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

WELCOME PLAN UPDATES

Global Flavors, Local Tables: Venezuelan Cuisine

In the latest episode of Global Flavors, Local Tables, we spotlighted authentic Venezuelan cuisine with Belkis Bistro Food Truck—right here in Grand Rapids! Watch as our host Michael joins Belkis herself to prepare mouthwatering arepas, savory cachapas, and other Venezuelan specialties.

This flavorful journey is part of the Welcome Plan’s Engaged Communities Workgroup, an initiative focused on increasing awareness and appreciation of global cuisines represented in our local community.

Click the image to watch the full episode and follow Belkis Bistro on social media to learn more or place your preorder!

Global Street Food Night - Flavor and Community to Zeeland

Thrive Together - Celebrates Immigrant Entrepreneurs

A Glimpse of Africa recently celebrated the graduation of immigrant entrepreneurs from the Thrive Together program! From food businesses to childcare and cleaning services, this five-week journey in financial and economic empowerment highlighted the resilience, determination, and talent within our community. The West Michigan Welcome Plan is proud to support this impactful program helping immigrant and refugee families build strong, sustainable futures. Click the image to watch a video highlight of this inspiring celebration!

Celebrating Culture and Community at the Cinco de Mayo Event

This year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, hosted by the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez at the Secchia Piazza, was a lively tribute to Mexican heritage and pride. The event commemorated Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and featured vibrant performances by Ballet Folklórico and University of Michigan opera student Abel Muñoz, celebrating unity and tradition

Be Part of the 2025 Global Gathering at Garfield Park!

Join us on Saturday, September 13 for the return of the Annual Global Gathering, a free and vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make our region special. Enjoy an unforgettable day of food, music, art, and traditions from around the world, all in one place.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Be a Vendor – Share your food, crafts, or resources with the community.

• Perform on Stage – Highlight your culture through music, dance, or other performances.

• Lead a Workshop – Teach a hands-on cultural activity or tradition.

• Walk the Runway – Participate in our Cultural Fashion Show.

• Volunteer – Help make the event a success behind the scenes.

• Sponsor the Event – Support this community celebration and promote your organization.

👉 View Our Sponsorship Packet to learn more about how you can support and uplift this community event.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate, connect, and share your culture with thousands of attendees.

Sign up today to select your role and get involved!

Community Resources

Show Me The Money Day – Free Financial Resource Fair Saturday, May 17 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Home Repair Services of Kent County 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49507 Looking to build better financial habits or find local resources to support your goals? Show Me The Money Day is a free event open to all community members, featuring helpful financial workshops, local resource tables, and fun activities for the whole family. Hosted by Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) members, this event promotes financial wellness in a welcoming, accessible space. Whether you're interested in budgeting, credit building, or connecting with local support services, you'll find useful tools and guidance to take your next financial step. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow—at no cost to you!  click here below to learn more.

Banking Support for ITIN Holders – Now Available in English and Spanish Looking for banking services without a Social Security Number (SSN)? Our partners now offer deposit accounts and loan options specifically designed for individuals who have Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but do not yet have an SSN.  Share the English or Spanish flyer to help connect community members with accessible financial tools. These resources are available in digital and print formats—feel free to distribute them to clients and networks who could benefit. For questions call 800-991-2221 or email spanishhelp@consumerscu.org

Financial Empowerment with 4Front Credit Union 4Front Credit Union is committed to building stronger communities through accessible financial education. Its  Community Engagement & Education initiative focuses on key topics that help individuals and families take control of their finances. Through in-person seminars led by financial experts, 4Front provides practical guidance on managing money, avoiding scams, and making informed banking decisions. Topics include: How to build and maintain credit Understanding checking accounts, debit cards, and credit unions Developing healthy budgeting habit Identifying and preventing fraud In addition to workshops, 4Front actively supports schools and local events through volunteering and offers Banzai, a free, interactive financial literacy tool designed for youth. Do you want to bring these resources to your community or school? Contact Lucas at lemerick@4frontcu.com to learn more.

