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

WELCOME PLAN UPDATES

Each group shared their origin story and highlighted the wins and strategies that have helped drive progress in their regions. The conversation celebrated the creativity and commitment fueling immigrant and refugee support and inclusion across the state.

While similar challenges were recognized, the diverse ways in which each RCC is addressing them offered fresh insight and inspiration. These shared learnings are building a stronger, more coordinated movement statewide.

Thank you to KRRC for hosting and RCC teams and for contributing such honest and energizing dialogue. Together, we’re cultivating a more welcoming Michigan—region by region.

Update: Native Language Library Drive

Over 500 native-language & bilingual books in 18 languages are now in Kentwood Public Schools (KPS).

Thanks to generous private donors, the Kent District Library, and partners of the Welcome Plan’s Improving Educational Outcomes Workgroup:

• Five schools—Bowen, Endeavor, Hamilton, Pinewood, and East Kentwood High—have new World Language sections that will open for checkout in the 2025-26 school year.

• Library Media Specialist Meredith Hyde, Director of Multilingual Leaners Sanela Zaimovic Sprecic, and members of the KPS team created a model that can be scaled district-wide and share with other interested districts in our region and state.

• Valleywood Middle School, originally outside the pilot, secured its own collection after Meredith launched a GoFundMe—giving students their first access to bilingual books, lower Lexile texts, and graphic novels.

This is more than a book drive; it’s a commitment to honor multilingualism, boost literacy, and ensure every learner sees their culture and language on the shelves.

Stay tuned as we roll out launch events at schools and continue expanding the collection!

Maximize Economic Potential Summit (MEPS) 2.0

click for event flyer

August 8 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Davenport University,  

6191 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Join employers, service providers, and internationally trained professionals for a one-day deep dive into proven strategies that unlock the economic power of immigrant talent.

What you’ll gain

• Real-world success stories from West Michigan employers

• Practical tools for licensing & certification pathways

• Hiring and retention tactics tailor-made for immigrant talent

• Timely immigration policy insights that affect your workforce

• Networking with international professionals, employers, and community partners

• Replicable models that boost immigrant economic mobility

Register for this free event today!

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.

Global Gathering Returns September 13!

Saturday, September 13 / 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Garfield Park, 1120 Canal St SE, Grand Rapids

Community Engagement

Call for Volunteers:  A Glimpse of Africa 2025 Festival Organizers of the 2025 Festival, taking place August 9–10, are now recruiting volunteers. Additional support is needed on August 8 for pre-festival setup—tents, tables, and other logistics.  A large turnout is expected, so community members are encouraged to invite friends and family to join the team. Volunteer roles Morning setup Volunteer booth support Parking and traffic coordination Those interested can sign up at: Volunteer Sign up Page

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

Immigrant Rights Summit Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates is hosting the Immigrant Rights Summit on July 30, 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the Haworth Hotel & Conference Center. The program will cover the latest immigration policy updates, the intersection of immigration and civil law, and related topics. A light breakfast and full lunch are included.  Registration is now open, with sponsorship opportunities available.

Funding Opportunities 

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program

Proposal Deadline: July 22, 2025, 3 p.m. (EDT)
Information Session: Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m.

The Office of Global Michigan has announced a new funding opportunity for the Refugee Youth Mentoring – 2026 program. This initiative supports programs that provide mentorship and development opportunities for refugee youth across Michigan.

• Visit: https://egrams-mi.com/LEO/user/categoryprograms.aspx and select “Refugee Youth Mentoring– 2026” to download the application materials

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.

Refugee Transportation Services – 2026

Proposal deadline: July 17, 2025

The Office of Global Michigan has opened the Refugee Transportation Services RFP. The Refugee Transportation Services (RTS) program assists eligible populations with their transportation needs to reduce barriers to employment, integration, social adjustment, health and overall wellness. The program will assist individuals by providing a transportation service, assisting in the navigation of community resources, or through training programs that lead to long term self-sufficiency.

• Apply in EGrAMS: https://egrams-mi.com/LEO/user/categoryprograms.aspx
  (Select “Refugee Transportation Services – 2026” to download the RFP and response template.)

Questions? Email LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov.
Need portal help? Contact LEO-EGrAMS-Helpdesk@michigan.gov.

July

30 | LIA - Immigrant Rights Summit

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!