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Our Why Our ApproachWest Michigan is home to a growingcommunity of immigrants andrefugees, each carrying stories ofresilience, hope, and the desire tobuild a future. Yet, the journey tobelonging can be complex. Navigatingunfamiliar systems, overcominglanguage barriers, and findingeconomic opportunities can feeloverwhelming—especially for womenand teen girls, who often face thesechallenges most acutely.At Treetops Collective, we see thesechallenges as opportunities fortransformation and empowerment.We believe that every newcomerdeserves not just to survive but tothrive. That’s why we invest in theleadership of immigrant women andteens, equipping them to serve ascultural connectors within theirlanguage communities. By buildingrelationships, sharing knowledge, andfostering empowerment, theseleaders bridge the gap betweenarrival and true belonging, and ourentire community grows strongertogether.Treetops Collective works cross-culturally and through trustedcommunity leaders to transformWest Michigan into a place whereanyone who has experienced the painof displacement can flourish. Our programs center the expertiseand voices of immigrant and refugeeleaders, investing in them to offerinnovative language-based resourcenavigation and empowermentprograms in partnership with long-term residents of our community.“I learned what my partner and herfamily and friends experience in WestMichigan, how challenging navigatingthe city and cultural/language barriers,finding work, etc. can be for them. Iknew most of this already, but I saw itwith them first-hand. I also becamemore comfortable with navigatinglanguage barriers and finding commonground beyond language (food, music,and more) to connect over.”— Cross-Cultural Partner

Dear friends, neighbors, and partners,Transformation happens through relationships. This truth has always been our guide atTreetops, but 2024 allowed it to be embodied in even deeper ways. Through thecompletion of our building renovation, we saw our work continue to shape those in ourcommunity by providing more reasons to gather and connect. Our core programsremained adaptive, and the influence of our culturally-focused and language-centeredapproach began to trickle outside the borders of West Michigan and influence othercorners of our state. The growth at Treetops this year occurred in part because of exceptional people shapingand bringing to life programs of depth in relationship with others. However, it is alsobecause we believe deeply in the inner cultivation of each member of our collective - thatas we heal and grow individually, we heal and grow collectively. We truly are becomingmore whole together. To the world watching from outside, this growth might look like an up and to the righttrajectory, but we know that all good things come with complexity. Progress comes fromwrestling with both the pain and joy of our stories, cultivating beauty in this world fromhardship.As we reflect on the year behind us and the gratitude we feel for this treasuredcommunity where we have found belonging, we eagerly anticipate all of those who areyet to join it. Each new participant in Circles of Support who will receive care in her firstlanguage. Each Concentric Leader who will choose to invest in herself so she caninfluence her beloved community. Each high school girl in Concentric Club who will learn toimagine her future with hope. Each woman who will receive her driver’s license and feel afreedom she has longed for. Each volunteer who will show up to walk alongside neighborsas a dedicated friend. Each donor who will defy the rhetoric around refugees andimmigrants by investing in a future that is vibrant because it celebrates cross-culturalconnection and denies the simplicity of single stories by way of truly being known. This is Treetops Collective and I’m so glad you are here doing this work alongside us! Weremain committed to our refugee and immigrant neighbors’ wholeness and flourishingand will stay steadfast in our commitment to walk in tandem with them. We must showup in this moment together with deep hope AND a deep commitment through word anddeed to honor the light within every neighbor, including that which lies inside you. We willnot be overcome if we walk toward the future together. With joy,

Alaina HoekwaterBuilding and EventsManagerAmina MuhktarConcentricProgram ManagerAmani AbakerConcentricLeaderBarwaqo Adan AliConcentricLeaderBelkis LizarazoConcentricLeaderBernice GervaisConcentricLeaderEmily HaanRooted TogetherSales ManagerKala PokhrelCollective CareSpecialistJenna FioreProgramOperations DirectorKatya ManionProductDevelopment& Markets ManagerKara KurczeskiCommunicationsManagerLuba GoncharenkoCollective CareManagerNedith FariasConcentricLeaderMarla HoekwaterSpecial ProjectsManagerMaryAnne FlierCross-CulturalCommunity ManagerRahma FetoTeen ConcentricLeaderPerris WaithakaTeen InternshipCoordinatorTrish OkoloOperations & DevelopmentCoordinatorSadia NurowCollective CareSpecialistSalma HassaniCollective CareSpecialistZakia YaqubiConcentricLeader Tarah CarnahanExecutiveDirectorWidline JacksonConcentricLeaderAldina Babic Brooke AernoutsChrisfa Pierrant Joanna BoerMandy Sharp Eizinger Matías Martinez Olayinka Ope Raul Herrera-Pina 2024 Board ofDirectorsMunira MohamedSamir BayanScott Zylstra Xuesi Li Gurney

