In the Community from ACEH July 28, 2014

IN THE COMMUNITY FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR CULTURAL AND ETHNIC HARMONY, JULY 28

 

TONIGHT, Mon, July 28, 7 pm:  Film, "The Stranger," followed by panel discussion.  Biblical perspective on immigration.  Sponsored by CRC Office of Social Justice and persons from New Community Fourth Reformed Church.  Open to the public.  Trailer for the film: http://www.thestrangerfilm.org  At Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschaap Rd, Holland.

 

Thurs, Aug 7, 6:30 am to 8 am:  The Breakfast Club, a cross-racial relationship-building ministry meeting the first Thursday of the month, over a meal, to discuss race, faith, and personal life journeys "to intentionally establish a relationship with someone from a different ethnic group than one's own."  Hosted by Pastor Wayne Coleman. At Imagine Fellowship Church, 167 West 20th, Holland.

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Come One, Come All to the ACEH Potluck in the Park!

 

Sun, Aug 10, 1 pm to 4 pm: 16^th annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Everyone is welcome.  Please bring a dish to share from your cultural background; ACEH provides beverages and table service.  Bring lawn chairs/blankets for extra seating.

 

 Music, children's activities, games, piñata, balloon animals, face painting, clay art, fun, fellowship—and great food.  Invite your family, neighbors, friends, and people who are new to the community.  392-1926 or 392-5086.  www.harmonyalliance.org  At Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave off Douglas/Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland (west of the River Avenue Bridge).

 

            Have you attended ACEH Potlucks in the Park?  It takes many hands to bring about

            these special events.  How about lending your hands to help out this year?

            If you can pitch in with set up, or during the event, or with clean-up, please contact

            the Potluck Chair, Bobbie Brown, at bobbieb3371@sbcglobal.net or call her at

            (616) 392-1926. 

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Wed, Aug 13, 10 am to 2 pm:  Project Homeless Connect is a one-day event that offers free services to people who are homeless or facing a housing crisis (health tests, dental, housing assessments, GED registration, Michigan Works!, Medicaid enrollment, personal care items, family photos, haircuts, children's crafts).  Free lunch included.  Event also needs volunteers to greet and escort participants, and help them feel welcome (volunteer orientation at 9 am, with breakfast); to volunteer, contact Lyn Raymond at (616) 396-7811 or lakeshorehousingalliance@gmail.com.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Housing Alliance and Greater Ottawa County United Way.  At Holland Midtown Center, 96 West 15th St, Holland.

 

Summer Meals for Kids under Age 18

Free summer meals for kids under age 18 are available at a variety of locations and times in Holland.  http://www.ottawaunitedway.org/images/Summer_Meals_Holland_area_flyer.pdf

 

Jobs

Allegan County Community Mental Health:  Hospital/Community Liaison.  Part-time (32-36 hrs/wk) with benefits; temporary position Aug 18 – Dec 1.  Culturally diverse-minded person with social work degree and certain licensures.  Provide hospital reviews, discharge coordination, consultation to hospitals about mental health services, more.  Send cover letter and resume to Nannette Lawrence, HR coordinator, Allegan Co. Mental Health, PO Drawer 130, Allegan, MI 49010.  Deadline is Friday, August 1.

 

 Holland Charter Township:  Meter reader and assistant maintenance worker.  Application form online at www.hct.holland.mi.us.  May be submitted online to tomv@hct.holland.mi.us or mailed to Holland Charter Township, Attn: Director of Public Works, 353 North 120^th Ave, Holland 49424.

 

Hope College Dining Services:  Cook, service supervisor, service staff, dishroom/prep cook, stock/utility.  Dependability and flexible work schedule is a must.  Email resume to dining@hope.edu

or apply in person at Hope College Dining Office, Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia Ave, Holland.

 

Hope College Upward Bound:  Office manager; support program by maintaining office systems and supervising staff; develop and maintain webpage; recruit, hire, train and supervise office assistants and van drivers; more.  High school diploma; bilingual (Spanish) preferred; demonstrated understanding of diverse youth and families; proficient in various software programs.  Deadline is Friday, August 15.  jobs@hope.edu   http://www.hope.edu/employment

 

MOKA:  Residential support staff, community support staff, and mentors for work with individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families.  Various schedules.  Go to www.moka.org and select the Careers tab and apply online.

