|
View as Webpage
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Wednesday, June 19 marks Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally received word of their freedom—making Juneteenth a powerful symbol of delayed justice, resilience, and liberation.
As we observe this important day, all federal and state offices will be closed, including banks, post offices, and most government agencies. Many businesses and community organizations will also pause operations or hold commemorative events.
Juneteenth is not just a moment in history—it’s a call to honor Black communities, uplift stories of struggle and triumph, and recommit to building a more equitable future. We encourage everyone to take time to reflect, learn, and participate in local celebrations or educational opportunities.
Grant Writing Workshop: Where Are the Grants?
 Wednesday, August 13 / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Rapids Main Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids
Discover how to find the perfect grant for your nonprofit or business using free tools at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This hands-on workshop will walk participants through the library’s grant databases and other resources. Immigrants and refugees are especially encouraged to attend and explore new funding opportunities.
Come ready to learn and leave with practical tools to support your mission.
Want to be featured in our biweekly newsletter, on our website, or social media?
We want to amplify your work—especially efforts that support immigrants, refugees, and New Americans in West Michigan.
To streamline requests, we’re now using a Community Newsletter Submission Form. This is the best way to share information with our communications team. Due to high email volume, we will no longer accept requests by email.
Please note:Submission does not guarantee inclusion. We prioritize content most relevant to our immigrant communities.
Use the form to help us:
- Feature your event or update in our newsletter
- Share it on social media
- Add it to our community events page
Whether it’s a training, cultural event, new program, or opportunity—share it with us and we’ll help spread the word.
Submit Your Information Here!
|
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
Kent District Library Resources for Multilingual and Multicultural Communities
Kent District Library (KDL) continues to expand its services to meet the needs of our diverse communities. Below are three featured resources that support immigrant and refugee access to language learning, library services, and educational tools.
Live Phone Interpreting in 200+ Languages
KDL offers over-the-phone interpreting to help non-English speaking patrons access library services.
How to Use This Service: Call 616-784-2007 and state your language. KDL staff will connect with an interpreter.
Or, use a direct language line to reach an interpreter who will connect you to the library:
Learn more at kdl.org
Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone
Explore KDL’s free subscription to Rosetta Stone and start learning over 30 languages through an immersive, interactive platform.
This powerful tool helps you speak, write, and understand your target language through bite-sized lessons and real-life context. Whether you're connecting with your heritage or preparing for a new job or school setting, Rosetta Stone is a flexible option for learners of all backgrounds.
Access now at Rosetta Stone at KDL
|
Think Beyond the Books
 KDL’s Beyond Books Collection offers more than just reading material. Borrow items like metal detectors, Blu-ray players, hiking gear, and film converters—free with your library card. These high-cost items are available to support education, exploration, and creativity in your home or community.
Explore the collection: kdl.org/beyondbooks
Kent District Library is committed to making learning and community connection accessible to all. Visit kdl.org or stop by your local branch to explore more resources!
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 Street, Zeeland MI (City on a Hill), Main Floor Conference Room
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.
Ways to Get Involved:
• Sign up for the Monday or Saturday cohort (spaces are limited).
• Volunteer as a Spanish interpreter to support participants.
• Share the flyer with families who could benefit from the class.
Esta sesión de aprendizaje 100% en español está diseñada para apoyar a personas de habla hispana que desean iniciar su propio programa de cuidado infantil familiar con licencia. Los asistentes recibirán una guía paso a paso para abrir un negocio de cuidado infantil familiar con licencia, podrán conectarse con proveedores con experiencia para recibir asesoría personalizada, conocerán los recursos locales disponibles para nuevos proveedores y recibirán un manual impreso con orientación e información de contacto. Se ofrecerá desayuno, almuerzo y rifas, y habrá horarios de oficina presenciales en julio, agosto y septiembre para quienes necesiten apoyo individual.
Formas de Participar:
• Regístrate para el grupo de lunes o sábado (los espacios son limitados).
• Sé voluntario como intérprete de español para apoyar a los participantes.
• Comparte el volante con familias que puedan beneficiarse de la clase
Register / Regístrate
|
World Refugee Day Block Party
Friday, June 20 / 5–8 p.m.
Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids
Join Treetops Collective in celebrating World Refugee Day with an evening of global music, cross-cultural food trucks, interactive art, kids’ crafts, and powerful stories from refugee community members. This event honors the courage and resilience of refugees around the world and invites the Grand Rapids community to stand in solidarity.
Drop by anytime and be part of this vibrant celebration of strength, hope, and belongi
|
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.
|
Story Time with GRPL: Refugee Stories & Crafts
Tuesday, June 24 / 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids
Bring your kids to a special storytime hosted by the Grand Rapids Public Library at Treetops Collective! Children will enjoy listening to refugee stories and creating a cross-cultural craft. After storytime, parents are invited to connect over coffee and treats in the Treetops Community Café.
This event is free and open to all—donations to Treetops are welcome and appreciated.
|
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!
|
Funding Opportunities
Capacity Building & Outreach Grant
Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Office of Global Michigan (OGM) is offering a new funding opportunity to strengthen community-based organizations that support Michigan’s immigrant and refugee populations.
The Capacity Building and Outreach (CBO) grant provides funding to help organizations expand their infrastructure, increase community outreach, and strengthen partnerships that serve newcomers across the state.
Key Details:
-
Total Available Funding: $700,000
-
Award Range: $10,000 – $75,000
-
Average Award: $50,000
-
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits (501(c)(3)), private institutions, individuals, or local businesses in good standing
Priority Consideration For:
-
Ethnic Community-Based Organizations (ECBOs)
-
New or previously unfunded organizations
-
Proposals demonstrating collaboration and coalition-building
How to Apply:
Proposals must be submitted via email to LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by the deadline.
Proposals must follow all guidelines in the RFP and use the response template provided.
Access the Full RFP and Instructions:
Visit: https://www.michigan.gov/ogm
Look for "Capacity Building and Outreach – RFP No. CBO26-9901"
Community-based organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and share this opportunity with partners working in immigrant and refugee support across Michigan.
Refugee Youth Mentoring Program
Proposal Deadline: July 22, 2025, 3 PM (EDT)
Information Session: Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30 PM
The Office of Global Michigan has announced a new funding opportunity for the Refugee Youth Mentoring – 2026program. This initiative supports programs that provide mentorship and development opportunities for refugee youth across Michigan.
This round of funding will be administered through EGrAMS, the State of Michigan’s web-based Electronic Grants Administration & Management System, which manages the full grant process from application to closeout.
How to Access the RFP:
Need Technical Assistance?
For help with the EGrAMS platform, contact the LEO EGrAMS Helpdesk at LEO-EGrAMS-Helpdesk@michigan.gov
Community organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and share this opportunity with partners who support refugee youth development.
 June
20 | World Refugee Day Block Party
21 | Red de Empresarias Latinas de Cuidado Infantil Familiar
22 | WMAAA 5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk
24 | Storytime with GRPL
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!
|
