Latest news with #WorldRefugeeDay
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Downtown Erie set to host summer full of fun events, get the list here
Downtown Erie is gearing up for an exciting summer of community events. Leaders of the Erie Downtown Partnership and Flagship City District announced a lineup of activities Thursday. National Fuel employees team up with Erie students for Days of Doing They include sunrise yoga sessions and a variety of festivals and celebrations. Among them, the 14th Fest, Juneteenth celebration, and World Refugee Day. The Perry Square Summer Concert Series will feature a pre-party on July 3 before the city's fireworks celebration. Some new events include the first-ever Erie's Masked Singer competition and the Thirsty Thursday concert series. 'Seeds of Hope' event aims to raise awareness on women's health research 'Our Juneteenth celebration is going to be bigger this year. We have music performances, we're gonna have a community meal. Our world refugee celebration is gonna be bigger and better this year,' said Dave Tamulonis, events and marketing manager for the Erie Downtown Partnership. 'Boutique nights is gonna be a great time to get outside, do some shopping, support these local businesses, but most important, get involved with artists and some really creative elements on the street,' said Ryan Hoover, director of events and promotions for the Erie Downtown Development Corporation. For full details including dates and times, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Montagnard Association helps refugees settle into the Triad
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — World Refugee Day is coming up on June 20. It honors refugees who've settled into new homes around the world, and many of them have chosen the Piedmont Triad to start their new lives. One of the largest refugee groups comes from the central highlands of Vietnam. The Montagnards allied with U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, then immigrated to the U.S. The largest population is here in North Carolina. The Montagnard Association of North Carolina, formerly called the Montagnard Dega Association, helps those refugees start over while preserving their culture. 'We're a nonprofit that specializes in immigrants and refugees who have been here in Greensboro for less than five years,' says Sachi Dely, a case worker for the Montagnard Association. 'However, we do help people who have been here for five years or more as long as they are under that status of refugee or asylum….We help with a bunch of things like employment and case management. Our main goal is to help with self sufficiency.' Dely says they assist refugees by teaching them work skills and helping them find employment while remaining connected with their cultural heritage. Community health worker Satta Sedi Johnson says she helps refugees sign up for health insurance and social service programs. As a refugee herself, she understands the challenge. 'Some people do not speak English,' she says. 'Some of them have limited access, they're not educated. Some of them they are educated, but they do not know how to navigate.' Pastor Brince Mushunju agrees. Coming to a new country can be tough. 'So, we know what it means to be a refugee,' he says. 'We know the struggles and the challenges, especially the trauma they go through. So they love coming here to our office because they believe that we understand their situation.' The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro helps the nonprofit provide training through a community grant. It's also trying to secure funds to purchase 15 acres of land that would serve as a center with gardens and amenities such as a soccer field. If you want more information, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado refugee resettlement agencies scramble for funding to help new arrivals
Attendees watch live music at the World Refugee Day celebration, put on by Colorado Refugee Connect, at Aurora City Center Park in Aurora on June 20, 2021. (Eli Imadali for Colorado Newsline) Resettlement service agencies in Colorado are left to search for their own funding to continue helping newly arrived refugees after an executive order President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office stopped their funding. Trump issued an executive order halting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which allows people unable to return to their home country for fear of violence or persecution to legally reside in the U.S. after an extensive vetting process. He will decide based on a report from the secretary of state and the secretary of Homeland Security whether resuming the program 'would be in the interests of the United States' after 90 days. Jewish Family Services of Colorado has offered refugee resettlement services over the last four years. Jessica Zeidman, chief advancement officer at JFS, said last year, her organization helped 190 refugees resettle in Colorado, and they had signed a contract with the federal government to help 175 more people this year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After the November election, Zeidman said the organization anticipated changes to the refugee program and looked to the thresholds Trump imposed in his first term to help them prepare, but 'were not expecting him to close it completely.' The president proposes annual thresholds that limit how many refugees will be permitted in the country, which need to be approved by Congress. The organization quickly mobilized to 'bring in as many refugees as we could' ahead of Jan. 20. Between Oct. 15 and Jan. 15, Jewish Family Services resettled 137 people in Colorado, more than double the typical number of 60 people they would help during that time. Zeidman said her team was at the airport on New Year's Day picking up families. That included people from Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, Venezuela, Burma, Syria, Columbia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The stop work order included in Trump's executive order has been 'the most detrimental,' Zeidman said. That action voided the contract HIAS, the parent organization overseeing refugee resettlement at Jewish Family Services, had with the Department of State to provide money to refugees during their first 90 days in the U.S. Zeidman said federal funding made up about 60% of the JFS budget for refugee resettlement. 