 

Ottawa County Michigan Works! Employers of the Day Event:  On-site, Tuesday, July 29, at 121 Clover St, Holland; (616) 396-2154.  See info on four firms, below:

---Adecco, on site from 9 am to 3 pm: Hiring for Herman Miller: Manufacturing associates and Hi-Lo drivers, all shifts, full time, possible mandatory overtime.  Bring updated resume, 2 forms of ID, 2 professional references, and banking info for direct deposit.

---Speedway, 1 pm to 4 pm: 15 openings in Holland/Ottawa County.  Fill out applications at the event or pick one up at a Speedway Store.

---Stratosphere Quality, 10 am to 3 pm: 10 quality inspectors.  Bring resume and 2 forms of ID.

---Blu Perspectives, 9 am to noon, and 1 pm to 4:30 pm: 10 positions: quality technicians and inspectors, production workers, Hi-Lo drivers.  Bring resume and come prepared for a brief interview.

 

Ottawa County Road Commission:  Engineering aide.  Surveying, drafting, computations, recordkeeping, inspection and material testing for road and bridge construction projects.  Prefer prior experience in a road commission or public works setting.  Deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2014. www.ottawacorc.com

 

Zeeland Public Schools:   Spanish Immersion Teacher, long-term Substitute English Teacher, long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher, Elementary Interventionist, Certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, Substitute Bus Drivers, Food Service Substitutes.  Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH July 21, 2014

IN THE COMMUNITY FROM ACEH JULY 21, 2014

 

Mon, July 28, 7 pm:  Film, "The Stranger," followed by panel discussion.  Biblical perspective on immigration.  Sponsored by CRC Office of Social Justice and persons from New Community Fourth Reformed Church.  Open to the public.  Trailer for the film: http://www.thestrangerfilm.org

At Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschaap Rd, Holland.

 

Thurs, Aug 7, 6:30 am to 8 am:  The Breakfast Club, a cross-racial relationship-building ministry meeting the first Thursday of the month, over a meal, to discuss race, faith, and personal life journeys "to intentionally establish a relationship with someone from a different ethnic group than one's own."  Hosted by Pastor Wayne Coleman. At Imagine Fellowship Church, 167 West 20th, Holland.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

Sun, Aug 10, 1 pm to 4 pm: 16^th annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Everyone is welcome.  Please bring a dish to share from your cultural background; ACEH provides beverages and table service.  Bring lawn chairs/blankets for extra seating.

 

 Music, children's activities, games, piñata, balloon animals, face painting, clay art, fun, fellowship—and great food.  Invite your family, neighbors, friends, and people who are new to the community.  392-1926 or 392-5086.  www.harmonyalliance.org  At Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave off Douglas/Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland.

 

            Have you attended ACEH Potlucks in the Park?  It takes many hands to bring about

            these special events.  How about lending your hands to help out this year?

            If you can pitch in with set up, or during the event, or with clean-up, please contact

            the Potluck Chair, Bobbie Brown, at bobbieb3371@sbcglobal.net or call her at

            (616) 392-1926. 

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Wed, Aug 13, 10 am to 2 pm:  Project Homeless Connect is a one-day event that offers free services to people who are homeless or facing a housing crisis (health tests, dental, housing assessments, GED registration, Michigan Works!, Medicaid enrollment, personal care items, family photos, haircuts, children's crafts).  Free lunch included.  Event also needs volunteers to greet and escort participants, and help them feel welcome (volunteer orientation at 9 am, with breakfast); to volunteer, contact Lyn Raymond at (616) 396-7811 or lakeshorehousingalliance@gmail.com.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Housing Alliance and Greater Ottawa County United Way.  At Holland Midtown Center, 96 West 15th St, Holland.

