|
View as Webpage
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
Connecting Talent & Opportunity: Highlights from MEPS 2.0
 Last week’s Maximize Economic Potential Summit at Davenport University brought together international talent, local employers, and community service providers to share experiences and build meaningful connections. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in credential evaluation consultations for those with foreign degrees. The day left everyone inspired by stories of perseverance and grit, and optimistic about future collaboration toward a more welcoming, supportive workforce and education landscape.
A special thank-you to all the volunteers who made this event possible; our workgroup co-chairs Carlos Pava (Voices for Health) and Marcus Little (Literacy Center of West Michigan); our workgroup intern Judith Lusamba; and Carlos Sanchez for hosting us at Davenport’s outstanding campus.
We also extend our gratitude to all collaborative partners and to our sponsors — Office of Global Michigan and Lake Michigan Credit Union — for their generous support.
Teen Connect Summer English Classes
 This summer, Welcome Plan Collaborative partners came together to launch Teen Connect, a summer English language program designed specifically for high school students who are English learners. Many school districts in our region are unable to offer summer language classes for teens, making this collaborative effort especially critical.
The program focused on real-world English conversation and student-led topics such as mock interviews, applying for a driver’s license, and ordering food at restaurants—giving teens the tools to grow their language skills in meaningful and practical ways.
We’re grateful to our partners who made this pilot possible:
This summer's class was a success—and we look forward to strengthening these partnerships in hopes of offering this vital service again next year.
Interns Celebration!
 We recently celebrated the upcoming completion of internships for our very first group of Welcome Plan interns. This special gathering was a chance to recognize their hard work, dedication, and valuable contributions to our projects over the past year. The celebration included shared food, professional headshots, and a fun pottery-making activity. We are grateful for their commitment and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
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 Workshop:
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.
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
Sign up to volunteer or contact us to learn more about how you can get involved. We need your help!
|
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 Festival
Saturday, September 13 | 12:00 – 6 PM
Garfield Park, 2111 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
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:
-
Volunteer: Help make the day run smoothly— sign up here
-
In-Kind Donations: Sponsor a performance, photobooth, tent, workshop, or another key element of the festival.
-
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.
|
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
The Welcome Plan International Degree Toolkit
Now Available in Multiple Languages
The Welcome Plan's Maximize Economic Potential workgroup is excited to share the new International Degree Toolkit, designed to help immigrants and refugees explore ways to use their international degrees in our community. The toolkit includes guidance, resources, and practical steps for credential evaluation, career pathways, starting thier own busines, and continuing education.
📄 Download the toolkit and access translations here: Download Now
|
Free Hearing and Vision Screenings For Kids
The Kent County Health Department is offering free hearing and vision screenings for children sages 3 and up. Screenings are available in schools, preschools, day cares, or by appointment - just call 616‑632‑7047 to schedule.
Michigan law requires that all children present documentation of a hearing and vision screening, or an approved exemption, before their first day of kindergarten.
Early detection is essential: even mild, diagnosed sensory issues can impact a child’s ability to learn, follow directions, socialize, or participate fully in school. Identifying and addressing these concerns early can help prevent long-term challenges and support academic success.
We’re proud to offer this no-cost program to our community. Early screening truly can change the trajectory for kids by helping them start school with clarity, comfort, and confidence.
|
Free Citizenship Classes
September 17 – November 12
6:30 PM – 8 PM
Intersection Ministries
945 136th Ave, Holland, MI 49424
Last Day to Register: September 24
What Students will Receive:
- Study materials
- Practice for the 100 civics questions
- Help filling out the USCIS N-400 Application for Naturalization
- Assistance preparing an attorney packet with required documents
- A free pre-screening with an immigration attorney and referral
Contact to Register:
Or register here Citizenship Class | Intersection Ministries
|
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.
|
Community Resource Fair: Exalta Health
Friday, August 22 from 3 PM - 7 PM -2060 Division Avenue, Grand Rapids MI
Exalta Health is hosting a Community Resource Fair to 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
|
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:
-
Food Assistance Program (FAP) – Helps you buy food.
-
Health Coverage – Support with healthcare costs.
-
Cash Assistance – Financial support for parents, older adults, refugees, and people with disabilities.
-
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – Provides food, referrals, and education for mothers and young children.
-
Child Development & Care (CDC) – Helps cover childcare costs for working families.
-
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
|
Community Engagement
Fiesta Mexicana
September 12-14 @ Calder Plaza - 300 Monroe ave NE Grand Rapids
The Mexican community has been in Grand Rapids for generations, and it is the largest Latin ethnic group in West Michigan and continues to grow. Fiesta Mexicana is our flagship event and is one of the oldest ethnic festivals in Grand Rapids. It educates the public about Mexican culture, history and tradition, and highlights the contributions of Americans with Mexican heritage. It's three days of music, dance, food, carnival games and more!
|
Knowing Their Story, Knowing Your Role: Navigating the Path to Mental Well-Being for Refugees & New Americans
Friday, September 19, 2025 • 1:00–4:00 pm
Kent County Health Department - 700 Fuller Avenue Northeast Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Who should attend: Professionals across disciplines who provide mental health support to Refugee and New American communities.
What you’ll gain:
-
Develop and cultivate cultural humility
-
Analyze and build strategic treatment plans
-
Articulate and adapt therapeutic modalities through a cultural lens
CE Credits: Registration includes 3 Social Work Continuing Education credits (provided by Forest View Hospital). Scholarships available upon request.
Register Here!
—or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
Questions: Contact Tracy Malinowski-Fahner at tracy.fahner@kentcountymi.gov.
Please feel free to share with colleagues!
|
Funding Opportunities
Grant Funding Opportunity: Strengthening Health Equity through the CHW Workforce
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering the Community Health Worker Integration to Improve Equity (CITIE) grant to expand the CHW workforce and address health inequities in Michigan. Funding supports training, professional development, capacity building, and CHW integration into care teams to reduce non-medical barriers to health.
Who can apply: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public/private entities, local health departments, federally recognized tribes, Urban Indian Health Clinics, and universities.
-
Total funding: $200,000
-
Grant period: Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026
-
Request application by: Aug. 18, 2025 (5 p.m.)
-
Submit by: Aug. 22, 2025 (3 p.m.)
📅 Pre-application conference: July 30, 2025 – Join here
🔗 Full details & application: MDHHS EGrAMS – CITIE-2026
 August
22 | Workshop: Planning for Selling Food at an Event
22 | Community Resource Fair: Exalta Health
September
13 | Global Gathering
12- 14 | Fiesta Mexicana
19 | Knowing Their Story, Knowing Your Role
Job Opportunities
Apply For Kent County Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community?
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving through appointment to its boards, commissions, and committees. They are happy to highlight over 40 open seats across boards, commissions, and committees - providing opportunities for residents to shape local priorities in areas such as aging services, health policy, transportation, public infrastructure, and more! These important roles offer meaningful opportunities for residents to help shape county policies and make a real impact.
Qualified residents may learn more and apply by completing an online account and submitting an application here. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2025
|
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!
|