'Every individual, that includes babies, they are promised this money, and with the stop work order, that money has all disappeared,' Zeidman said. 'So even families that we brought in on Jan. 19 to resettle here in Colorado are not getting the funds that they've been promised.' Rhossy Ouanzin, development and communications manager at the African Community Center of Denver, said his organization helps refugees in their first 90 days adapt to American culture and find a job, but they will help any of their clients for up to five years after they arrive. The center previously received funding through the reception and placement program, but with no federal funding so far this year, the organization had to layoff a couple of staff members who have worked with the center for years. Ouanzin said African Community Center has worked to build and maintain its capacity to help more refugees for years, and he's concerned that additional cuts could lead to more layoffs and a reduced capacity. The organization had already raised private donations to help refugees once their first 90 days of sponsorship by the federal government ended, but Ouanzin said the community has stepped up with donations to help those still within their first 90 days too. 'We have the moral obligation of serving and helping the people who are here, because if we don't do it and we let them go, then there's nobody else to help them,' Ouanzin said. The African Community Center helped about 1,300 refugees resettle in 2021 and 2022, 1,252 refugees in 2023, and 1,375 refugees in 2024. The five countries the center helped the most people from last year were Cuba, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti. Ouanzin said it's hard to gauge how many refugees the organization will help this year, because they don't know how long the resettlement and placement program will be suspended. Refugees who have arrived most recently are the most vulnerable, said Dona Dalton, marketing and communications manager at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, because they have the least familiarity with their communities and have not developed a foundation. 'They are losing valuable support for housing and basic needs,' she said in a statement. 'In addition, those that were already screened and approved to come to the U.S., including 294 scheduled to LFSRM locations, have been abruptly left in limbo as well as refugees already in the U.S. waiting for loved ones to join them.' Zeidman said the stop work order has led to 'a lot of turmoil' at Jewish Family Services, including budget crunching, ongoing conversations with other agencies, and fear among staff for both their job security and their clients' wellbeing. She said the organization is 'committed to raising private funds' to continue to support its staff and clients. 'There's a barrage of executive orders and news every day, and so we're just advising our staff to keep doing the good work and let leadership focus on the funding and the political fallout, but keep supporting your clients,' she said. The Colorado Refugee Services Program in the Office of New Americans has been helpful in ensuring none of the Colorado agencies have had to close, Zeidman said, and the state continues to provide funding where it can. A spokesperson for the Colorado Refugee Services Program said in a statement that it will continue to support refugee integration into Colorado and that it is closely tracking federal changes to keep service providers up to date. Dalton said Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains is learning to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the refugee program and 'respond to each change as quickly as possible, while not losing sight of our responsibility to our clients, staff, and communities.' The organization has helped resettle refugees from Ethiopia, Bhutan, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, Mauritania, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Liberia, Bosnia, Cuba, Burma and Ukraine, among others. Dalton said the organization is working with community partners to determine how to maintain services affected by changes at the federal level. JFS has offered a refugee mental health program for over 30 years. Zeidman said it typically takes a refugee about two years to start to work through the trauma they experienced in their home countries. But recently, even though they have legal status and went through a years-long process to be in the U.S., many refugees are fearful they could be deported given news of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. 'They are eligible to be here. They are amongst the most vetted individuals that arrive in our country,' Zeidman said. 'It's a lot of counseling and making sure they know their rights and their paperwork.' Zeidman said Jewish Family Services will continue to work with other resettlement agencies, the state, and its parent organization to advocate the reception and placement orders be reinstated. The International Rescue Committee, the fourth refugee resettlement provider in Colorado, declined to comment given the sensitivity of the situation. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Visit Greater Grand Forks to continue administering city special event funding, for now
