|
View as Webpage
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
Grant Writing Workshop - Recap
 View our recent Data Collection workshop video presented by Tricia Okolo and Trish Smith-Mulder, experts in nonprofit evaluation and impact measurement. Whether you are an immigrant-focused or immigrant-owned business or nonprofit, this session provides practical strategies to gather, analyze, and leverage data for stronger programs and funding opportunities.
Watch the full session to gain actionable insights and tools that will help you strengthen your data management practices and enhance your grant writing efforts.
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!
|
Community Engagement
EYGC Cross-Cultural Parenting Class — Cohort 2
June to September / Monday's 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday's 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!
|
Red de Empresarias Latinas de Cuidado Infantil Familiar de Kent County: From Passion to Profession—How to Open Your Family Childcare Business
Saturday June 21 / 10 a.m.
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids,
This 100% Spanish learning session is designed to support Spanish-speaking individuals who want to launch their own licensed family childcare program. Attendees will receive a step-by-step guide to opening a licensed family childcare business, connect with experienced providers for personalized advice, learn about local resources available to new providers, and receive a printed handbook with guidance and contact information. Breakfast, lunch, and raffles will be provided, and follow-up in-person office hours will be available in July, August, and September for anyone needing one-on-one assistance.
Click here to reserve your spot!
|
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.
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!
|
 June
21 | Red de Empresarias Latinas de Cuidado Infantil Familiar
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.
|