“I grew in my level of comfort interacting with someone whospeaks a different language than me and who comes from adifferent culture. I learned that friendship, love, and caringcrosses both language and cultural barriers - you get to chooseto be someone's friend no matter how similar or different youare. I heard Y’s stories of perseverance that brought her to theUS and was amazed at her courage and am so glad she is part ofthis community! I learned that New Americans bring so much toour community and have so much to offer if we provide them theopportunity and access to make a good life here.”— Cross Cultural Partner

ChildcareEvent SupportTransportationSocial Enterprise/MakerspaceCorporate/Student GroupsSpecialty*CCPs0.00100.00200.00300.00400.00500.0054.7560.0079.0082.50114.00202.00465.001,070volunteerhours totalfor 2024*Systems analysis, COScurriculum support, designsupport, data analysis,photography31volunteerorientations92newvolunteers250attendedplanned outings156communitycheck-insVolunteer HoursTreetops develops intentional cross-cultural community throughfriendship, mutuality, and the shared goal of moving beyond hospitality tomake West Michigan a place where everyone can find true belonging.Volunteers walk side by side with New American women in friendshipthrough our Cross Cultural Partnership program, while others supportour work through transportation, building management, canvassing, orhosting in the shop and cafe. Welcoming work is everyone’s work. Want to live in cross-cultural communitywith others? You can! Sign up to volunteerat Treetops, become a Cross-CulturalPartner, join our quarterly book club, oreat with us at monthly dinners at NewAmerican restaurants!Aquinas CollegeBlandford Nature CenterBroadway Grand RapidsCalvin UniversityFrederik Meijer GardensFrontline MissionsGrand Rapids GoldGRCCNetVUEOttawa County Home VisitorsProZ ProBonoSafe HavenCommunity PartnershipsGetInvolved

This year, we're proud to share that over half of our currentConcentric Leaders began their journey as members of theprogram. Even more inspiring, one-third of our staff areformer leaders. Among them is a staff member who, havinggraduated as both a member and a leader, now brings thatexperience to their role as manager of the entire program.This reflects the core vision of Concentric — to cultivate andamplify the leadership of New Americans. These incrediblestaff members stand as a powerful testament to theprogram's lasting impact and success.

88%67%84%7 members achieved English Languagedevelopment or educational goals11 members achieved financial or employment goals4 members achieved goals relatedto their legal rights12 members achieved drivinggoals4 members achieved health and wellness goals42 members were matchedwith a cross-cultural partnerof members felt they could use theirexperiences to support othersof members felt they could use theirexperiences to support othersafter concentricbefore concentricof members would recommend theprogram to others in similar situationsThe Concentric Program invests in New American leaders, helping them shapecommunities to become more inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of fellowNew Americans. We are not just welcoming newcomers—we are equipping them to lead.By multiplying the impact of these visionary leaders, we are breaking down barriers,closing gaps, and ensuring that every New American has the support, resources, andsense of belonging they deserve.56“When people shared their struggles and that theyovercome them, it makes me feel like I can overcomeanything.” - Concentric memberwomen in the2023-24 cohort

79%68%89%27%The Teen Concentric Program offers space for refugee and immigrant girls cometogether to find belonging and build their future. This program creates a safe,supportive space for teens to express themselves, form meaningful friendships, andstrengthen their confidence through individual mentorship and group workshops.More than just a program, Teen Concentric is a place where young women grow,connect, and step into their potential as leaders in their new home."I learned how to love myself when anythingputs me down." — Teen Concentric memberOf members indicated that they wouldrecommend Concentric to someone ina similar situation as themselvesOf members felt their time with theConcentric program significantlytransformed their lives for the betterof members identified holding 1 or moreleadership positions in their communityof members identified holding 1 or moreleadership positions in their communityafter concentricbefore concentric

