The Jacksonville Area Refugee Task Force – the group that helps refugees to settle, integrate, and prosper – invites the community to participate in the commemoration of “World Refugee Day 2018” on Friday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church, 1435 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville.

One of the goals of our World Refugee Day celebration is to introduce prominent civic, religious, and community leaders to the many faith-based and governmental organizations who serve refugees. Refugees are an integral part of our community and contribute to our economy. Most of the refugees are from Cuba, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Burma.

The Naturalization ceremony presented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be June 15, at the Balis Community Center, 1513 LaSalle St. in Jacksonville.  The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. We look forward to your participation in this important and fun-filled community event!

Be sure to follow our diocesan Facebook page starting on Saturday, June 9 through Friday, June 15, as we share local stories of refugees who have be resettled here in Jacksonville, thanks to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program. Click here to learn more about their stories.