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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 In the Works: Maximize Economic Potential Workgroup’s International Degree Toolkit
As part of the West Michigan Welcome Plan, the Maximize Economic Potential Workgroup is developing an International Degree Toolkit to help immigrants and newcomers leverage their degrees earned abroad. This resource will guide individuals on how to continue their education, improve their English in their professional fields, and explore entrepreneurship opportunities in West Michigan.
Toolkit Highlights:
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Education Pathways: Clear steps for enrolling in local universities and community colleges, including degree evaluations and application processes.
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Improving English Skills: Information on English as Second Language (ESL) programs in West Michigan tailored to specific fields of work.
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Entrepreneurship Support: Guidance on starting a business in the region, from funding opportunities to networking resources.
The goal of the toolkit is to provide newcomers with the tools they need to succeed in the local education system, enhance their professional skills, and become competitive in the job market.
Stay tuned! The International Degree Toolkit will be officially unveiled at the next Maximize Economic Potential Summit, date to be announced soon. We’re excited to share this valuable resource with the community and look forward to how it will help immigrants and newcomers thrive in West Michigan.
USCIS Updates Forms Impacting Pending Applications
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated forms required for various immigration processes. Outdated forms will be accepted until 4/3/25, any forms submitted past 4/3/25 need to be the updated version.
Individuals with pending immigration cases should review these changes to determine if any action is needed. Consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited legal representative may help clarify whether resubmission is necessary.
Key Changes:
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Removal of "X" Gender Marker: The option to select a non-binary gender marker has been removed from certain immigration forms.
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Expanded Screening & Vetting: USCIS is proposing to collect additional applicant information, which may lead to increased review of applications.
Potential Impacts:
- Individuals who previously selected an "X" gender marker may need to update their records or seek legal guidance.
- Additional screening measures may result in longer processing times and changes in eligibility assessments.
The most current USCIS forms can be found at www.uscis.gov/forms.
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 Urgent: Federal Funding Cuts Impact Refugee Families in West Michigan – Your Help is Needed
In January 2025, the federal government froze funding for refugee resettlement, severely impacting vital resources for families approved to start new lives in West Michigan. In response, local organizations like the Kalamazoo Refugee Resource Collaborative (KRRC), along with members of the faith community, have come together to forge a plan of action. While the uncertainty around federal funding continues, the resilience of our community is clear. Volunteers and local agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that no family is left behind.
But this is just the beginning. The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative is still building a sustainable, homegrown support network, and we need your help. We’ve heard the urgent needs from local organizations, and now we are reaching out to you to stand with us.
We need your support! Here are a few specific ways you can make a meaningful impact:
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Community Interpreter: Help provide essential language support at Power of Attorney/emergency planning workshops, ensuring that everyone can access critical services.
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Immigration Attorney: Volunteer at walk-in clinics to provide individual legal support for those navigating the complex immigration system.
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Faith Institution - Collections Network: Partner with worship centers to leverage collections at determined intervals to directly support resettlement and welcoming initiatives.
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Volunteer: Transportation Support (Scheduled or Emergency/on-call): Help provide transportation for individuals who need it, ensuring they can attend critical appointments and workshops.
These are just a few of the opportunities available to make a direct impact in supporting refugee and immigrant families. Your involvement is crucial!
Community Support Network Survey
Let’s ensure that every refugee family who chooses West Michigan as their new home is welcomed with open arms.
 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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Switchboard Communities of Practice
This Community of Practice (CoP) brings together refugee service providers, data specialists, and program staff from resettlement agencies, state offices, and community-based organizations. Members collaborate to share challenges, strategies, and best practices in the resettlement field. Explore the current communities available:
- Immigration Legal Services
- Leaders of Ethnic Community-based Organizations
- Newcomer Education and Youth Services
- Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
- Economic Empowerment
- Client-Centered Services
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Unaccompanied Refugee Minors
Unlike traditional training, CoPs foster peer-to-peer learning, where participants actively exchange ideas, resources, and solutions. With rolling admissions, you can join at any time! Open to practitioners and researchers of all levels, this is a member-led, collaborative space—Join Today!
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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.
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.
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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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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Thrive Together - Financial Empowerment - A Glimpse of Africa
5 week Cohort Starting March 15 thru May 3 2025
A Glimpse of Africa is dedicated to empowering African immigrants and refugees in West Michigan by providing the financial tools, business knowledge, and resources needed to thrive. this 5 week course covers practical lessons in personal finance, wealth-building strategies, and business development to help individuals manage finances, grow businesses, and strengthen their families' financial futures.
This program is designed to support the talented and creative African community in West Michigan, fostering lasting economic impact for individuals and the broader community.
Join this journey toward financial empowerment!
Register today and take the first step towards a stronger financial future.
Click on image for Program Brochure
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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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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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Land of Sun and Shadow GR Documentary Premiere
Saturday March 22, 6:00pm
Wealthy Theatre 1130 St SE 49506
Support Latino filmmakers in your community. ✨ "Land of Sun and Shadow GR," directed and produced by Reyna García, is coming to the big screen. Get ready to be inspired! This documentary weaves three stories of courage and hope, featuring migrant women who exemplify resilience. A tribute to Rey Flores, whose vision continues to light our paths.
Free Tickets Available at GRCMC.ORG
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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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Tale of Two Worlds Arab and Islamic Celebration
April 19th - Time and Location TBD
Join the American-Arab Intellectual Property Association for Tales of Two Worlds: Celebrating Arab & Islamic Culture, an inspiring event dedicated to fostering cultural appreciation and understanding in West Michigan.
Founded in 2021 by international intellectual property expert Haitham Hashem Atiyah, the association is committed to promoting cross-cultural connections. This celebration showcases the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of Arab and Islamic communities in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Be part of this opportunity to celebrate diversity and deepen understanding of the vibrant cultures that enrich West Michigan
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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
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 2025.
➔ 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!
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
March
15 | A Glimpse of Africa -Budget Basics
15 | Battle of Adwa Celebration
15 & 16 | Free Citizenship Classes
22 | A Glimpse of Africa - Bank Account and Credit Building
22 | Land of Sun and Shadow GR - Premiere
25 | Diversity & Talent Workshop
April
05 | A Glimpse of Africa - GROW Business Class
19 | Tale of Two Worlds - Arab and Islam Celebration
 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.Visit our website to view and apply for our open positions.
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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