|
View as Webpage
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
Mental Health & Wellness Fair Recap
 A Glimpse of Africa’s two-day Mental Health & Wellness Fair brought together resource vendors, expert speakers, and dozens of families to explore tools for emotional well-being. Attendees connected over interactive workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and support services—while 16 spirited teams competed in a community soccer tournament that highlighted the power of play in healing. Youth and neighbors alike left feeling renewed, having celebrated resilience, joy, and the strength found in coming together.
At the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit
 Welcome Plan Coordinator Hollin and intern Juana staffed a resource table throughout the day. They shared information on the Welcome Plan accomplishments. Their presence helped raise awareness of our collaborative’s work to promote belonging across Grand Rapids neighborhoods.
Refugee Education Center Celebrates Open House
 The Refugee Education Center (REC) marked a major milestone by hosting an Open House at its brand-new HUB07 location. Attendees toured the newly launched Boston Square Early Childhood Center, now equipped to welcome up to 72 young learners, and explored the dedicated staff workspace designed to deepen support for refugee families. Nestled next to key community resources, the new space positions the REC to expand its services and continue empowering families as they settle into their new lives.
Support the REC and the Boston Square Early Learning Center by sponsoring the wish list items listed below.
Food Business Workshop Series—Interest Survey
The Welcome Plan invites food businesses, vendors, and caterers to join a future workshop series designed to help you navigate cottage food law, plan like a pro, and perfect recipes for any event. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, these hands-on sessions will give you the tools and confidence to grow your business.
Workshop Topics Include:
- Cottage Food Law essentials and compliance
- Professional event planning and logistics
- Recipe development and quality control
- Language Support available by request
👉 Click the link below to fill out our interest form and let us know which topics you’d like to attend. We’ll follow up with dates and details soon. We look forward to cooking up success together!
|
 Global Gathering Returns September 13!
Saturday, September 13 / 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Garfield Park, 1120 Canal St SE, Grand Rapids
The Global Gathering is back—a free celebration of food, music, art, and traditions from cultures around the world. New this year: in-kind sponsorships to underwrite specific festival needs and bring standout experiences to life.
Ways to Get Involved:
-
In-Kind Donations: Sponsor a featured performance, photobooth, tents, workshops and more!
-
Other Roles: Be a vendor, perform on stage, lead a workshop, walk the runway, volunteer, or become an event sponsor.
👉 Click the interest form link below to select your festival role or in-kind donation opportunity, and secure your spot in making this year’s festival unforgettable!
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 Resources
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) offers a suite of resources to help organizations and individuals understand and comply with Michigan’s Meaningful Language Access to State Services Act and the Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act. These materials cover the new state language-access requirements, best practices, and how to file a complaint if language services aren’t provided.
Available MIRC Resources:
-
Law Overview (English): Download the full summary of Michigan’s language-access statutes.
-
Training Recording (English): Watch MIRC’s on-demand webinar on language access fundamentals.
-
Training Slides (English): Review the slide deck covering federal, state, and local language-access obligations.
-
I Speak Booklet: A printable card to help non-English speakers indicate their preferred language when accessing services.
Explore all of these tools—and more—in MIRC’s Advocate Library to ensure meaningful access for everyone.
|
New Resource: First-Generation Down Payment Assistance
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is offering up to $25,000 in down-payment and closing-cost support for first-generation buyers who pair the assistance with an MI Home Loan. Eligible households include anyone who, along with their parents, has never owned a home, plans to occupy the purchased property as a primary residence, and completes homebuyer education with a HUD-certified counselor. The pilot is expected to help more than 320 families unlock the dream of homeownership, but funding is limited. Interested buyers should connect with an approved lender soon to learn more and begin the application process.
More Information Here!
|
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
Light the Way Charity Fundraiser for Ukraine
Thursday May 29, 2025 / 6 p.m. –9 p.m.
Morenas Event Venue, 4470 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood MI 49508
The Ukrainian Society of Michigan and the Dnipro Committee of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International invite the West Michigan community to an evening of local-global solidarity. Proceeds will deliver life-saving medical aid in Ukraine and fund mental-health support, translation services, and job-navigation programs for displaced Ukrainians resettling in our region.
Ways to Get Involved:
Together, West Michigan can light the way for Ukrainian families at home and here.
|
EYGC Cross-Cultural Parenting Class — Cohort 2
June thru September / Mondays 5:30–8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (see flyer for exact dates)
100 pine s. Zeeland MI (City on a Hill), Main Floor Conference Room
Empowering Youth Global Connection welcomes parents, guardians, and anyone in a parent-like role who is raising children in a culture different from their own—Newcomers, New Americans, immigrants, and refugees alike. Each session offers practical tools, shared stories, and a supportive community. Complimentary dinner, on-site childcare, and assistance with transportation and translation make participation easy.
Ways to Get Involved:
• Sign up for the Monday or Saturday cohort (spaces are limited).
• Volunteer as a Spanish translator to support participants.
• Share the flyer with families who could benefit from the class.
Sign up today and join a community of parents learning and thriving together!
|
WMAAA 5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk
Saturday, June 22
Millennium Meadows / 1415 Maynard Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Join the West Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA) for the third annual 5K Run or 1-Mile Fun Walk at the scenic Millennium Meadows! This family- and pet-friendly event supports WMAAA’s vital work connecting community members to healthcare, social services, and educational opportunities.
Participants will enjoy a light, healthy Asian dinner—featuring the return of Bahn Mi sandwiches by popular demand! Awards will be given for overall, masters, and age group winners on this USTAF-certified course.
Register by June 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size! Come out for a day of wellness, community, and celebration.
|
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
28 | Grant Writing Workshop : Data Collection
29 | Light the Way Charity Fundraiser for Ukraine
June
22 | WMAAA 5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk
28 | Health is Wealth Community 5k
Job Opportunities
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.
|
