A Glimpse of Africa

“The Organization switched from cash basis to accrual basis.”

“The 990 is reviewed by the CEO and accountant. A copy of the 990 will be provided to the Board prior to filing, but no formal review has or will take place.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are available upon request and approval by the CEO.”

“Part III; Line 4a - Mental Health & Wellness A Glimpse of Africas Wellness Program strengthens the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of African immigrants, refugees, and New Americans in West Michigan. Our monthly listening sessions, led by culturally informed experts with lived experience, provide a safe space for women, men, and youth to explore stress management, grief support, and social determinants of health. The two-day Mental Health & Wellness Fair, featuring a Youth Wellness Soccer Tournament, brought together over 400 youth and 1,000 participants, with 30+ vendors and organizations offering culturally appropriate support, education, and resources. Youth experienced empowerment through sport, storytelling, and peer connections, while families connected with local providers, building trust and awareness. The program also supports maternal care through the Ready by Five initiative, where our Community Health Navigator served 280 households with expectant mothers and children under five. Families received home visits, health and social screenings, and access to essential resources, with over 30 mothers receiving Pack & Play units to support safe sleep and early childhood development. Through these initiatives, AGOA fosters resilience, cultural pride, belonging, and equitable access to care, helping families and youth thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

“Part III; Line 4b - Cultural Celebration & Building Belonging Through cultural festivals AGOA provides a platform to bring people together to build belonging, celebrate, educate, and share their diverse rich heritage. This two-day family-friendly event gathered over 6,000 attendees from across Michigan and the United States, fostering cultural awareness, community education, while promoting local entrepreneurs and artists. The event featured a vibrant showcase of African heritage with over 100 creatives, including dance groups, musical artists, flag parade participants, and fashion models and designers. The festival hosted over 80 vendors, including 20 new food businesses, and other immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs from Kent County and Beyond. Over 40% of the vendors had graduated from the AGOA economic empowerment class where they gained valuable experience in licensing, operations, and networking, leading to expanded opportunities beyond the event. Through this annual celebration, the organization strengthens visibility, unity, and belonging among African immigrants, refugees, and the broader community.”

“art III; Line 4c - Thrive Together:Immigrant Financial & Economic Empowerment This program is A Glimpse of Africas signature initiative designed to help African immigrants, refugees, and other New Americans in West Michigan build financial confidence, stability, and opportunity. The 2025 cohort ran from February to May, offering a 5 to 6-weeks journey through personal finance, business development, wealth-building, and entrepreneurship. A total of 65 participants enrolled, with 40 graduating, including 16 homebuyer class graduates and 12 earning ServSafe certifications. Participants represented five languages including Arabic, Swahili, French, Somali, and English. The program participants included 85% women with an average household income below $30,000 and average of 2 to 5 children. Through this culturally responsive teaching and support services such as interpretation, weekend classes, transportation, and childcare, the program was more accessible and opened doors to financial independence, homeownership, and small business success. The program continues to create pathways to prosperity, through empowering immigrant families to build financial stability, business success, and a thriving future.”

“Part III, Line 4d: Civic engagement, Legal support and advocacy A Glimpse of Africa advocated for and educated the African communities on their Civil, voting and other Human rights. Through the monthly legal clinics and the know your rights sessions AGOA connected over 200 community members with legal resources, education, and immigration experts and attorneys. Additionally, through this program AGOA provided voter educational materials, and advocated for language access, social, civic issues and justice for the African community members through participation in city, county and state forums. As a trusted bridge between the African community and local government, including the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and GRPD, fostering trust, understanding, and community safety.”

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