Become a Cross-Cultural Partner!
About the Sister Circles Program
The Sister Circles program is at the heart of our mission of connecting New American women to people and opportunities so they can flourish for generations to come.
Women and teen girls are referred to us by cohort alumni who've graduated, community workers, resettlement case-workers, after they've been here at least 6 months when families are figuring out what it means to not just survive here but put down roots and truly thrive.
New Americans referred to us are offered the opportunity to apply to participate in a 9-month program in which we discover their goals and partner with them in realizing those goals. Program participants have the opportunity to:
- Be partnered with a cross-cultural partner
- Attend group workshops on vital topics with guest speakers
- Participate in group savings that are matched dollar-for-dollar
- Connect with personalized resources via our larger network of partners
- Lead or attend creative gatherings with their cross-cultural partner
- Meet with Treetops team members regularly to share how we can help them reach their goals
The Sister Circles program exists to welcome our newest sisters in West Michigan, listen to their definition of success, and become their ally in reaching their goals. Members of Sister Circles, both program participants and cross-cultural partners benefit from mutual exploration of each other’s cultures, goals, and dreams.
Cross-Cultural Partnerships
9-month commitment, February-October, 1 once a week or once every two weeks
Cross-Cultural Partners within our Sister Circles program walk alongside New American women and teen girls as friends and allies. Partners meet one-on-one with program members once a week for the 9-month long program. You will experience life together, meet in each other’s homes and other mutual places, meet family members, attend Treetops’ Creative Gatherings, share meals, practice English and go on excursions around Grand Rapids.
Cross-Cultural Partners within our Sister Circles program walk alongside New American women and teen girls as friends and allies. Partners meet one-on-one with program members once a week for the 9-month long program. You will experience life together, meet in each other’s homes and other mutual places, meet family members, attend Treetops’ Creative Gatherings, share meals, practice English and go on excursions around Grand Rapids.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Unsure about committing to a cross-cultural partnership, but still want to join the Collective and make Sister Circles possible? Learn about other valuable ways you can help out and form relationships with our New American neighbors.
Volunteer Driver
1-2 days per month, 2-3 hours each month
Volunteer Drivers within our Sister Circles program make it possible for New Americans to attend workshops on important topics like education, personal health, American systems, community leadership, financial management and much more. Volunteer Drivers will pick up teen girls from school or women from their home and bring them to the Treetops Collective makerspace in time for workshops, then bring them safely home afterward.
Volunteer Drivers within our Sister Circles program make it possible for New Americans to attend workshops on important topics like education, personal health, American systems, community leadership, financial management and much more. Volunteer Drivers will pick up teen girls from school or women from their home and bring them to the Treetops Collective makerspace in time for workshops, then bring them safely home afterward.
Childcare Volunteer
One day every month
Childcare Volunteers within our Sister Circles program make it possible for New American moms to attend workshops on important topics like education, personal health, American systems, community leadership, financial management and much more. Childcare Volunteers will care for children while moms connect with one another, engage with guest speakers, and dream about the future for their families together.
Childcare Volunteers within our Sister Circles program make it possible for New American moms to attend workshops on important topics like education, personal health, American systems, community leadership, financial management and much more. Childcare Volunteers will care for children while moms connect with one another, engage with guest speakers, and dream about the future for their families together.