 

Summer Meals for Kids under Age 18

Free summer meals for kids under age 18 are available at a variety of locations and times in Holland. 

http://www.ottawaunitedway.org/images/Summer_Meals_Holland_area_flyer.pdf

 

Jobs

Allegan County Community Mental Health:  Hospital/Community Liaison.  Part-time (32-36 hrs/wk) with benefits; temporary position Aug 18 – Dec 1.  Culturally diverse-minded person with social work degree and certain licensures.  Provide hospital reviews, discharge coordination, consultation to hospitals about mental health services, more.  Send cover letter and resume to Nannette Lawrence, HR coordinator, Allegan Co. Mental Health, PO Drawer 130, Allegan, MI 49010.  Deadline is Friday, August 1.

  

CASA, Children's After School Achievement:  Program at Hope College needs office and program assistance.  Part-time for 10 ½ months (20 hrs/wk, Mon-Thurs: noon to 5/5:30 school year; 8 am - 1 pm summer).  Must be fluent in Spanish and English.  Apply at www.hope.edu/employment/staff

 

Eagle Crest Charter Academy:  K-8 Spanish teacher, and paraprofessional (35/hrs wk: 10 hours of Spanish teaching, 25 hours as parapro).   Must have valid teaching license from State of Michigan for K-5, and a Spanish endorsement for K-9.  Out of state license does not qualify.  Located in Holland. www.eaglecrestcharteracademy.org (scroll to bottom of page, under Careers).

 

Holland Charter Township:  Meter reader and assistant maintenance worker.  Application form online at www.hct.holland.mi.us.  May be submitted online to tomv@hct.holland.mi.us or mailed to Holland Charter Township, Attn: Director of Public Works, 353 North 120^th Ave, Holland 49424.

 

Hope College Dining Services:  Cook, service supervisor, service staff, dishroom/prep cook, stock/utility.  Dependability and flexible work schedule is a must.  Email resume to dining@hope.edu

or apply in person at Hope College Dining Office, Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia Ave, Holland.

 

MOKA:  Residential support staff, community support staff, and mentors for work with individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families.  Various schedules.  Go to www.moka.org and select the Careers tab and apply online.

 

Ottawa County Michigan Works! Employers of the Day Event:  On-site, Tuesday, July 22, at 121 Clover St, Holland; (616) 396-2154.  See info on two firms, below:

 

----Adecco, 9 am to noon and 1 pm - 3 pm:  Hiring for manufacturing associates and hi-lo drivers for Herman Miller, all shifts, plus possible mandatory overtime; positions are "temp to hire" at discretion of Herman Miller.  Must be at least 18, legally eligible to work in the U.S., and submit to drug screen/background check.  Bring updated resume, 2 forms of ID, 2 professional references, and banking information for direct deposit.

 

----CSM Services, 11 am to 3 pm:  2 full-time and 2 part-time employees to clean at the West Ottawa School District; no prior cleaning experience necessary.  Must have reliable transportation, a clean criminal record, and pass a drug test.  Pay based on experience.  Complete online application if you have access to a computer; otherwise, paper applications will be provided at the event.

 

Ottawa County Road Commission:  Engineering aide.  Surveying, drafting, computations, recordkeeping, inspection and material testing for road and bridge construction projects.  Prefer prior experience in a road commission or public works setting.  www.ottawacorc.com

 

Zeeland Public Schools:   Spanish Immersion Teachers, Certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, Classroom Teacher Assistant, Substitute Bus Drivers, Food Service Substitutes.  Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

--Accountant, full-time, starting August 11.   Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

 

    

In the Community from ACEH July 14, 2014

IN THE COMMUNITY FROM ACEH, JULY 14, 2014

 

Fri, July 18, 7 pm (support group), 8 pm (program):  PFLAG meeting to hear two college students discuss their program GRACES (Growing Respect, Acceptance, Community and Education on Sexuality), which they are proposing in order to educate the community and create a context for healthy dialogue around issues of sexuality.  At Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave, Holland.

 

Mon, July 28, 7 pm:  Film, "The Stranger," followed by panel discussion.  Biblical perspective on immigration.  Sponsored by CRC Office of Social Justice and persons from New Community Fourth Reformed Church.  Open to the public.  Trailer for the film: http://www.thestrangerfilm.org  At Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschaap Rd, Holland.

 

Thurs, Aug 7, 6:30 am to 8 am:  The Breakfast Club, a cross-cultural relationship-building ministry meeting the first Thursday of the month, over a meal, to discuss race, faith, and personal life journeys "to intentionally establish a relationship with someone from a different ethnic group than one's own."  Hosted by Pastor Wayne Coleman. At Imagine Fellowship Church, 167 West 20th, Holland.