Members highlightedlearning coping strategies,building connections, andinformation on trauma,resilience, and mental healthbroadly as beneficialaspects of the program.50%28.6%14.3%4.8%42.9%38.1%19%33.3%31%19%11.9%4.8%35.7%28.6%28.6%7.1%95%of members reportedexperiencing less distressafter Circles of Support76%of members felt moreempowered toovercome barriersEven when others get discouraged, I know Ican find a way to solve the problem (hope).Member ratings from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). PrePostMembers increased their capacity toidentify ways that they use theirstrengths and talents.Members also endorsed a greater senseof being able to use their experiences tosupport others on their journey.I have influence in my community.Member ratings from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). PrePost“I learned ways torelease my stress andthat was so helpful.”Circles of Support are peer-basedwellness groups that meet regularly tosupport New Americans in addressingmigration trauma. During 2024, 11groups met, consisting of Arabic, Dari,Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Spanish, andSwahili language groups.

The Collective Care program bridges gapsto local resources, expanding access toessential services. Trained Specialistsadvocate for ways to break down barriers,and facilitate cultural-based peer supportgroups across West Michigan.

Programs created at Treetops were developed by listening to the needs of therefugee community through relationships with New American leaders. We wrotecurriculum, tested formats, and adapted solutions based on this feedback andknowledge. While we knew that these programs could, and should, be shared tosupport New Americans outside of Grand Rapids, we believed that process shouldhappen through already trusted relationships in those communities. It is with this beliefthat we began to share our models with others this year. Through training and program adaptations, Treetops expanded the impact of ourmission through the local contexts of New Americans across the state who werelonging to give back to their own communities!Teen ConcentricTreetops successfully piloted ateen Concentric Club model in 2metro-Detroit schools. We alsotrained staff at the lakeshoreorganization Empowering YouthGlobal Connection (EYGC) in theteen club model, and they arenow in their first year ofoperation! Circles of SupportTreetops hosted 4 facilitatortrainings in 2024, certifying 24new facilitators in the followinglanguages:BurmeseChineseDariEnglishKinyarwandaNepaliPashtoSpanishSwahiliUkrainianWe also tested online Circles forthose without access totransportation or who livedacross multiple cities. Successrates were similar to those of inperson circles.Sharing KnowledgeWe believe in collective growthand shared Treetops' employeehandbooks, operational responseplans, and grant-writingknowledge with local partnersacross the state because whenone part of our communitygrows we all do.

2022-23 2023-24 2024-25*0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100.0%90%The driver’s training program hasexperienced remarkable growth andimpact since 2022. For the 2024-25year, Treetops provided training to 26members, with 11 already obtaining theirlicenses —including two Treetops staffmembers! This significant progresshighlights the program’s expandingreach and effectiveness in empoweringparticipants through increased mobility.of members receivingtheir license in 2024were under budget*2024-25 rate of success is projected as the program year is still underwayPercentage of Members in TrainingReceiving Driver’s Licenses"I'm overjoyed to have passed my road test! Driving has been one of themost significant challenges I've faced, and at my 56 years old, I neverthought I'd achieve it. In my country, I never even stepped foot in a car,but today I've made it. I'm forever grateful to God and the incredibleteam at Treetops, whose program has been a blessing in my life."BENEFITS OF DRIVINGFreedomIndependenceHelping familySolves problemsReliabletransportation towork and schoolSecuritySelf-reliance

The Driver’s Training Program at Treetops is inpartnership with Michigan Works and Cox-MckenzieSchool of Driving. Transportation was easily the biggestchallenge facing refugee women leaders in our programs.After consistent requests from program members, ourteam worked to reduce barriers to receiving a driver’slicense by securing funding and supportive, language-based training with our partners.

Phase 2 of construction began in spring 2024 withpartners Wolverine Construction and interior designerElegant Designs by Sanela, a refugee herself from Bosnia.Completed by World Refugee Day, June 20, Treetops andsupporters opened cafe and retail shop.

The shop, Rooted Together, sells gifts made and inspiredby refugee women and their stories. Within the store is themakerspace, fostering community with makers themselves.The Treetops Community Cafe is hosted by refugee andimmigrant women making chai, coffee, and treats fromaround the world.

Together with partner Lions and Rabbits Center for theArts, Treetops hosted a mural painting block party inSeptember. After an extensive artist search, Argentinemuralist Sasha Primo was selected for his submission of“The Guardians” — women of the world who represent ourwork by standing tall and adding vibrant color to the SECAneighborhood in Grand Rapids. Community members andneighbors contributed to the mural and celebrated eachother with food, music, and art.

