World Refugee Week

Community As A Superpower

June 18

Community is the incredible everyday—ordinary and extraordinary, simple acts of shared generosity, and kindness multiplied to become an unstoppable force! Communities can bring people together, bridging divides and offering support, spaces of resilience, and places for healing. In recognition of World Refugee Week (June 16-22), everyone is invited to spend time with friends and build new connections in and beyond our neighborhoods. The Office of Maine Refugee Services, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Refugee Immigrant Services, and Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine invite you to a celebration dedicated to elevating the power of community in supporting refugee resettlement.

It’s amazing what we can do when we move together towards a shared goal. So let’s redefine and rediscover our collective power to shape hopeful futures and begin by practicing, celebrating, and rehearsing it every day.

Join us as we come together to honor World Refugee Week 2025 with Community as a Superpower, a gathering to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the globe and here in Maine.

World Refugee Week acknowledges the courage of those who have been forced to flee their homelands and reaffirms our global commitment to protect their rights and dignity. This year, the Office of Maine Refugee Services, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Refugee Immigrant Services, and Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine invites you to a celebration on Wednesday, June 18, dedicated to elevating the power of community in supporting refugee resettlement.

We’ll be joined by special guests who will share reflections, offer updates on resettlement efforts, and help illuminate the paths forward to create communities of belonging.

Whether you’re a long-time advocate or newly engaged, this event will connect you with meaningful, tangible ways to take action and support refugees, immigrants, asylees, and asylum seekers—both locally and beyond.

Come celebrate the spirit of welcome, solidarity, and shared humanity that defines our community.

Together, we are a superpower!

In August 2024, I flew to the USA with my children under the U4U program. Initially we stayed at our sponsor's house, but when an issue arose with our sponsor, the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine gave us very strong support. They took us out of a dangerous area and paid for our hotel for 10 days, where we stayed and felt safe. Additionally, they helped us with housing. Subsequently, they have been helping us with paperwork, socialization, and getting around the state since I don't have a car. I am very grateful that such a program and organization exist, helping immigrants like me get on their feet in the USA and feel more confident. They provide both psychological and financial support.

JCA Ukrainian Client

I came to the United States with my family in 2022 and settled in Maine. I am grateful to JCA and am very satisfied with the entire team. I want to thank everyone at JCA for their support and assistance. They helped me in many ways, including providing housing, applying for my driver’s license, and finding a job. Most importantly, they arranged legal assistance for my Green Card application, ensuring it was submitted on time, because of their help I received my Green Card a year ago.

JCA Afghanistan Client

I have been in America for two years The truth is I am really happy with the JCA and the way they resettled me. When I arrived in America they searched for a place for me to live. I came here alone without any family so they are the ones who helped me. They helped me with food, they helped me find my own apartment. They helped me find work and now I am working and that is thanks to the JCA. Thank you very much.

JCA DRC Client

Program Details

World Refugee Week Event

Wednesday, June 18th

Presented by: Office of Maine Refugee Services, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services,

Catholic Charities Maine Refugee Immigrant Services, and Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine.

5:30PM

Arrive early to mingle, enjoy music, and sample international sweets at our Café Tables, including Ukrainian and Afghan treats.

Connect with local organizations and community members that are doing vital work.

6:00PM

Experience an Afghan dance performance, followed by a multifaith prayer and opening remarks.

Then join our World Café discussions on key topics such as housing, legal support, public benefits, healthcare, education, and asylum-seeker resources.

7:30PM

Be inspired by Ukrainian singers as we end the evening in celebration and solidarity.

Whether you're a longtime advocate or newly engaged in refugee and immigrant support, this evening offers meaningful ways to learn, connect, and act. Let’s celebrate the spirit of welcome and shared humanity that makes our community a superpower.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are a superpower.

Artwork by: Tori Shoemaker

Join Us

Registration is free but required for both security and food planning purposes. We invite you to bring a donation of an essential item such as diapers, wipes, menstrual pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, or shampoo for newly settled Mainers.

Let Us Know You're Coming

The most rewarding part of the job is seeing people become self-sufficient. Refugees come here with little or nothing and we help them get on their feet and become self-sufficient while starting their new life here.

JCA Afghan Humanitarian Parolee Caseworker

Refugees have gone through things that the average person can not understand or relate to. They’ve jumped through a million hoops to get to this point and the reality is that only 1% of refugees make it through the whole process to resettlement.

It’s important to make this final step as easy as possible. They shouldn’t have to fight once they get to the place that’s supposed to keep them safe and healthy.

JCA Refugee & Newcomer Medical Screening

Care Coordinator

I am originally from Sudan, the JCA resettled me a couple years ago. Now, I’m employed by them and helping to welcome other refugees to get the same great foundation I got when I arrived.