 

Sun, Aug 10, 1 pm to 4 pm: 16^th annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Everyone is welcome.  Bring a dish to share from your cultural background; ACEH provides beverages and table service.  Music, children's activities, games, fun, fellowship—and great food.  Invite your family, neighbors, friends, and people who are new to the community.  392-5086 or 392-1926.  www.harmonyalliance.org  At Dunton Park, Howard Ave off Douglas/Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland.

            Have you attended ACEH Potlucks in the Park?  It takes many hands to bring about

            these special events.  How about lending your hands to help out this year?

            If you can pitch in with set up, or during the event, or with clean-up, please contact

            the Potluck Chair, Bobbie Brown, at bobbieb3371@sbcglobal.net or call her at

            (616) 392-1926. 

           

Summer Meals for Kids under Age 18

Free summer meals for kids under age 18 are available at a variety of locations and times in Holland. 

http://www.ottawaunitedway.org/images/Summer_Meals_Holland_area_flyer.pdf

 

Holland City Volunteer Opportunities

Openings on the (1) Human Relations Commission, consults with/advises City Council on issues of equal rights, cultural understanding, discrimination; conducts studies and investigations, and other activities that improve relationships among all citizens, protecting their equal rights, education, employment, and public services.  (2) Sustainability Committee, assists City Council and Board of Public Works with increasing the level of public understanding of sustainability issues, offers recommendations on initiatives, policies, and projects of a "green" nature.  www.cityofholland.com

 

Jobs

Allegan County Community Mental Health:  Hospital/Community Liaison.  Part-time (32-36 hrs/wk) with benefits; temporary position Aug 18 – Dec 1.  Culturally diverse-minded person with social work degree and certain licensures.  Provide hospital reviews, discharge coordination, consultation to hospitals about mental health services, more.  Send cover letter and resume to Nannette Lawrence, HR coordinator, Allegan Co. Mental Health, PO Drawer 130, Allegan, MI 49010.  Deadline is Friday, August 1.

 

CASA, Children's After School Achievement:  Program at Hope College needs summer office and program assistance.  Part-time for 10 ½ months (20 hrs/wk, Mon-Thurs: noon to 5/5:30 school year; 8 am - 1 pm summer).  Must be fluent in Spanish and English.  Apply at www.hope.edu/employment/staff

 

Holland Charter Township:  Meter reader and assistant maintenance worker.  Application form online at www.hct.holland.mi.us.  May be submitted online to tomv@hct.holland.mi.us or mailed to Holland Charter Township, Attn: Director of Public Works, 353 North 120^th Ave, Holland 49424.

 

Hope College Dining Services:  Cook, service supervisor, service staff, dishroom/prep cook, stock/utility.  Dependability and flexible work schedule is a must.  Email resume to dining@hope.edu

or apply in person at Hope College Dining Office, Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia Ave, Holland.

 

Ottawa County Michigan Works! Employers of the Day Event:  On-site, Tuesday, July 15, at 121 Clover St, Holland; (616) 396-2154.  See info on three firms, below:

 

--Solutions, 10 am-2 pm.  Representing 3 companies (Bradford, Ess Tec, Worden), for machine operators, CNC operators, finishers, sanders.  Bring two forms of ID (driver's license, state ID, social security card, and/or birth certificate) and resume if have one. 

--Metal Flow, 9:30 am-4 pm:  15 full-time, permanent, direct-hire positions with benefits (after probationary period).  Director of quality and quality engineers, press operators, grinder operators, tool maker/die setter, more. 