Community Engagement

Refugee Education Center Open House  Tuesday May 13 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. HUB07 - 1534 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids The Refugee Education Center (REC) is celebrating an exciting milestone with a move into HUB07, a new space designed to enhance its services for refugee families. To mark this transition, REC is hosting an Open House on May 13, inviting community members to explore the new facility and learn more about its expanded impact. The move includes the launch of the Boston Square Early Childhood Center, which will provide early learning opportunities for up to 72 young children, as well as a dedicated workspace for staff to strengthen support for refugee families. With a central location and proximity to key community resources, this new space will allow REC to better assist refugee families as they navigate resettlement. As challenges in the refugee resettlement landscape continue, REC remains committed to providing a welcoming and empowering environment for those in need.

Call for Vendors: Mental Health & Wellness Fair & Africa Day Celebration Saturday May 17 & Sunday, May 18 Whistlestop Park , 2120 76th St SW, Byron Center This two-day event will provide a space for mental health awareness, wellness resources, and cultural celebration, with a special focus on supporting refugee and immigrant communities. Vendor Opportunities: Food vendors offering diverse cuisines Merchandise vendors showcasing unique products Mental health & wellness providers sharing resources and support This event will feature mental health specialists, financial and immigration resources, health screenings, a soccer tournament, and family-friendly activities, creating a meaningful opportunity to engage with the community. Interested vendors can register now using this link or QR code on the flyer.

RISE UP Youth Program - Hispanic Center of West Michigan June 10 - August 14 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. If you have 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!

Health is Wealth Community 5K in Support of AQUME Foundation Saturday June 28 10 a.m.  Millenium Park Paviliion, 1400 Maynard Ave SW, Grand Rapids We are excited to invite you, your family, and your organization to participate in the Health is Wealth Community 5K, supporting the AQUME Foundation. Whether you choose to walk, run, or form a team, this event is a great opportunity to promote wellness and give back to the community. Ways to Get Involved: Register & Participate – Walk or run as an individual or team. Sign up here to register. Sponsor the Event – Help us reach our $25,000 community grant-making goal. Sponsorship details available upon request. Share & Support – Spread the word by sharing the event video and registration link. Donations are also accepted via the sign-up page. We hope to see you there as we work together to make a difference!

May

13 | REC Open House

17 | Show Me The Money Day

17-18 | Mental Health & Wellness Fair & Africa Day Celebration

June

28 | Health is Wealth Community 5k

Job Opportunities

Communications Internship - Treetops

In an effort to grow ethical storytelling and expand community engagement around the leadership and voices of refugees and immigrants in West Michigan, Treetops Collective is offering a Communications Internship opportunity for a highly motivated college student or recent graduate in 2025.

➔ You’ll collaborate with the Treetops team to create visual and written content for newsletters, social media, and storytelling campaigns
➔ You’ll gain hands-on experience in ethical communications strategy, brand development, and content creation (graphics, video, photography)
➔ Your work will support refugee leaders and help build a more welcoming West Michigan through clear, inclusive messaging

This internship is unpaid but available for college credit. Flexible scheduling. Must be 18+, have access to a computer and reliable transportation.

If you are interested, contact kara@treetopscollective.org.

Church of the Servant Hiring Pastoral Staff

Church of the Servant is seeking to add a part-time or full-time pastor to its team to support its growing, multicultural congregation. Ideal candidates will have strong preaching and pastoral care skills, and a collaborative spirit. Intercultural communication skills, some Swahili, and a passion for intergenerational ministry are a plus.

Interested applicants can email a statement of interest and qualifications to search@coscrc.org. Learn more at coscrc.org.

Community School Coordinators

Harrison Park Academy and Burton Elementary

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.

Click here to view the job descriptions. 

Build a Career with Purpose - Consider Kent County

When you join Kent County, you're not just starting a job—you’re serving your community. Our team works across a wide range of areas, including public health, safety, justice, parks and recreation, and general government services. No matter your background or skillset, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact. 

Visit our website to view and apply for  our open positions.

Want to Join the Collaborative?

If you haven’t joined us yet, click here to get started.

By completing our interest form, you'll be connected with our coordinator to learn more about the Welcome Plan Collaborative and how to get involved in one of our workgroups.

Want to take your support even further? Meet our funding development team and discover how your contribution can help advance our mission across West Michigan.

And don’t miss our short video celebrating recent accomplishments and highlighting the impact of our collaborative work—we think you’ll be inspired!

Have News to Share?

Please share any communications you would like included in the bi-weekly newsletters with Marcial Benavidez (marcial.benavidez@kentcountymi.gov) by 9 a.m. on Mondays during the week of publication.