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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
Welcome Plan Hosts Strategic Planning Meeting
 Workgroup co-chairs, collaborative members, and steering committee members of the Welcome Plan recently convened to shape goals for 2026, with representatives from the Office of Global Michigan observing the discussion. From improving educational outcomes to fostering safe and engaged communities, participants explored impactful goals in programming, operations, and community engagement. We look forward to sharing our refined goals in our upcoming strategic plan as we continue working to make West Michigan a welcoming place for refugees, immigrants, and New Americans.
Welcome Plan Connects with English Language Learners
Last week, the West Michigan Welcome Plan had the opportunity to present to a class of English language learners held by the Literacy Center of West Michigan for local immigrants and refugees. Welcome Plan Coordinator Hollin shared highlights of our collaborative work, including the Driver’s License Toolkit, Food Vendor Workshops, and upcoming events like the Global Gathering and the Maximize Economic Potential Summit. Students were pleasantly surprised and encouraged to learn about the efforts being made to help them feel welcomed and supported in West Michigan. A special thanks to McKenna and Karrie from the Literacy Center for the kind invitation!
Food Vendor Workshop Series – Free & Open to All
 Are you a food vendor or home cook? Join us for a series of free workshops designed to help you cook, plan, and sell with confidence!
Upcoming Workshops:
Cottage Food Law (Virtual Only)
Learn the legal basics of selling homemade foods in Michigan.
Saturday, July 19 | 10 AM – 12:00 PM
Planning for Selling Food at an Event (Hybrid)
Learn how to make cost-saving shopping lists, organize your team, and stay on schedule.
Friday, August 22 | 12:00 – 3 PM
Click the "Register Here" button for the full flyer and workshop details.
Thailand Community Meal
August 2
9 AM – 1:30 PM
Intersection Ministries – East Gym (East Building)
945 136th Ave, Holland, MI
Join us for a free cultural cooking experience and community lunch. Come early to help prepare a delicious Thai meal, or join us at 12:15 PM for a special cultural presentation by the West Michigan Asian American Association.
This event is part of the Real Food Can Connect Us series—an ongoing effort to build community through shared meals and cultural exchange. All are welcome!
English and Spanish Flyer
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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 and 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.
Volunteer at the Michigan Immigrant Youth Conference – Fall 2025
Lansing, MI
Be part of something powerful. This fall, the Michigan Immigrant Youth Conference returns—bringing together over 240 immigrant and refugee youth from across the state for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth.
We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help make this event a success! From welcoming students to assisting with workshops and logistics, your support will help create a safe, empowering space where young leaders can thrive.
Why Volunteer?
- Support youth navigating immigration and identity
- Gain experience in event coordination and youth engagement
- Help lead workshops on college access, mental health, and civic engagement
- Be part of a community working to build a more welcoming Michigan
- Whether you're an educator, student, community member, or ally
Sign up to volunteer or contact us to learn more about how you can get involved. We need your help!
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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.
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Global Gathering Festival
Saturday, September 13 | 12:00 – 6 PM
Garfield Park, 1120 Canal St SE, Grand Rapids
The Global Gathering is back—a free celebration of food, music, art, and cultural traditions from around the world.
New this year: In-kind sponsorships to underwrite key festival needs and help create standout experiences.
Ways to Get Involved:
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Volunteer: Help make the day run smoothly— sign up here
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In-Kind Donations: Sponsor a performance, photobooth, tent, workshop, or another key element of the festival.
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Other Roles: Be a vendor, perform on stage, lead a workshop, walk the runway, or become a financial sponsor.
Use the interest form link below to select your role, provide a donation, or sign up to volunteer. Help us make this year’s festival unforgettable.
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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.
Local Resources
Immigration Legal Services: Immigrant Connection at KCC
1200 60th St SE in Kentwood, Monday through Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM
Immigrant Connection at Kentwood Community Church provides low-cost immigration legal services for the West Michigan community.