--Novo I, 10 am-2 pm: 20 roadside assistance specialists for Holland call center.  Benefits included. Bring resume, complete online application, be prepared for brief interview.  Or can apply in advance at www.novo1.com/careers

 

Zeeland Public Schools:   Spanish Immersion Teachers, Certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, Classroom Teacher Assistant, Substitute Bus Drivers, Food Service Substitutes.  Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

--Accountant, full-time, starting August 11.   Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH July 7, 2014

IN THE COMMUNITY FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR CULTURAL AND ETHNIC HARMONY, JULY 7, 2014

 

Tues, July 8, 7 pm:  Kickoff meeting of Kairos Community-Holland USA group, part of a national network  "seeking to bring about changes for the better in Israel/Palestine."  Speaker is Dr. Ron Caldwell of Glen Arbor, with the story of Palestinian Daoud Nasser, owner of a  farm (Tent of Nations), who had 1,500 fruit trees destroyed and covered with rubble.  Contact friendsforpeace8@gmail.com  At Herrick District Library auditorium, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Thurs, July 10, 7 pm:  90^th District House of Representatives Candidate Forum, sponsored by League of Women Voters-Holland.  This forum includes the several Republican candidates in the primary election (August 5); the primary winner will face off against the Democratic candidate in the November election.  The program will be recorded and can be viewed live at stream.cityofholland.com

or online 2 days after the forum at www.lwvholland.org or at HCTV.  At Holland City Hall, Council Chambers, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Thurs, Aug 7, 6:30 am to 8 am:  The Breakfast Club, a cross-cultural relationship-building ministry meeting the first Thursday of the month, over a meal, to discuss race, faith, and personal life journeys "to intentionally establish a relationship with someone from a different ethnic group than one's own."  Hosted by Pastor Wayne Coleman. At Imagine Fellowship Church, 167 West 20th, Holland.

 

Sun, Aug 10, 1 pm to 4 pm: 16^th annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Everyone is welcome.  Bring a dish to share from your cultural background; ACEH provides beverages and table service.  Music, children's activities, games, fun, fellowship.  392-5086 or 392-1926.  www.harmonyalliance.org  At Dunton Park, Howard Ave off Douglas/Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland.

            Have you attended ACEH Potlucks in the Park?  It takes many hands to bring about

            these special events.  How about lending your hands to help out this year?

            If you can pitch in with set up, or during the event, or with clean-up, please contact

            the Potluck Chair, Bobbie Brown, at bobbieb3371@sbcglobal.net or call her at

            (616) 392-1926. 

           

Summer Meals for Kids under Age 18

Free summer meals for kids under age 18 are available at a variety of locations and times in Holland.  Go to the following website for information:

http://www.ottawaunitedway.org/images/Summer_Meals_Holland_area_flyer.pdf

 

Holland City Volunteer Opportunities

Openings are available on the (1) Human Relations Commission, consulting with/advising City Council on issues of equal rights, cultural understanding, discrimination; conducting studies and investigations, and other activities that improve relationships among all citizens, protecting their equal rights, education, employment, and public services.  (2) Sustainability Committee, assists City Council and Board of Public Works with increasing the level of public understanding of sustainability issues, offers recommendations on initiatives, policies, and projects of a "green" nature.  www.cityofholland.com

 

Ability Award Nominations

Nominations are open for the 4th annual Ability Award honoring an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in Allegan and Ottawa counties.  Sponsored by Disability Network/Lakeshore; presented at a reception Oct. 28, 2014.  www.dnlakeshore.org for nomination forms, which must be submitted by 5 pm, August 18, by mail to 426 Century Lane, Holland 49423 or email to todd@dnlakeshore.org

 

Jobs

Allegan County Community Mental Health, Clinician:   Full-time, with benefits. Culturally diverse-minded master's level, licensed social worker or limited license psychologist.  Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness/substance abuse; preference given to persons with experience in motivational interviewing and dialectical behavior therapy.  Send cover letter and resume to Karen Feaster, Allegan County CMH, P.O. Drawer 130, Allegan, Mi 49010.  Deadline is July 13.

 

Allegan County Purchasing Analyst:   Irregular, part-time, 19.5 hours/week.  $17.44/hr, no benefits.  Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, public administration, or related field; three years' experience related to municipal purchasing.  Job description and application available at www.allegancounty.org  Deadline to apply is 4 pm, today, July 7.

 

City of Holland: 2 open positions

-- Mechanic Assistant:  Part-time (20-24 hrs/week); $10/hr; no benefits.  Perform preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment, assist mechanics, clean vehicles and equipment, some building maintenance.  Have knowledge of light duty truck/auto repair, basic computer knowledge, ability to obtain forklift certification within 60 days.

