Jacksonville event celebrates World Refugee Day

Catholic Charities Jacksonville hosts downtown celebration

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Catholic Charities Jacksonville on Monday hosted a World Refugee Day celebration.

The event was held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the nonprofit’s headquarters in the Jessie Ball duPont Center on East Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville.

The celebration helped introduce city, religious and community leaders to the civic, faith-based and governmental organizations and agencies that serve refugees throughout Jacksonville. The event also honored refugees, service providers and community members who have worked together during the challenges of the resettlement process. In addition, the event included performances, health-enhancing activities, and interactive informational displays from local refugee organizations and others.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe.

Catholic Charities Jacksonville on Monday hosted a World Refugee Day celebration. (Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Anna Bahlai performed at a ceremony highlighting the Duval Area Refugee Task Force. She is a Ukrainian refugee who has been in Jacksonville for two months.

“Today, I was singing for Ukraine -- Ukraine in song,” she said. “I want to explain to people we are here and really need help.”

The Duval Area Refugee Task Force helps refugees settle, integrate and prosper in the Jacksonville community. The group includes Catholic Charities Jacksonville, Beyond90, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, Lutheran Social Services and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.