Advocacy

Organization Name:  Global Talent Bridge
Organization Overview:  Global Talent Bridge is dedicated to helping skilled immigrants overcome the barriers that keep them from fully utilizing their talents and education in the United States. We join with institutional partners and community-based organizations to help skilled immigrants leverage their training, achieve their career and professional goals, and contribute their talents to their full potential. A Strong Foundation Global Talent Bridge grew out of World Education Services' 35-year history of validating and analyzing the academic credentials of immigrants trained abroad. Inspired by its clients' vast talents, this initiative was launched to empower skilled immigrants and maximize their contributions to their new communities and the nation's economy. Areas of activity include: • Professional development activities, including staff training and other forms of technical assistance, for community organizations, government agencies and employers • Direct outreach to skilled immigrants, including seminars and comprehensive online resources • Research studies, publications and resource development • Policy advocacy at the local, state and national level.
Language:  English
Cultures:  All,International Students
Street:  1 Battery Park Plaza
City/Township:  New York, NY
State:  New York
Zip Code:  10004
Country:  USA
Phone:  (212)
Organization Overview:  The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is funded by numerous entities that are equally committed to its mission. Our Mission To promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community through advocacy, education and research to achieve positive health outcomes. Our Vision To ensure that all West Michigan residents will have optimal health care and benefit from health systems without race being an impediment. GRAAHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Our Values Excellence: exceeding expectations…transforming lives. “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” -Booker T. Washington Through programing such as Real Women Real Change, we are redefining the way health education is delivered in urban communities. Women enter wanting to make health related changes and leave forever transformed. “Real Women Real Change made a significant impact in my life. The program helped me realize that a lifestyle change was possible, and gave me the courage to face the challenge head on. During the 10 week course I was able to eliminate one blood pressure medication, and increased my exercise from 15 minutes to 45 minutes daily. Since my graduation in 2013 I have continued to make strides. I have lost a total of 6 dress sizes for a total weight to date of 38 lbs., and I’m happy to report that I am under 200 lbs. for the first time in 10 years. Thank you Real Women Real Change and GRAAHI!” -Shelley Lyle, 2013 Participant As we continue our quest for excellence the upcoming years will mark expansion for the program. In the summer of 2014 a pilot program for women 30-39 years of age will be available, drawing inspiration from the use of hip hop and other aspects of urban culture to highlight the importance of preventive health behaviors. In 2015, the traditional program will be expanded to target multicultural and Hispanic populations. Our goal is simple- to exceed your expectations! Integrity: Trust is earned. Respect is appreciated. We are intentional about transparency and work diligently to earn the trust and respect of community and systems. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” -Bob Marley We are honest about our intentions and keep the organizational mission, goals and values at the forefront of our work. Our integrity and commitments to change are evident in our community endeavors, namely our Strong Fathers program. As a partner in the Strong Beginnings collaborative, GRAAHI is committed to connecting fathers with their children. Strong Fathers is designed to assist men in raising healthy children and actively supporting their families. The program consists of home visits, the Dads All Day small group, Barbershop Talk, and various celebratory events throughout the year. Innovation: Understanding that we cannot create new solutions using old tools, we bring creativity and vigor to the work we do. Our constant quest is for cutting edge solutions to the health and health care needs of African Americans and others residing in the urban core. “We cannot solve a problem by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created it.” -Albert Einstein The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute leads the way in many of its efforts. This year marks the 6th Rhythm Run, one of the first predominately African American races in the country. Since its inception, the race has been expanding to include a community fun day with health related vendors, a farmers market, health screenings, kids games and healthy refreshments. GRAAHI is working to expand the rhythm run brand, and will partner with groups in Flint to launch a satellite run in 2014. The formulary tool is yet another example of the innovation in action. First released in 2009, the tool provided consumer level information on drug availability by plan. The tool is currently under construction, with a new site slated for release in 2015. The newly revamped site will be user friendly, and offer information and education on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. With so many individuals and families selecting their own health plan as a result of the ACA, we feel that this information is needed and welcomed. The adoption of the Affordable Care Act has increased the number of individuals searching independently for health insurance. Therefore, this tool will definitely assist in helping families make informed decisions. Leadership: Leadership is everyone’s business. The path ahead will not be easy, but together we will accomplish extraordinary things. GRAAHI will walk along side its partners to promote equity in health and health care and those social factors that determine health. Through efforts such as the newly designed GVSU urban health studies concentration and the TEAMM minority mentee program, GRAAHI is working collaboratively with GVSU to ensure that students are ready and equipped to meet the needs of a diverse population upon graduation. The partnership with the Urban Core Collective, one of the first of its kind in the nation, is working to improve black/brown relationships, foster the training of indigenous leaders, and reintroduce the Urban Core as a desired place to live. As a core agency, GRAAHI has been instrumental in the startup and continued success of this impactful group.
