Imagine being forced to flee your country due to fear of being tormented or even killed for who you are and what you believe. You must leave the place you call home, the family and friends that you love, your job and familiar surroundings. This is the story for the nearly 400 refugees who are resettled by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas each year.
WHO IS A REFUGEE?
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country due to persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are the leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.
WHERE DO REFUGEES WE SERVE COME FROM?
Catholic Charities is the largest resettlement site throughout Kansas. The majority of refugees that we serve flee from Burma, located in Southeast Asia. Ethnic groups represented include Chin, Karen and the Karenni. Other refugees travel from Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia, Congo, Eritrea and Iran.
WHAT IS WORLD REFUGEE DAY?
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations. It falls each year on June 20 and commemorates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day encourages us to welcome and protect those who are vulnerable; those who have been forced to flee their homeland due to torment, persecution or war. It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees and to recognize their resilience and effort to rebuild their lives.
Every year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas hosts a World Refugee Day event in honor of the families that have been resettled in our community and in advocacy for those still displaced abroad. Our annual event features a cultural showcase including entertainment, delicious food, a carnival, a photo booth and more fun activities! We invite you to join us in celebration and solidarity on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Click here to volunteer at the event or sign-up to donate here.
Refugee & Immigration Services
WyCo Family Support Center Office Address:
600 Minnesota Avenue,
Kansas City, Kansas