Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), has planned a series of events to take place during Welcoming Week, joining with hundreds of communities nationwide to celebrate new Americans. LSF has partnered with Dunbar Community School to host several programs to extend goodwill, resources and support to immigrants and refugees in need of employment, English language classes and a stronger sense of community.
LSF kicks off WOW! Week of Welcome with a pre-event open house 4 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at its facilities at 3661 Central Ave., Fort Myers. Attendees will learn about new workshops and extended hours. Refreshments will be served.
The remaining WOW! events will take place at Dunbar Community School, 1857 High St. in Fort Myers. Starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 are a job workshop, immigrant entrepreneur workshop and community lunch. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, attendees will enjoy a screening of the film “MEA Culpa” and a community dinner. At 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, join your neighbors, new and old, for the planting of the unity tree.
LSF’s participation in the national Welcoming Week program highlights that in Southwest Florida, Americans of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger, more prosperous communities.
Jacquie Williams, community outreach coordinator for LSF, said, “Our WOW! Week of Welcome activities celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to everyone who calls our community home.”
Ken Burns, Principal at Dunbar Community School, said, “We’re excited to be partnering with Lutheran Services Florida for the Week of Welcome. This is a great opportunity to bring the diverse populations in our community together to celebrate one another.”
All of LSF’s WOW! events are free of charge and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Williams at (239) 217-4453or Jacqueline.MatthewsWilliams@LSFnet.org
For more information about how you can participate in Welcoming Week, visit welcomingweek.org and use #welcomingweek.
For more information about SW Comprehensive Refugee Services programs and services, contact Jacquie Williams at Jacqueline.MatthewsWilliams@LSFnet.org or visit www.LSFnet.org.
