Submit Newsletter Content!

We’re now using a Community Newsletter Submission Form to collect news, events, and opportunities that support immigrants, refugees, and New Americans in West Michigan. Use the form to request inclusion in our newsletter, website, or social media.

Email requests will no longer be accepted. Submission does not guarantee inclusion rather priority goes to content most relevant to immigrant communities.

Small Business Expansion - Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA) now offers affordable help for Michigan small businesses and nonprofits (under 25 staff) to hire and retain international talent—moving you from “what are our options?” to completed filings. The services include:

• Consultations: One-hour attorney sessions for candidates already in the U.S. (OPT/STEM-OPT, DACA/TPS/asylum EAD, refugees, parolees).
  
  
• Petitions: Full-service H-1B and TN sponsorship—from eligibility review through USCIS submission.
  
  
• Workplace Trainings: Tailored guidance on work-authorization verification, when sponsorship applies, timelines, costs, and employer duties.

Get started: Contact Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to schedule a consult or training.

EILprogram@lia-michigan.org · (616) 298-8984 · 412 W 24th St., Holland, MI

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 at kentwoodcommunitychurch.com/immigrant-connection. For questions, contact ic@kcconline.org or call 616-827-3211.

Thrive Together: Financial Empowerment Program – A Glimpse of Africa (AGOA)

November 2025 | Grand Rapids, MI

A Glimpse of Africa is launching the second cohort of Thrive Together, a five-week Financial Empowerment and Small Business Training Program designed for African immigrants and refugees in West Michigan.

Following the success of the first cohort, this program continues to strengthen economic confidence, knowledge, and opportunity within our community. Participants will gain practical tools in personal finance, wealth-building, and business development — empowering them to manage money effectively, start or expand a business, and build lasting financial stability for their families.

AGOA believes in the power of knowledge and community to transform lives. Together, we’ll harness the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit of the African community to create sustainable economic impact.

👉 Register Here: Thrive Together Registration Form

Support Refugee Students — Volunteer with the Refugee Education Center

Join the Refugee Education Center (REC) in supporting our new American neighbors on their journeys to become fully participating community members!

REC is currently seeking volunteers for several impactful roles:

• Project Faulu After-School Program Tutor
• Graduate + Grow Program Mentor
• Boston Square Early Learning Center Classroom Aid
• Boston Square Early Learning Center Front Desk Support

Volunteers as young as 13–14 years old (high school-age or entering high school) are welcome to apply. A background check is required for all volunteers.

📩 Get Involved:
Visit refugeeGR.org/volunteer to review available opportunities and complete the volunteer interest form, or contact Anna Bundy at anna@refugeegr.org for more information.

🧡 Your time makes a difference.
Dedicating your valuable time helps create a more welcoming West Michigan and positively impacts the lives of local refugee students.

Please help spread the word — share this flyer with your networks to help connect more volunteers to these meaningful opportunities.

Spread Joy This Season with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

Sponsor Deadline: December 1  givebutter.com/toydistribution

The Toy Distribution Event is a cherished tradition that brings smiles, laughter, and hope to children and families in our community — especially those facing economic hardship. Each year, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan works to ensure that no child wakes up without a gift under the Christmas tree, reminding us all of the true spirit of giving.

Last year, 437 families were served, but many children were still left without gifts. With your support, we can reach even more families this holiday season.

Become a Sponsor:
Your sponsorship helps provide toys — and joy — to hundreds of local children. Learn more and contribute

Together, let’s make sure every child experiences the magic of the season.

African Collaborative Network – Youth Internship Program

The African Collaborative Network (ACN) is dedicated to empowering young African immigrants, refugees, and migrants through its Youth Internship Program, which connects participants to meaningful career experiences across West Michigan.

Through partnerships with local organizations, the program offers hands-on internships that build essential skills and provide real-world exposure to diverse industries. Participants also receive mentorship from professionals and attend career development workshops focused on resume building, interview preparation, and professional networking.

Apply Here

Now Open: Rural Welcoming Initiative 2026 – Welcoming America

Free Membership | Deadline: November 21, 2025

Welcoming America is continuing its commitment to rural communities in 2026 through the Rural Welcoming Initiative (RWI) — a yearlong program designed to help small towns and local nonprofits build inclusion, strengthen connections, and grow as welcoming places for all.

