary care, you may qualify for free services like blood pressure and mental health screenings, medication education, and chronic disease management.
📞 Contact Us: 616-475-0182 | p2h@exaltahealth.org
📍 Location: 2060 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Learn more and take the next step toward better health today!
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Dart GR - Grand Rapids evCarShare
Mobile GR and Mobility Development are excited to introduce the new DART EV CarShare Program! This service provides residents and visitors with an affordable, eco-friendly transportation option, offering electric vehicle rentals for just $5 per hour.
Learn more and get started: DartGR.org
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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!
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Celebrate the 129th Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa!
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 12 PM, Frontline Community Church, 4411 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
$10 entrance fee (Children under 12 are free)
The Ethiopian Community of Michigan invites everyone to join in celebrating the 129th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa, a victory that secured Ethiopia’s independence and made it the only African country never to be colonized.
The event will feature speakers including Memhir Taye Bogale, Ethiopian historian and author; Lij Nebiyu Demessie of the Crown Council of Ethiopia; and Dr. RAS Mikey C from Wayne State University. There will also be a showcase of Ethiopian art, culture, and history, as well as an opportunity to enjoy an Ethiopian lunch provided by Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant. click on image for event details.
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Health Literacy Classes for Refugees
Thursdays March 6 - May 15
9 am- 11 am, 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.
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West Michigan Latina Conference
Saturday March 12, 8 am- 12 pm
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!
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Free Citizenship Class in March
Starting Saturday March 15 and Sunday March 16:
- 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
- Refugee Education Center
- 2130 Enterprise St SE, Kentwood MI
Are you preparing for U.S. citizenship? Join this free 10 week 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" to Krishna at 616-219-5543 or Nash at 616-439-1468.
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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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RISE UP Youth Program - Hispanic Center of West Michigan
June 10th - August 14th
This program offers participants the opportunity to explore career exploration skills, health and wellness, embracing cultural identity, setting and achieving goals, and enjoy fun and exciting field trips.
For more details, check out the flyer. Questions? Contact Dr. Pimentel, Director of Education, at lpimentel@hispanic-center.org.
Encourage eligible youth to apply and spread the word about this valuable opportunity!
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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
Job Opportunities
Community School Coordinator
Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
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. Job Description Here.
Engagement Director
Treetops Collective
- Fundraising and Events
- Donor Engagement and Communications
- Leadership and Supervision
Send your resume to trish@treetopscollective.org
Multilingual Driving Instructor
Treetops Collective
In an effort to play a role in increasing the number of multilingual driving instructors in West Michigan and simultaneously increasing language-based access to driver’s training for refugees and immigrants, Treetops Collective has committed to fund 2 new multi-lingual driver’s instructors in Kent County in 2024.
➔ You'll be trained and licensed through Michigan Traffic Safety
➔ You’ll receive on the road training hours through Cox-McKenzie School of Driving
➔ Your new license as a driver’s instructor will allow you to earn income AND create better access and opportunities for immigrant and refugee community members who receive driver’s training from you. Job Description 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 | Battle of Adwa Celebration
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 9 am to be shared on the Weekly Wednesday Communication.
Quick Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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