Language:  English
Cultures:  African-American
Street:  515 Michigan St. N.E, Suite 102
City/Township:  Grand Rapids
State:  MI
Zip Code:  49503
Country:  USA
Phone:  (616) 331-5831
Fax No:  (616) 331-5839
Email:  info@graahi.org
Organization Overview:  The Children's Hospital of Michigan Hamtramck School-Based Health Center (HSBHC), a collaborative effort between DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Hamtramck Public Schools, provides free health care services to the students of Hamtramck Public Schools. Located in Hamtramck High School, HSBHC , opened it’s doors in 2000 to address the needs of the large Bosnian and Kosovo refugee populations in Hamtramck at that time. Since then the clinic has served children from over 40 different countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. While the Hamtramck School-Based Health Center services are available to all Hamtramck Public School students, the focus continues to be on immigrant children, as those children are not eligible for Medicaid coverage, other than Emergency services, in the state of Michigan. Hamtramck is a small city, approximately 2.5 square miles, located within Detroit, Michigan. There is no city health department or low cost health center and so HSBHC serves as one of the major vaccine providers in the area, particularly for the uninsured. The clinic is easily accessible to city residents by car or foot.
Language:  Albanian,Arabic,Bengali,Bosnian,English
Cultures:  African,African-American,Albanian,All,American,Arabic,Bangaladeshi,Bengali,East European,Refugees or Asylees,Yemeni
Street:  11410 Charest St.
City/Township:  Hamtramck
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48212
Country:  USA
Phone:  (313) 891-9473
Fax No:   (313) 892-1750
Organization Name:  Hamtramck United Social Services
Organization Overview:  Hamtramck United Social Services is a consortium of all the agencies that serve the 48212 zip code. This group has met monthly for the past 30 years, sharing information and coordinating services to reduce duplication and redundancy. For more information on the services that these agencies provide and their contact information, see the HUSS directory.
Language:  Bosnian,English,Polish,Ukrainian
Cultures:  African-American,All,American,Arabic,Bangaladeshi,Bengali,Bosnian,East European,Polish,Ukrainian,Yemeni
City/Township:  Hamtramck
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48212
Country:  USA
Organization Overview:  The Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan (HBAM) was formed in 1991 to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reforms in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate the standard of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession in the State of Michigan. Specifically, The Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan seeks to (1) provide a voice for Michigan’s Hispanics, especially those involved in the legal profession; (2) counsel and assist the Hispanic community by supporting local and charitable organizations; (3) advocate for greater representation of Hispanics in the legal profession and in public office, and (4) facilitate communication amongst Michigan attorneys and others concerned with the law.
Language:  English,Spanish
Cultures:  Hispanic
Street:  302 W. Main Street
City/Township:  Northville
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48167
Country:  USA
Phone:  (586) 883-6731, Caterina Amaro
Organization Overview:  The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a nonprofit organization serving the needs of the Hispanic and broader community.
Language:  English,Spanish
Cultures:  Hispanic
Street:  1204 Grandville Ave. NW
City/Township:  Grand Rapids
State:  MI
Zip Code:  49503
Country:  USA
Phone:  (616) 742-0200
Fax No:  (616) 742-0205
Organization Overview:  The Indo American Chamber of Commerce-USA strives to provide networking opportunities for business professionals to develop economic, commercial and financial relationships. The Chamber is also involved in business related education as well as advocacy of issues pertinent to business owners.
Language:  English,Hindi
Cultures:  American,Indian
Country:  USA
Phone:  248-882-1623
Organization Name:  International Affairs Center
Organization Overview:  Making this world better by helping others The International Affairs Center (IAC) is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that support and unite all American Immigrants in the Greater Flint Area. Through immigration and language services to the immigrant community and the community at large, the IAC works diligently to broaden understanding about and appreciation of Immigrants cultures and to encourage and recognize American Immigrants involvement in the Greater Flint Area community.
