Lutheran Services Celebrates

World Refugee Day

14 June 2007

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has designated June 20th as World Refugee Day to call attention to the plight of refugees worldwide. This year’s theme, “A New Home, A New Life,” will draw attention to the challenges refugees face daily, as well as to their dreams of building new lives in freedom.

On June 20th, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), in collaboration with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and other LIRS-affiliated agencies across the country, will celebrate World Refugee Day. LSF will host a special celebration – “25 Years of Refugee Treasures” – in recognition of the contributions refugees make to their communities in the greater Tampa Bay area.

The event, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 501 S. Dale Mabry in Tampa, will feature musical performances by former refugees, as well as many ethnic foods. Special guests will include representatives from organizations that provide services to help refugees resettle, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the Refugee Task Force.

“On this special day we will honor those refugees in our community and also remember the 19 million refugees—80% women and children—waiting in camps throughout the world,” said James A. Wells, LSF President and CEO.

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a statewide, nonprofit, human care agency dedicated to helping all people in need regardless of religious affiliation, age, or national origin. Since the LF Refugee Resettlement Program began more than 25 years ago, over 250,000 refugees have received help to build new lives in freedom. LSF has 65 programs located across Florida and has provided assistance to over 850,000 children and families in need.

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