World Refugee Awareness Week

This year we will celebrate World Refugee Awareness Week from June 17 to 24. Please join us in showing our support for refugees across the globe who have been resettled in Lansing. In a community where both Lansing and East Lansing have publicly declared themselves as “Welcoming Cities” to refugees, it’s time to celebrate all the support that we’ve received through the past year.
Saturday, June 17th
Welcoming the Stranger: 5K Family Fun Run
7:30 a.m. / 9 a.m.
Hawk Island Park, 1601 E. Cavanaugh St., Lansing
Hosted by St. Vincent Catholic Charities to kickoff World Refugee Awareness Week.
Packet Pickup/Onsite Registration: 7:30am
Race Start Time: 9:00am
www.runsignup.com/welcomingthestranger5k
Sunday, June 18th
Refugee Sunday
Faith based organizations in the greater Lansing area speak to the importance of welcoming refugees in our community. We encourage you to advocate for refugees at your place of worship on this day in honor of World Refugee Awareness Week.
Monday, June 19th
Global Institute of Lansing (GIL) Graduation
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 510 W Ottawa St., Lansing
Join GIL as they honor refugee students receiving their High School Diplomas!
Cultural Rebirth: Hope; Art Reception & Open House
6 – 8 p.m. at Samaritas, 1545 Keystone Ave, Lansing
Join us for a community gathering and art reception at Samaritas.
Tuesday, June 20th
Refugee Iftar Dinner
Sunset (8:45 p.m.)
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, 920 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing
Join us at sunset for a community gathering to break fast during Ramadan.
Wednesday, June 21st
Refugee Resettlement: Misconceptions and Contributions
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Ingham County Health Department Room D/E, 5303 S Cedar St., Lansing
Hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services, join us for a brown bag luncheon presentation that addresses common misconceptions about refugees and the benefits they provide to the community.
Garden Tour and Potluck
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at North School Garden, 333 E Miller Rd., Lansing
Join the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Garden Project for a summer potluck in one of our city’s most beautiful and unique gardens; North School Garden. Bring a dish to pass & join in the fun!
Meet Your Neighbor
6 – 8 p.m.
Capital Area District Libraries – Downtown Branch (CADL), 401 S. Capitol Ave, Lansing
Join us during World Refugee Awareness Week in welcoming all members of our community for socializing, tours of our newly renovated library, tasty refreshments from Aladdin’s, and children’s activities. To-go boxes available for consumption after sunset.
Thursday, June 22nd
Garden Tour and Potluck
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Riddle School Garden, 221 Huron St, Lansing
This garden tour and potluck is organized by the NorthWest Initiative.
Friday, June 23rd
Peace Pole Unveiling and Press Conference
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at St. Casimir Parish, 815 Sparrow Ave, Lansing
St. Vincent Catholic Charities will unveil a Peace Pole in the Greater Lansing community. The Peace Pole brings together immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born community members in a spirit of unity.