Language:  Arabic,English
Cultures:  All,Arabic,Multicultural
Street:  601 N. Saginaw Street Suite 1 B
City/Township:  Flint
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48502
Country:  USA
Phone:  (810) 762-4989
Fax No:  (810) 762-4979
Organization Overview:  The International League for the Protection of Horses - Michigan (ILPH - MI) is a horse's best friend. This nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation is the Michigan chapter of an international organization that is dedicated to the education of horse owners and to the welfare, rescue and rehabilitation of horses. This ensures that horses will be enjoyed and live full, happy lives. All funds raised by ILPH - MI, which is based in Dansville, are used for the protection of horses. Working for a world where Horses are used and Never Abused. We believe that horses should be employed as a show horse, pasture buddy, or working on a farm. They must have proper care and attention to make their lives complete. Protecting horses from abuse and alleviating their suffering by rehabilitating them, and educating people are our top priorities. Description The International League for the Protection of Horses - Michigan receives horses that are in need of care and rehabilitation. Once we accept a horse, we evaluate it to determine its needs and how it can best be used in the future. This process is done by a team that includes a veterinarian, equine dentist, physical therapist, farrier and several professional grooms. After a horse has received all the appropriate care and has recovered, it is loaned out to be used. In some cases a problem situation can be solved by educating the horse owner and it is not necessary to actually remove the horse. Although our work is focused on helping Michigan horses, Larry Heuer, president of ILPH-MI, helped in the equine rescue efforts that took place in September of 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. He helped distribute food to horses in southern Mississippi and rescue 26 horses. After this experience, ILPH-MI officials decided that providing assistance following future natural disasters would be part of our operations and efforts.
Language:  English
Cultures:  British,Multicultural,Other
City/Township:  East Lansing
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48823
Country:  USA
Phone:  (517) 449-3156
Organization Overview:  JFON is a ministry of hospitality in Grand Rapids and Holland that welcomes immigrants into our communities by providing affordable, high-quality immigration legal services, engaging in advocacy for immigrants’ rights and offering education to communities of faith and the public. As part of a nationwide outreach project of UMCOR and the First United Methodist Churches in Grand Rapids and Holland, JFON provides free immigration legal services to those earning 200% of poverty or less. JFON advocates for immigrants on issues of social justice and works to make our communities more welcoming to all immigrants, regardless of race or religion. Please DONATE Now! so we can continue to advocate FOR the immigrant!! JFON is a grassroots effort and depends on local support for 100% of our operating funds. No donation is too small. We appreciate your support!
Language:  Arabic,Burmese,English,French,Hindi,Nepali,Somali,Spanish,Swahili
Cultures:  All
Street:  207 Fulton St E, Suite 3101
City/Township:  Grand Rapids
State:  MI
Zip Code:  49503
Country:  USA
Phone:  (616) 301-7461
Organization Name:  Knights of Vartan
Organization Overview:  The Knights of Vartan is an Armenian fraternal organization established on May 27, 1916 by twelve visionary men to encourage its members to assume leadership roles in cultural, educational, religious, and charitable organizations and activities on the local, national and international level for the betterment of the Armenian nation worldwide. Shavarshan Lodge No.6 of greater Detroit was instituted on February 11, 1918 and has attracted that element of the Detroit Armenian Community which highly values its Armenian heritage, i.e.: religion and culture. In order to strengthen fraternal relations, Shavarshan Lodge has had an important role in the establishment and activities of the Midwest Interlodge. Because of the increasing English speaking Armenians, it helped institute Nareg Lodge No. 32 of greater Detroit on April 23, 1954. Later it helped start Alishan Lodge No. 39 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Shavarshan Lodge as had the great honor to provide the Knights of Vartan with three of its grand commanders in the persons of former grand commanders Alex Manoogian, Hagop Derderian, and Vahram Fantazian. In addition, Nareg Lodge #32 provided a fourth grand commander, Simon Javizian. Nareg Lodge, with the help of Shavarshan Lodge, was in the forefront of the forces in the establishment of the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Both lodges have contributed large sums of money to the Alex and Marie Manoogian A.G.B.U. School in Southfield, Michigan. Shavarshan Lodge has been the driving force in the organization of several dances and social events for Armenian singles at no cost to the attendees. Shavarshan Lodge has worked hand in hand with Nareg Lodge and both individually accomplished many great deeds. Since both lodges were working toward the same goals, they decided to merge and are now called Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge No. 6. This merger took place on May 1, 1996. The Knights of Vartan, individual lodges, and the Grand Council have made substantial financial contributions to other charitable organizations, to churches and church projects, to the Armenian community and to the community in general and to our Ancestral Homeland of Armenia. Some of the projects that we have undertaken are; the Establishment of the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan Financial Support to over ninety schools in Armenian (including the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Educational Center. Participation and Financial Support to Armenian projects. Participation and service to Armenian Churches. Annually Sponsor the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Times Square, New York, as well as other cities. Started the Armenian School Support Project (ASSP), the 90 to 10 matching funds with the World Bank.