Through this initiative, ten rural communities will receive tailored technical assistance, peer learning sessions, rural local-to-local partnerships, an in-person Rural Welcoming Gathering, and a complimentary 2026 Welcoming America membership.

This opportunity is open to rural local governments, nonprofits, and coalitions working to advance belonging and inclusion in their regions.

Applications are due by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Learn more and apply: View Flyer and Details
Contact: Briana Broberg – briana@welcomingamerica.org

West Michigan Minority Contractors Networking Event

November 6, 2025 | 4 –6 PM | Rockford Construction, 601 First Street NW, Grand Rapids

Join West Michigan Minority Contractors for an evening of networking, learning, and collaboration. These events offer diversely owned contractors a place to connect, build relationships, and explore new opportunities across West Michigan’s growing construction sector.

This session will feature:

• Brad Mathis (Rockford Construction) and Scott Veine (Pioneer Construction) sharing updates on inclusion efforts in Grand Rapids’ recent major projects and outlining upcoming opportunities for local contractors.
  
  
• Britany Cooper (APEX Accelerator) presenting insights on bidding for government contracts and navigating procurement processes.

Whether you’re a contractor, developer, architect/engineer, supplier, or trades professional, this is an excellent opportunity to stay informed and expand your network.

Cost: Free and open to members and non-members
Hosted and sponsored by: Rockford Construction

👉 Register Here: West Michigan Minority Contractors Event Registration

Join The South Asian Community Meeting in  Ann Arbor

Saturday, November 8 | 2–4 PM | Ann Arbor

Join us for a unique community gathering bringing together South Asian residents, local leaders, and policymakers for an afternoon of connection and meaningful dialogue.

This event is an opportunity for South Asian community-building, education, and civic engagement — a space to voice the issues, concerns, and hopes that matter most to you as Michiganders.

Facilitated by:
Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Ann Arbor City Council Member and Chair, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), along with members of The People’s Coalition Planning Committee

Special Guests:
Federal, state and local officials will join the conversation to listen, learn, and engage directly with community members.

Participate in roundtable discussions, connect with neighbors, and help shape advocacy priorities for our communities.

RSVP Here: tinyurl.com/SouthAsianMeeting

Hour of Impact: This Is Y

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Start your morning with inspiration, community, and purpose at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Hour of Impact Breakfast. From life-saving swim lessons to affordable childcare to LIVESTRONG® support for cancer survivors, every story reminds us why the Y matters.

Schedule:

• 7:30 AM – 8 AM – Breakfast & Networking
• 8 AM – 9 AM – Program

Tickets: $75 per person (tables available)

🔗 Register/Sponsor: https://www.givebutter.com/YMCAHOI

2025 Talent & Inclusion Summit
Unlocking Talent, Inclusion, and Retention for a Stronger West Michigan

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 8 AM – 1 PM | JW Marriott, Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Talent & Inclusion Summit brings together executives, Human Resource professionals, and thought leaders to explore strategies for building inclusive, high-performing teams. This year’s focus includes inclusive leadership, effective attraction and retention strategies, and engaging a multi-generational workforce.

Attendees will leave with practical tools to strengthen workplace culture, foster belonging, and retain top talent across West Michigan.

Register Here!

TAPESTRY: Celebrating 15 Years of Global Detroit

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | 2900 E GRAND BLVD Detroit, MI

This November, Global Detroit invites you to TAPESTRY, our annual fundraiser and community celebration. Together we’ll honor 15 years of advancing immigrant-focused strategies that fuel innovation, strengthen communities, and drive prosperity across Southeast Michigan.

The evening will feature food, drinks, music, and special guests while recognizing the leaders, organizations, and businesses shaping a more welcoming Michigan.

Sponsorship is your opportunity to celebrate Global Detroit’s 15 years of impact, take a stand for smart immigration policies that safeguard entrepreneurship and economic growth, and bolster shared prosperity by ensuring immigrants are intentionally part of regional development strategies.

 View Sponsor Packet

Support A Glimpse of Africa’s Holiday Food Distributions

Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 PM
Sunday, December 14 at 3:30 PM
HUB 07 – 1534 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Our partners at A Glimpse of Africa are inviting the community to come together this holiday season to support families facing food insecurity.

Their Annual Holiday Food Distributions in November and December provide healthy, fresh foods to households across West Michigan. With recent SNAP benefit changes increasing local needs, community support is more important than ever.

