How to Celebrate World Refugee Day in NE Indiana
FORT WAYNE:
As the leader in refugee resettlement for northern Indiana, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (CCFWSB) is once again collaborating with Allen County Public Library (ACPL) to host World Refugee Day on June 20, 2024.
A global day to honor and celebrate the resiliency and success of refugees, this year’s theme is Honoring a Window Into Another Life. The three-hour event will be filled with stories of hope and cultural experiences. There will be public performances and activities showcasing cultures from around the globe on ACPL Plaza from 12:00 to 2:00.
“This year’s World Refugee Day theme is focused on celebrating a glimpse into another life,” said Nyein Chan, Director of Refugee Services at CCFWSB. “No one intends to become a refugee, but rather, they are forced to flee to protect their family. On World Refugee Day, we honor the bravery it takes to rebuild a life. Fort Wayne has been so welcoming of other cultures, we wanted to share the beauty with our neighbors at this event.”
ACPL will host the event at its Main Library where attendees can learn about library resources, participate in programs, find materials in a variety of languages, access the internet, and connect with community resources. All Allen County residents, including participants at this event, are eligible for an ACPL library card at no cost.
"Allen County Public Library is for everyone in our community, and we are honored to welcome and celebrate the stories and experiences of our refugee neighbors on this World Refugee Day,” said Director of Programs and Partnerships, Beth Boatright. “Refugees enrich the fabric of our community, and we hope this event will connect us all through the transformative power of their stories. We are excited to host and celebrate our newest Allen County neighbors."
Who: This event is open to the public
Where: Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plz, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Conference Rooms ABC, events on the plaza to follow
When: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Event Agenda:
11:00 Welcome
11:05-11:15 Catholic Charities and ACPL opening remarks
11:15-11:20 Remarks from the City of Fort Wayne
11:20-11:40 International Lunch
11:40-12:00 Former Refugee Stories
12:00-2:00 Events on the Plaza
SOUTH BEND:
On June 20, 2024, four local nonprofits are working together to host a World Refugee Day celebration at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.
A global day to honor and celebrate the resiliency and success of refugees, this year’s theme is Bridging Our Worlds. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (CCFWSB), United Religious Community of St. Joseph County (URC), La Casa de Amistad and Neighbor to Neighbor have put together a three-hour event that will be filled with food, stories and art to showcase the beautiful cultural tapestry that calls South Bend home.
Where: St. Joseph County Public Library Downtown
When: June 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Who: Open to the public
Event Agenda:
Free international food: 5:30 pm
Panel featuring former refugees from around the globe: 6:00 pm
Free screening of The Staging Post: 7:00 pm