MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACTS: Bart Weigel Director of Communications and Development (502) 637-9786 / bweigel@archlou.org

Darko Mihaylovic Director of Migration and Refugee Services (502) 636-9263 / dmihajlovic@archlou.org

Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services
Celebrates Annual World Refugee Day

WHAT	The Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) Department of Catholic Charities of Louisville will host its annual World Refugee Day. The event will feature: an international parade of nations, led by the River City Drum Corp, representing each country from which MRS has resettled clients during its history; an address from MRS Director, Darko Mihaylovic; and international entertainment including the Crescent Moon Dancers, Primitivo Mojena (Cuban music), Somali Bantu Dancers and much more.
WHEN	Saturday, June 16, 2007 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE	Catholic Charities of Louisville  2911 South 4th Street
WHY	Refugees resettling to the country face a long and hard journey. They often flee their homeland with little more than a handful of clothing items and personal mementos. Migration and Refugee Services provides refugees with the support and assistance they need in order to become self-sufficient. Our role is to involve, organize, and bring together the agency, church and community resources necessary for resettlement. This event is to honor those who have successfully completed the journey to self-sufficiency, encourage those still on their way and to celebrate how the wonderful diversity of all of these cultures enhances Louisville and brings us closer to the global community.

Migration and Refugee Services assists refugees resettling to the Louisville community. Services provided include: needs assessment and social services; case management; job placement; housing; English as a Second Language classes; interpreter and translation services; cultural orientation; and referral to community resources. Last year, Migration and Refugee Services resettled more than 650 refugees in the Louisville community.

Catholic Charities of Louisville Inc., a member of Catholic Charities USA and an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Louisville, provides services for people in need, advocates for justice in social structures and calls the entire church and others of good will to do the same.