Urban League of West Michigan

Urban League of West Michigan empowers African Americans and underserved individuals across Grand Rapids and Kent County to achieve social and economic equality. Founded in 1943, the organization serves as a central anchor for community advancement, delivering comprehensive programs in workforce development, housing security, health and wellness, and educational excellence for area residents.

The organization operates the Center for Community Health & Wellness, addressing health disparities and promoting holistic well-being through health screenings, chronic disease prevention workshops, maternal health advocacy, and community fitness activities. The agency's housing department offers HUD-approved housing counseling, first-time homebuyer seminars, foreclosure prevention, and rental assistance navigation to help families achieve long-term residential stability, neighborhood revitalization, and generational wealth generation across West Michigan communities.

Urban League of West Michigan also delivers robust workforce readiness services, including career assessments, vocational training, resume coaching, and job placement assistance designed to connect job seekers with quality employment opportunities in high-growth industries throughout Kent County and surrounding municipalities. Youth education initiatives, including after-school tutoring, STEM enrichment, and college prep mentoring, support student academic success and leadership development. Through collaborative community partnerships, financial capability coaching, public policy education, and direct outreach, the affiliate fosters economic mobility, personal dignity, and equity throughout West Michigan.