By WKTV Staff
Beginning last week and running though this week, Sept. 19, many of Kent County’s cities, municipalities, organizations and individuals are celebrating Welcoming Week, an annual celebration led by Welcoming America to “showcase the growing movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants,” according to a county announcement.
“Kent County is a proud supporter of Welcoming Week as it emulates our commitment to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion and the Kent County Strategic Plan priority for inclusive participation,” Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, said in supplied material.
Over the last decade, Kent County’s population has grown at a record-breaking pace — and it has not just grown in number, but it has also become more diverse, according to the announcement. Nearly 26 percent of residents identify as racially or ethnically diverse, and this number will increase in the years ahead.
As part of the county effort, under the theme of “Belonging Begins With US”, the Gateways for Growth Grand Rapids/Kent County Facebook page will highlight the strides made to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans through the Kent County Welcome Plan.
Welcoming Week is particularly timely as our area prepares to welcome over 200 Afghan refugees to the local community. Opportunities to support welcoming of our new neighbors will also be shared on the Gateways for Growth Grand Rapids/Kent County Facebook page.
“We are committed to undertaking efforts and strategies and working with the Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, County Departments and the community to address the needs of our evolving population so that we can create a community of belonging, and provide equitable access to efficient, effective, and culturally responsive services,” Al Vanderberg, Kent County Administrator/Controller, said in supplied material.
The Gateways for Growth Grand Rapids/Kent County steering committee — comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas —debuted the Welcome Plan in September 2020, according to the announcement.
The steering committee, in partnership with a task force of 36 organizations from across the community known as the Welcome Committee, guided the plan creation process that centered immigrant voices through representation on the committees and obtained through hundreds of surveys and several dozens of focus groups.