 

-- Municipal Accountant II:  Part-time (18 to 24 hrs/week); $15-$22 per hour depending on experience; no benefits.  Various accounting, budgeting, reporting, and grant management functions.  Need bachelor's degree in accounting, CPA preferred; 5 years' accounting experience, preferably in a municipal environment or familiarity with governmental accounting. 

            For either position, send resume and cover letter via regular mail or email to City of Holland, Human Resources Dept, 270 South River Ave, Holland 49423; hr@cityofholland.com  Deadline is Friday, July 11, for both positions.

 

Hope College Dining Services:  Cook, service supervisor, service staff, dishroom/prep cook, stock/utility.  Dependability and flexible work schedule is a must.  Email resume to dining@hope.edu

or apply in person at Hope College Dining Office, Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia Ave, Holland.

 

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District:   Several positions: Career & Work-based Learning Coordinator, Healthcare Foundations Instructor,  Special Education Teacher SCI/AI.   Various educational certifications and experience required.  Apply online at www.oaisd.org

 

Ottawa County Michigan Works! Employers of the Day Event: Tuesday, July 8, at 121 Clover St, Holland; (616) 396-2154.  See info on four firms, below:

 

--Macatawa Area Express (MAX), onsite from 10 am to 2 pm:  10 Bus Operators.  Visit www.catchamax.org under Work Opportunities, complete application, and bring copy to Job Fair.

 

--Stow Company, onsite from 10 am to 4 pm: Third-shift product packers, 2^nd shift material handler, 3^rd shift maintenance technician, and all shifts, machine operators.  Bring resume and be prepared for brief interview.

 

--Hillshire Brands, onsite from 9 am to 4 pm: 30 assemblers, machine/mixer operators, product movers, maintenance mechanics, sanitor.  Starting wages $11.50/hr, and include benefits.  Bring resume and be prepared for brief interview.

 

--Blu Perspective, onsite from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 to 4:30 pm.  Quality inspectors and quality team leads; positions are mix of full-time and on-call.  Bring copy of resume and be prepared for brief interview.

 

Zeeland Public Schools:   Spanish Immersion Teachers, Certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, Classroom Teacher Assistant, Substitute Bus Drivers, Food Service Substitutes.  Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

--Accountant, full-time, starting August 11.   Apply online at www.zps.org/jobs

 

 

 

 

 

Report to the Community: January 2013 to July 2014

"Bringing people together from worlds apart."      

 

Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

Report to the Community: January 2013 to July 2014

 

"I enjoy the presence of ACEH members in the community and believe they are honest and true to their beliefs about equal rights of human beings."

 

"Without this organization, I would not have met many of the people from different cultures who are now my close friends."

 

The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) is a grass-roots organization founded in Holland in 1999 by a group of local residents.  We work for justice, equal opportunity, appreciation for diversity, and cross-cultural understanding and to help create a community where all are welcomed and respected.  We do this by:

·          fostering friendships among members,

·          connecting people with community organizations and resources,

·          offering a safe place to work through issues of prejudice and discrimination,

·          advocating for non-discrimination in all aspects of community life,

·          holding educational meetings and social gatherings that are free and open to everyone,

·          distributing timely information on multicultural events and job opportunities,

·          providing financial support to local events and groups with related missions, and

·          participating at local festivals and events with information tables and activities.

 

"ACEH was created as a safe, secure place for people to share stories and seek solutions."

 

A Safe Place:  At ACEH meetings, people can share experiences of discrimination and prejudice and receive support and caring.  The ACEH president responds to 5 to 10 calls a month from residents who need help in coping with various kinds of discrimination.

 

"The monthly meetings always give me something new to think about."

 

Educational meetings:  Held 10 public educational meetings on these topics:

• Education under Fire: Bahai's in Iran
• "Anyone and Everyone": Diverse families who have a gay son or daughter
• "Traces of the Trade": a New England slavetrading family comes to terms with its history
• Round Tables on Race discussion groups
• Community Mental Health: issues and resources
• Connecting People in Holland: Neighborhood organizations; senior citizens
• "Our Fires Still Burn": Native Americans in the Midwest
• Reimagining Diversity: a new way of thinking about diversity
• How Do You Know when You Belong?:  Immigrants in West Michigan
• Able Bodies--Willing, Able, and Very Capable: panelists with disabilities

 

"This is the kind of diverse community I am so happy to be a part of."