Feb. 18—GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks City Council reauthorized Visit Greater Grand Forks to administer the city's event funding program, but not without a conversation about potentially changing the program in the future. A first motion by council member Rebecca Osowski that would stipulate the program should only fund events that bring in hotel room stays failed 8-2, with only President Dana Sande joining Osowski. In a second motion, the council unanimously approved reauthorizing the program, but it may revisit the logistics of administration later this year. "Ultimately, our goal should be to improve our hotel-motel tax so we can continue to give out grants and loans," Osowski said. "I would ultimately like (Visit Greater Grand Forks) to follow the rules of the other funding programs that they manage." The program up for authorization is funded through the city's economic development funds, which are generated from sales tax. There are other grant programs that Visit Greater Grand Forks manages, such as its enticement program for conventions and tournaments, that have different funding sources. Visit Greater Grand Forks' budget is tied with the city's lodging tax — a 3% tax on room rentals separate from a 0.25% lodging and restaurant sales tax. Had the original motion gone through, it likely would have meant many local events would have lost a funding source and support from the city. While the event would draw visitors and economic impact, it may not generate hotel revenue, which would have been the key priority of receiving funding. In 2024, 82 events were given a total of $182,925, creating an estimated economic impact of $25 million. Visit Greater Grand Forks has managed the special event funding program since 2017, integrating it with its own program. The program seeks to help homegrown events and new events that promote the area, generate economic benefit and bring quality of life, among other criteria. Applications are reviewed three times a year. Executive Director Julie Rygg said Visit Greater Grand Forks overseeing the funds was originally a way to depoliticize the process. "If council would like to debate or members of council want to debate this every year, I think maybe it's a good idea if it goes back in your hands," Rygg said. "We can't regulate based on 'we don't want this organization funded or we don't want this organization funded.'" Rygg added that she was told last year by Osowski that she did not want events like Grand Forks Pride or World Refugee Day funded and this year asked why funds were given to the Grand Forks School District or UND. Osowski said that it was not directed at Rygg, but rather as a "dig" at both entities. "I'm upset that other taxing entities are dipping their hands into our local city dollars," Osowski said. "I was criticizing (UND and the Grand Forks School District). I also think that the Grand Forks school system does not do a good job at managing their funds, either." Other members of the council were much more supportive of Visit Greater Grand Forks continuing this program and the work that it does for events in the community. "I believe that this organization provides a great service to our community and I don't think it should be changing at this time," council member Tricia Berg said. "Having the farmers market is so important to so many members of our community and I think there would be a lot of upset people if we were to change this." Others on the council said that the way Grand Forks treats and supports its events sets the city apart and even ahead of other communities. "The current program has been highly successful," council member Ken Vein said. "We've been an example to others and I think we've had some amazing outcomes that many others would wish they were having." In other news, the council: * Reminded people that the city is changing its water metering system and residents will be getting information from Keystone Utility Systems on setting up an appointment. The company is the same that East Grand Forks used when replacing its water meters. The new meters will mean that the city no longer has to have staff drive around collecting water meter readings. * Approved its 2025 Community Development Block Grant awards and reviewed its draft five-year consolidated action plan for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development . The city will award $410,000 in federal funds to support housing in the city and will have a public hearing on April 7 for the plan.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ben Stiller denies USAID funded Ukraine trip: ‘These are lies coming from Russian media'
Ben Stiller has denied social media reports that his humanitarian trip to Ukraine was funded by USAID, dismissing the claims as Russian 'lies.' Over the weekend, the US Agency for International Development was targeted for dissolution by Elon Musk, who labeled it as a criminal enterprise on his social media platform X. The site also hosted several viral posts related to the agency, including one that included a fake E! News video and claimed that US tax dollars had been spent sending celebrities to Ukraine. The post claimed Angelina Jolie's visit had cost taxpayers $20 million, Sean Pean's had cost $5 million and Ben Stiller's cost $4 million. In an X post from his own account, Stiller denied the claim. 'These are lies coming from Russian media,' wrote the Zoolander star. 'I completely self-funded my humanitarian trip to Ukraine. There was no funding from USAID and certainly no payment of any kind. 100 percent false.' Stiller visited Ukraine in June 2022, where he met those affected by the ongoing war with Russia. During a meeting with President Zelensky, Stiller shook Zelensky's hand and said: 'Sir, really nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time. You're my hero.' He added that he was inspired by Zelensky, 'for what you've done in this country and for the world'. The pair also shared a lighter moment, with Stiller complimenting the President on his 'great acting career'. Zelensky responded 'Not as great as you,' and laughed. In a video posted to his Instagram account at the time, Stiller said: 'Hey, I'm Ben Stiller, and I'm here in Ukraine. I'm meeting people who've been impacted by the war and hearing how it's changed their lives. War and violence are devastating people all over the world. Nobody chooses to flee their home. Seeking safety is a right and it needs to be upheld for every person.' In August of that year, Stiller reflected on his time in Ukraine and said he was 'really taken by the resilience of the people of Ukraine, and of the president.' 'His incredible sense of how he has risen to the moment and offered his people leadership and true resolve to get through this awful situation.' Stiller had visited the country on World Refugee Day as part of his long-term role as a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. Speaking about the 'overwhelming' experience of seeing the consequences the war has had for Ukrainian people, Stiller said: 'There are seven or eight million people, just within the country, who have been displaced. 'It's just so overwhelming when you see the reality of it.'