Services are available by appointment only. Community members can request a consultation online. Those interested can sign up at: kentwoodcommunitychurch.com/immigrant-connection. For questions, contact: ic@kcconline.org or call 616-827-3211.
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Community Resource Fair: Exalta Health
Friday, August 22 from 3 PM to 7 PM -2060 Division ave, Grand Rapids MI
Exalta Health is hosting a Community Resource Fair. The event will connect individuals and families to local services, support programs, and community resources.
The fair will include bilingual support in English and Spanish and is open to all.
Those interested in attending or learning more can visit:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/resourcefair/event/exaltahealthsresourcefair2025 For questions or additional information, contact Karleigh Murray at kmurray@exaltahealth.org or call 616-475-1326.
Click on Image For English and Spanish Flyer
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DHHS Appointments at the Hispanic Center
The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is continuing its partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). While we are no longer doing weekly drop-ins, DHHS appointments are still available by request.
DHHS staff will be available at the Hispanic Center to help with:
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Food Assistance Program (FAP) – Helps you buy food.
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Health Coverage – Support with healthcare costs.
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Cash Assistance – Financial support for parents, older adults, refugees, and people with disabilities.
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Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – Provides food, referrals, and education for mothers and young children.
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Child Development & Care (CDC) – Helps cover childcare costs for working families.
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State Emergency Relief (SER) – Helps with emergency expenses like utilities or housing.
To schedule an appointment, please call 616-742-0200. You can also reach out to Vero Mascorro (vmascorro@hispanic-center.org), who is leading this partnership.
Click on image for English and Spanish Flyers
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Community Engagement
 Mark your calendars and join us at these vibrant community festivals happening across West Michigan:
Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
August 1 - 3 / Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI
One of the largest Hispanic celebrations in the state—featuring music, food, dance, and community.
AGOA African Festival
August 9 - 10 / Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI
Experience the richness of African cultures through performances, food, fashion, and art.
Come celebrate, connect, and support our diverse communities!
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
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Circle of Everyday Parenting – Class for Moms
Mondays and Saturdays / June - September
Virtual or In-Person
City on the Hill Health Clinic, GVSU Nursing and Psychology Students, Empowering Youth Global Connection (EYGC), and Parenting Specialist Dr. Exchange invite you to a special class for New American Moms — mothers who have moved to Michigan from anywhere in the world.
All moms and grandmas are welcome, no matter your age or how long you have lived in the United States.
The health topics in this class focus on pregnancy and postpartum care, but the class is open to all. Together, we will build community, share our experiences raising children, and talk about the joys and challenges of parenting in a new country. We will also learn about the rules and laws that affect children and families in the U.S., and the many free resources available to support you and your family.
This is a safe, supportive space. We share stories, celebrate our successes, and have open and honest conversations.
A meal and free daycare will be provided during each session.
If you need help with transportation or translation, or if you are able to help provide either, please let us know.
Register / Regístrate
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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.
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Trunk-or-Treat for Lead Defeat: Healthy Homes Coalition
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5 PM–7 PM | SECOM south parking lot
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan invites families to its annual Trunk-or-Treat for Lead Defeat.
This community event raises awareness about childhood lead poisoning—an issue affecting many families in Kent County. Attendees will learn about lead hazards, safe housing, and community resources—all while enjoying a fun, family-friendly evening with treats and activities.
Click on the image for event flyer.
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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.
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.
 July
30 | LIA - Immigrant Rights Summit
August
1-3 | Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
2 | Thailand Community Meal
8 | Maximize Economic Potential Summit (MEPS) 2.0
9-10 | A Glimpse of Africa Festival
22 | Grant Writing Workshop: Where Are the Grants?
22 | Community Resource Fair: Exalta Health
Job Opportunities
Community School Coordinator at Sparta Middle School
Kent School Services Network (KSSN) is hiring a Community School Coordinator to serve at Sparta Middle School. This role supports school success by building partnerships between families, schools, and community organizations.
This is a full-time position focused on improving student outcomes through coordinated services and family engagement. Those interested can apply at:
https://www.kentssn.org/connect/employment
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!
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