Social gatherings:  Hosted a community Potluck in the Park at Dunton Park in August and a community Holiday Potluck and Cultural Sharing Party at First United Methodist Church in December, with entertainment, children's activities, great food, fun and fellowship.

 

"'In the Community' is a great resource. So grateful to you for keeping me informed."

 

Information about community events and issues:  Published 17 monthly newsletters and 69 weekly issues of "In the Community" about area multicultural and diversity events, opportunities, and jobs, distributed through Constant Contact to approximately 1,000 email addresses; many recipients forward the emails to other people.

 

In monthly newsletter, publicized Viva la Vida, Cambodian New Year, Summit on Race and Inclusion, Fiesta, Justice for Our Neighbors, Juneteenth, Justice for Some/Justice for All Conversations on Race, Martin Luther King Jr. observances, Herrick Library events; PFLAG, Fair Housing, Asian Week, CWIT Reach for the Stars, Holland Civic Theatre diversity outreach; Civil Rights trainings; Korean New Year, immigration programs, Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Cesar Chavez lecture.

 

Maintained website www.harmonyalliance.org of information, photos, links to other organizations and Facebook group page: ACEH – Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.

 

"ACEH is a valued force in the Holland community."

 

Financial support:  Made a financial contribution to Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) Fiesta, International Relations Commission's Multicultural Festival, Juneteenth, PRIDE, Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) immigration legal clinics, Center for African American Art and History, LAADSV (Lakeshore Alliance Against  Domestic and Sexual Violence), City of Holland Youth Connection employment program.  Contributed to national Southern Poverty Law Center and Teaching Tolerance.

 

Through the ACEH Education Fund, gave $500 scholarships to two Upward Bound students in the name of the late community leader and former ACEH board member Becky Arenas.

 

Established temporary fund, Love Is Stronger than Hate, to collect funds to assist two African American households whose vehicles were attacked and damaged in the summer of 2013.

 

Prepared a May basket of household products for the Center for Women in Transition; collected nonperishable food items for Community Action House.

 

Participation in local events:  International Relations Commission's Multicultural Festival, Juneteenth, PRIDE, Tulipanes, GVSU Diversity Fair with information tables and/or children's activities.

 

Cosponsored Lakeshore Women for Peace program on human trafficking; took part in Michigan Department of Civil Rights trainings and Hate Crimes Conference; joined Holland is Ready's list of LGBT-supportive businesses and groups.

 

"I appreciate all your efforts in the name of diversity."

 

Advocacy:  Supported hiring a full-time Human Relations Coordinator for the City of Holland; made calls and statements for nondiscrimination in MAX bus advertising for a teenage actor.

 

Administration

• All-volunteer organization*, led by a diverse elected board of 9 members: Marvin Younger, John Yelding, Maggi Rivera, H. Bin Lim, Al Minert, Ngoc Mong Pham, Norma Luna, Bobbie Brown, and Patricia Bradfield.  Anitha Prasad and Kyle Chauv were appointed in June 2014 to fill unexpired terms. Website manager Ken Cooper (*receives a fee); editor Ann Weller; database manager Herb Weller; email monitor Eleanor Lopez; PayPal monitor Liz Barveld.  Yessenia Aguirre, youth advisors Jen and Yadah Ramirez, and Hope interns Jasmine Harris and Rebecca Weygandt also participated during this time.

 

• Financially supported by dues and contributions, by a silent auction of goods and services donated by some 60 local businesses and individuals, and by a fundraiser at Orange Leaf frozen yogurt store in April. 2014.
•  
• Obtained 501c (3) nonprofit tax status.

 

• Welcomed 49 new paid individual, family, nonprofit, and business members, for a total of 157, plus additional service members who contribute their time to the organization.

 

"Holland has changed, and continues to change, with the help of ACEH."

 

 

P.O. Box 3007, Holland, MI 49422-3007 .  aceh@harmonyalliance.org  www.harmonyalliance.org .  Facebook: ACEH – Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

(616) 392-5086