Internal Treetops52Private Rentals40Community and Partner Organizations25344cups of chai sold sincethe grand opening in July$10,351.25total event rental revenue3,000people hosted in our spaceEvent Rentalsin person shoppers194WHY CELEBRATING CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNITY MATTERS“World Hijab Day was even more meaningful than I could have ever expected.This celebration truly touched my heart. Seeing our non-Muslim friends not onlyacknowledge but embrace our traditions with love and respect meant morethan words can express. As a Muslim, it is sometimes hard to feel understood,but yesterday, I felt seen, valued, and deeply respected. Watching others wearthe hijab with pride and stand beside us in solidarity brought tears to my eyes. Itwas a reminder that we are not alone, that our identity is honored, and thatkindness and understanding can bridge any gap.”

In late September, MichiganGovernor Gretchen Whitmer worea Treetops We are the Women t-shirt at a town hall with Oprah. Theshirt went viral, and quarterly salesincreased by 217%! In fact, we soldmore We are the Women merch inQ3 2024 than all product salesduring the entire year of 2023.

Total:$65,366.65487 t-shirts110 bags285 stickersQ1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024$0.0$5,000.0$10,000.0$15,000.0$20,000.0$25,000.0$30,000.0+7Kaverageorder value40.7K$39.26Retail Salesonline storevisitorscustomsewing work$62KTop Selling ProductsStoffer HomeKelly VenturaButter CollectionSolstice HandmadeNew Song QuiltingWhitetail Design StudioCustom Sewing PartnersIn 2024, Treetops securedtwo trademarks from theUSPTO: Spread Welcomeand We are the WomenWe’ve Been Waiting For.

Three teen interns worked withlocal artist Anna Bueno on ablack hoodie designed with aglobe and the quote “Be thechange to bring the peace.” Theteens screen printed the hoodiesthemselves at CitizenShirt.Three teen interns worked withlocal chocolatier Mokaya tocreate a custom flavor thatreminded them of home. Theydecorated the chocolates,created branding, and learned tomake them with staff.Three interns worked with localartist Halima on designing diverseholiday cards. They learneddigital drawing and designtechniques and came upwith creative ways tocelebrate each holiday.Three interns worked with localapothecary shop, Fox Naturals, todevelop a custom Treetops scentfor a room spray and diffuser.They learned how to mix essentialoils and created unique branding.Treetops completed 4 teen social enterprise internships during2024. Each cohort spent 10 weeks learning from curriculumdeveloped at Treetops and partnered with a local artist tocreate a product that told their stories. The interns are paidand learn about business, finance, marketing, and storytelling.LearnMore& Shop

Program Operations: $1,037,516.52Building Operations: $112,686.47Admin — $105,106.37Fundraising — $88,751Concentric — $450,492.50Collective Care — $252,365.13Social Enterprise — $140,801.52Community Support132monthlydonors190first timedonors$141.67averagedonation$41,882raised at ourannual eventThe impact of our programs is that muchmore meaningful when it is supported byour community that believes in radicalwelcome and belonging. Walk alongsideour work with a consistent and reliablemonthly gift.GiveTodayTotal Revenue: $1,635,345.03Government — $812,055.85 Building to Belong: $500KFoundations — $253,570.07Corporations — $250,443.48Individual — $189,346.31Earned — $129,929.32Program Spending Organizational Revenue

Community ImpactMedia PartnershipsTreetops worked with many storytelling partnersin 2024 like WOODTV8, WZZM13, FOX17, Crain’sBusiness Journal, and a full-length feature articlein Bittersweet Monthly Magazine.Read all ourlatest storiesin the press!Humans learn to understand each other through community. Whenthat proximity is not available, we learn instead through stories. AtTreetops, we value each individual’s story as a method to shed lighton the refugee and immigrant experience as a whole. The morestories we can share, the more broad our collective understandingbecomes, affecting not just the beauty of our community, but alsothe number of people invested in its flourishing.“I was just reading an article in the newspaper thismorning about this, and I’m so inspired by how you chasethe light. Thank you for inspiring me and many with yourmessages of hope.” — Email Subscriberincrease in digitalengagement in 2024increase in followers onsocial medianew emailsubscribers16%42%1325