Roanoke celebrates World Refugee Day

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Monday is World Refugee Day, a day to raise awareness about refugees across the world. People in the Star City are coming to together to recognize and celebrate refugees.

Staff at Commonwealth Catholic Charities provide employment services, English classes and other programs to refugees. Organizers said, in some cases, they are people who left war torn countries in search of a safer life. Organizers said it's important to celebrate refugees in the Roanoke Valley and to show support for Roanoke's diverse and inclusive community

"There are a lot of people and organizations that are supportive," said Erin Wheeler Commonwealth Catholic Charities. "I do think that when refugees have a chance to work one-on-one with volunteers or connect with the community and go to community events is when I really see people adapt and start to feel more comfortable in the United States.

A World Refugee Day event takes place Monday from 6 p.m. at 16 West Marketplace in downtown Roanoke.