Language:  Armenian,English
Cultures:  Armenian
Street:  c/o St. John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Highway
City/Township:  Southfield
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48075
Country:  USA
Organization Overview:  The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance works to dismantle barriers to ensure people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community. Influenced by national dialogue and research on racial equity, LEDA forms a bridge between formal and informal leaders and individuals throughout our community and region. This model establishes credibility, expertise, and accountability; increases visibility and awareness; and fosters defined, sustainable initiatives and outcomes. Today LEDA represents a broad cross-section of interests and cultures. Hundreds of volunteers and a growing staff work on initiatives throughout the region, alongside dozens of area CEOs and stakeholders engaged in moving forward a vision of racial equity.
Language:  English,Spanish
Cultures:  Multicultural
Street:  665 136th Ave
City/Township:  Holland
State:  MI
Zip Code:  49424
Country:  USA
Phone:  (616) 846-9074
Organization Overview:  Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc. (LA SED), is a 501c3 non-profit agency serving Hispanics and residents of Southwest Detroit since 1969. LA SED assists people of all ages with variety of bilingual services. LA SED’s leadership efforts are realized through the development programs addressing the issues that affect the diverse ethnic groups living in our community.
Language:  English,Spanish
Cultures:  Central American,Dominican,Guatemalan,Hispanic,Honduran,Latin American,Mexican,Nicaraguan,Puerto Rican,Salvadoran
Street:  7150 W. Vernor Hwy
City/Township:  Detroit
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48209
Country:  USA
Phone:  (313) 841-1419
Fax No:  (313) 554-3246
Organization Overview:  Bienvenidos a Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan(LUUM) Nuestra meta es difundir informacion acerca de las redadas, invasion de hogar, y descriminacion racial y otras atrocidades que el Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (FBICE)(LA MIGRA) comete contra nuestras comunidades inmigrantes en Michigan y a traves del EEUU. Estamos organizando la "Conferencia por una Reforma Migratoria Amplia" aqui en Detroit, Michigan Por favor visite nuestra pagina Events para mayor informacion. Si tiene alguna pregunta, o le gustaria ser voluntari@ o tiene algun evento o recursos relacionados a inmigracion, escribanos o llamenos. Welcome to Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan (LUUM) Our goal is to inform about the inhumane raids, home intrusions, racial profiling and other atrocities perpetrated by the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement(FBICE) upon our immigrant communitities in Michigan and throughout the US. We are currently organizing the "Conference for Comprehensive Immigration Reform". here in Detroit, Michigan. Please visit our Events link for current and updated information. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, or have an event or resource we can post, please feel free to email: Rosendo Delgado, Coordinator Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan(LUUM) Email:rosendo@luum.org Rosendo Delgado, Coordinator Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan(LUUM). Welcome to Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan (LUUM) Our goal is to inform about the inhumane raids, home intrusions, racial profiling and other atrocities perpetrated by the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement(FBICE) upon our immigrant communitities in Michigan and throughout the US. We are currently organizing the "Conference for Comprehensive Immigration Reform". here in Detroit, Michigan. Please visit our Events link for current and updated information. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, or have an event or resource we can post, please feel free to email: Rosendo Delgado, Coordinator Latinos Unidos/United de Michigan(LUUM) Email:rosendo@luum.org
Language:  English,Spanish
Cultures:  Hispanic,Latin American
Street:  P.O. Box 28204
City/Township:  Detroit
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48228
Country:  USA
Phone:  (313) 580 – 5474
Organization Name:  MANA de Metro-Detroit
Organization Overview:  MANA de Metro-Detroit is the local chapter of the national MANA organization. Our mission is to empower Latinas and create a better quality of life for all Latinos through education, leadership development and advocacy.
Cultures:  Central American,Cuban,Dominican,Guatemalan,Hispanic,Honduran,Latin American,Mexican,Nicaraguan,Panamanian
Street:  4138 W. Vernor Hwy.
City/Township:  Detroit
State:  MI
Zip Code:  48209
Country:  USA
Phone:  (313) 739-5248

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