Join Us for Our
2nd Annual Community Fair
Harrisburg's World Refugee Day Block Party
In celebration of World Refugee Day and Harrisburg’s welcoming community, we are hosting our 2nd Annual community fair on June 22, 2024, from 12PM-3 PM (rain or shine). This FREE and fun afternoon of activities, food, and entertainment for all local families at our office lot at Maclay and N. 2nd Streets.
Stay tuned for more details...
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe and it falls each year on June 20.
JUNE 20, 2024
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day (WRD) is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20. From the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) website (unhcr.org):
"Whoever they are, people forced to flee should be treated with dignity. Anyone can seek protection, regardless of who they are or what they believe. It is non-negotiable: seeking safety is a human right. Wherever they come from, people forced to flee should be welcomed. Refugees come from all over the globe. To get out of harm’s way, they might take a plane, a boat, or travel on foot. What remains universal is the right to seek safety. Whenever people are forced to flee, they have a right to be protected. Whatever the threat – war, violence, persecution – everyone deserves protection. Everyone has a right to be safe.”
CWS Harrisburg’s first full fiscal year by the numbers: (Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023)
Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees served
homes were secured by the housing team
children were enrolled in school
Community Sponsor groups provided at least 8 core services to new refugee neighbors
clients were placed in jobs
clients were enrolled for employment services
volunteer, welcome team, & matching grant hours donated
Matching Grant Cases
Resettlement: Alaa''s Story
As a Syrian refugee, I left my home back in Damascus in 2011 and lived in Egypt until I came to the US in 2022. I arrived in the USA with four precious children, my heart full of dreams for our new life. For so long, my focus had been on my family and our home, ensuring their safety and well-being amidst the chaos of war and hardship. But now, in this land of freedom and opportunity, I yearn to contribute to the financial stability of my family too.
"The CWS Marketplace, has revitalized my life, igniting a newfound belief in myself and
my abilities. I’m proud to say that my children, who have been my rock throughout this journey, now beam with pride for their mother. With the support of CWS Marketplace, I’m not only nourishing people’s bodies with my food, but I’m also feeding their understanding and acceptance of my culture and family. My dreams are coming true, and the future looks brighter with every meal I serve.”