Last year, these efforts reached 200 individuals and 800 household members. This year, the goal is to double that impact — reaching up to 1,600 families.

Ways to Help:

• Donate fresh produce, dry foods, and meats or dairy (no canned items, please).
• Contribute funds: www.aglimpseofafrica.org → click Donate and note “Food Distribution.”
• Volunteer: Sign up here to help distribute food and serve families with dignity.

For questions or partnership opportunities, contact Safiya at 616-516-4865 or ssharif@glimpseofafrica.org.

Together, we can help make sure every family has what they need this season.

Click on the image to view and share the event flyers.

50th Anniversary of the Laotian Diaspora: Sparking Change Heirloom Project

Saturday, December 6 | Ann Arbor District Library | 3 PM –7 PM

Join this powerful evening of storytelling, photography, fashion, food, and resilience as we commemorate 50 years of the Laotian Diaspora.

The Sparking Change Heirloom Project, sponsored by USA for UNHCR, invites the community to reflect on what it truly means to be a refugee — to rebuild, to persevere, and to create new roots while honoring the past.

RSVP HERE

Part-Time Finance Officer — West Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA)

Part-Time | $25–$30/hour (based on experience) | 10–15 hours/week (hybrid; at least 5 hours in-person) 

WMAAA seeks a detail-oriented and mission-driven Part-Time Finance Officer to support the financial operations of our growing nonprofit—helping strengthen systems that sustain our programs and community impact.

The Finance Officer will process payroll, manage bookkeeping and grant reporting, prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements, and assist the Executive Director with annual budget development. This role is ideal for someone experienced in accounting, familiar with nonprofit finance, and passionate about supporting an organization that uplifts West Michigan’s Asian American communities.

👉 More Information Here: Part-Time Finance Officer (PDF)

👉 To Apply: Email Yilin Wendland-Liu at Ywendland-liu@wm-aaa.org

🌐 Learn more: West Michigan Asian American Association

Executive Director (Interim) & Administrative Assistant – Coalition of African Organizations in West Michigan (CAO-WM)

Executive Director & Staff Attorney / DOJ-Accredited Representative – Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA)

Full-Time | West Michigan (Lakeshore & Holland)

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA) is growing its leadership and legal team to continue advancing immigrant justice across West Michigan.

Executive Director
Full-Time | Salary DOE | Start Date: Open until filled (applications requested by Dec 15, 2025)

LIA seeks a mission-driven Executive Director to lead strategy, fundraising, and operations while partnering with the Board to guide vision and governance. The Executive Director stewards finances and compliance, mentors a collaborative staff, and represents LIA with donors, partners, and media. This role oversees development (grants, major gifts, and contracts), ensures program quality and impact, and strengthens community engagement and advocacy across the region.

👉 More Information Here: Staff Attorney Job Description (PDF) 

Staff Attorney / DOJ-Accredited Representative
Full-Time (36–40 hrs/week) | $50,000 DOJ / $65,000+ Staff Attorney | Start Date: August 2025 | Holland, MI

The Staff Attorney or DOJ-Accredited Representative will provide high-quality immigration legal representation before USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, and potentially EOIR. This position serves immigrant and refugee community members throughout West Michigan.

Responsibilities include managing a diverse caseload of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters, preparing petitions and applications, conducting consultations, and collaborating on community education and outreach efforts. The position may include limited supervision of volunteers and interns, participation in regional coalitions, and occasional travel for mobile clinics and presentations.

LIA offers a family-friendly, flexible work environment with benefits including medical/dental coverage, IRA matching, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

👉 More Information Here: LIA Staff Attorney / DOJ Representative (PDF)
🌐 Learn more: Light House Immigrant Advocates

Women’s Concentric Leaders – Treetops Collective

Treetops Collective is now recruiting participants for the next cohort of Women’s Concentric Leaders, a 15-month leadership development program empowering immigrant and refugee women to connect, grow, and lead in West Michigan.

This opportunity begins with a three-month orientation in February 2026, followed by a year of hands-on leadership training and community engagement. Participants work together to build confidence, strengthen networks, and drive positive change in their neighborhoods.

Applicants should be proficient in English and one or more of the following languages: Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Amharic, Cuban or Venezuelan Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Ukrainian, Rohingya, Burmese, or Somali.

Those interested can apply online at this link or contact Taryn Hoeksema at 616-448-6952 for more information.

🌐 Learn more: Tree Tops Collective