Cultural Organizations/Centers
Asian Center
4040 E. Fulton St, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 616.301.3987
Established in 1994 in order to respond to the needs of culturally sensitive human services among the Asian Americans in West Michigan, as well as in the United States. The Asian Center is designed to be the head office while other Asian Centers established as a local chapter responding to local needs.
At-Tawheed Islamic Center
616.940.0730
Helping Muslims fortify their faith and moral conduct. Helping the Muslim community lead a strong and productive family life and contribute to the advancements in West Michigan.
BLEND (Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions)
Email: info@grblend.org
Address: P.O. Box 3505, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
To foster an environment of growth and belonging where young professionals of color can connect with each other, develop professionally and contribute to the local community.
Chinese Association of West Michigan (CAWM)
Email: cawm.web@gmail.com
The Chinese Association of West Michigan (CAWM) is a non-profit cultural organization, serving the West Michigan region including the Greater Grand Rapids area, Holland, Muskegon, Grand Haven, etc. There are over 600 members in the organization as of March 2005. While most of the members are of Chinese extraction, they have members who are from other ethnic backgrounds. They welcome folks from various races and religious beliefs to be part of the organization.
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Email: moorec@grandrapids.org
Phone: 616.771.0320
The Chamber is committed to making Grand Rapids a welcoming, inclusive community that attracts and retains a talented and diverse workforce.
Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center
616.822.2465
This organization’s inclusive practice centers on meditation, chanting, scripture study, inter-faith dialogue, and community service. They place a high level of importance on the study of the Buddhist scriptures as well as those of various Zen Masters.
Grand Rapids Sister Cities International
Email: info@grsistercities.org
Phone: 616.951.1449
Grand Rapids Sister Cities International (GRSCI) is a non-profit organization that works to build relationships between Grand Rapids and its sister cities by promoting understanding and mutual respect through exchanges in culture, art, education, and community and economic development.
Grand Valley State University’s Resource Offices for Inclusion
Phone: 616.331.3296
Address: 1 Campus Drive, 4035 James H. Zumberge Hall, Allendale, MI 49401
The Inclusion and Equity Division’s mission is to provide a rich, inclusive, learning, and working environment that attracts, retains, and supports a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty.
Hispanic Center of West Michigan
Phone: 616.742.0200
1204 Grandville Ave, SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit organization serving the needs of the Latino and broader community. They strive to provide an avenue for education and openness to promote discussion of the distinctions and values of different nationalities and cultures. The Center also focuses on the common thread that
unites all people: a desire for understanding and respect of our differences. They believe that this shared human experience connects us all.
Since 1978, the Hispanic Center has offered the services that individuals and families in the community have needed to help them achieve self-sufficiency and help promote Spanish cultural sensitivity in West Michigan. At the basis of their success is a bilingual and bicultural staff that enables them to provide a culturally competent and responsive setting for their Spanish-speaking clients. The Hispanic Center also provides Grand Rapids with over 15 years of English to Spanish and Spanish to English translation and interpretation services. They know that minimizing the misunderstandings among different cultures allows for a more open dialogue and effective communication.
Islamic Center and Mosque of Grand Rapids
1301 Burton St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids
Phone: 616.942.5553
Address: 2727 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
To unite the local Jewish community to sustain and strengthen Jews locally, in Israel and around the world. The mission is accomplished by providing services to the community and through fundraising and allocation efforts.
Kent ISD Diversity Initiative
Phone: 616.301.8847
2930 Knapp St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Kent ISD is a place where all persons feel welcomed, have a right to be treated equitably and without prejudice, and have a responsibility to treat others the same way. Kent ISD school districts are building systems that Understand, Respect, and Embrace Cultural Differences by:
- Providing curriculum and instructional programs that are culturally inclusive.
- Fostering staff and students who have the will and ability to build relationships across differences.
- Promoting the healing of racism and other forms of intolerance.
West Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA)
Email: info@wm-aaa.org
Phone: 616.481.6194
WMAAA was formed through the merger of the Asian Health Outreach Foundation (AHOF) and the Asian Professionals Organization (APO). They are committed to serving and advocating for the needs of Asian Americans in Michigan. Their energy is focused on Education, Economic Development, Health Care and Social Justice. WMAAA is also dedicated to utilizing its social, cultural and economic strengths to positively impact the quality of life for all people in West Michigan.
West Michigan Filipino American Association
616.581.2837
WMFAA was established in 1991 as a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining, preserving, and cultivating Filipino culture and heritage, and helping others to share the same goals. WMFAA will continue to advocate the existence of Filipino-American community in West Michigan, and will serve to instill strong determination for unity and strive for self-sufficiency.