Pittsburgh’s World Refugee Day 2021 Celebration
This year is the 20th anniversary of World Refugee Day being celebrated around the world! Here in Pittsburgh, we’re celebrating virtually on June 18, highlighting stories from our local refugee and immigrant neighbors.
We’ll also have lots of ways for you to engage through recipes, a marketplace of local artisans, kids’ activities, and ways to take action. We hope that you’ll find ways to support refugees and immigrants in our community and help make Pittsburgh a place where we all can belong!
PITTSBURGH WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2021
This year is the 20th anniversary of World Refugee Day being celebrated around the world! Here in Pittsburgh, we’re celebrating virtually on June 18, highlighting stories from our local refugee and immigrant neighbors.
We’ll also have lots of ways for you to engage through recipes, a marketplace of local artisans, kids’ activities, and ways to take action. We hope that you’ll find ways to support refugees and immigrants in our community and help make Pittsburgh a place where we all can belong!
Stories From Our Neighbors & Ways to Take Action
B’s Story (East/Central Africa)
Coming to the USA/Pittsburgh I came to the USA running away from an abusive relationship. When I got here, life was hard. Family was not supportive. I wish I knew then what I know now about the different organizations that help women and children that have been...
Sandra’s Story (Jamaica)
What are some things you would like others to know about your culture? Our food is different in Jamaica. When people come that is one of the first things that they look for and second is entertainment and music. We have the fastest man and fastest woman in the world,...
Take Action: Learn about the refugee & immigrant experience
Watch a suggested film or host a screening with friends and family members to learn more In honor of World Refugee Day and Immigrant Heritage Month, we will be sharing ways in which you can get support refugees and immigrants in Pittsburgh as well as learn more about...
Bimala’s Story (Nepal)
My name is Bimala, I am 24 years old and was born in Nepal. I just finished my associate degree in social work from CCAC. Now I am applying to California University of Pennsylvania for a bachelor’s degree in social work. I am excited to start college and learn more at...
Adzo Amouzou’s Story (Togo)
What was your first day/month like in the US? You can even say that my first night in the United States was horrible. Our plane landed at New York. We were supposed to go back to the same plane, but going through customs and immigration took so long that the plane...
MARKETPLACe
Arts, Crafts, & More!
Check out jewelry, crafts, art, leather goods, clothing, and more from local immigrant-owned businesses. These sellers from around the global make items inspired by their experiences, cultures, and traditions. Shop local to support these creative artisans and crafters!
The Food Blog
Amazing recipes from all over the world
Check out these delicious recipes from refugees and immigrants as they share their cultures, stories, and food.
PORTUGAL: Sopa de Peixe (Fish Soup)
PORTUGAL: Sopa de Peixe (Fish Soup)Servings 8Ready In: 1hGood For: Side dishIntroduction About this Recipe By: Rita Fish soup is a common dish in Portugal, especially in colder months. This particular recipe uses several types of fish, diced into fillets, giving it a...
INDIA: Indian Chai
INDIA: Indian Chai Servings 1 Ready In: 15min Good For: BreakfastIntroduction About this Recipe By: Savita Tanwar Chai is a spice tea that is popular throughout India and many other Asian countries. It is often served sweet and with milk. This is a great drink for...
INDIA: Green Chutney
INDIA: Green ChutneyServings 16Ready In: 15minGood For: DippingIntroduction About this Recipe By: Savita Tanwar Chutney is a common sauce eaten with a variety of Indian foods, and used by other Asian cuisines, as well. Green chutney is a coriander-based sauce,...
International Restaurants & Markets in Pittsburgh
SPONSORED BY
GOLD
Thank you to the Leveler Foundation and UPMC for your Gold level sponsorship.
SILVER
Thank you to Highmark / Allegheny Health Network for your Silver level sponsorship.
BRONZE
Thank you to the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania and Dollar Bank for your Bronze level sponsorship.
Thank you to Giant Eagle for your contribution.
Pittsburgh Loves refugees
Organizing Partners
World Refugee Day Pittsburgh is a joint effort of several organizations throughout the city. Led by Pittsburgh’s resettlement agencies, Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) and Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach (AJAPO), the city has been celebrating this event for many years. JFCS and AJAPO are joined by All for All, ARYSE, Center for Hearing & Deaf Services – PLAN, Hello Neighbor, Global Wordsmiths, Literacy Pittsburgh, Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania, and South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) in planning, organizing, and putting on the event.
JFCS
JFCS serves the Greater Pittsburgh community supporting people through all of life’s changes and challenges. In addition to hosting Pittsburgh’s largest refugee resettlement program helping refugees settle in their new homes, services offered help families overcome food insecurity, professionals find new jobs, immigrants become citizens, vulnerable adults live fulfilling lives, seniors stay independent and community members find healing from trauma and bereavement. Learn more at jfcspgh.org.
AJAPO
AJAPO’s aims to build–together with consumers–an amazing and self-sufficient refugee/immigrant community that contributes economically, socially, and spiritually to the civic life of Greater Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, while sustaining those aspects of their own traditional values and culture that strengthen families. ajapopittsburgh.org
All for All
ARYSE
Center for Hearing & Deaf Services - PLAN
HDS’s Pittsburgh Language Access Network (PLAN) provides spoken language interpreting services to organizations and companies throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. PLAN
Global Wordsmiths
Global Wordsmiths is a full-service language translation and interpretation services in the Greater Pittsburgh Area with a social mission to improve language access by donating profits and training volunteers. globalwordsmiths.com
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor works to improve the lives of refugees and immigrants by matching them with dedicated neighbors to guide and support them in their new lives. helloneighbor.io
Literacy Pittsburgh
Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter serves Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties. counties, and also functions as the headquarters of the 61-county Greater Pennsylvania Region. Their services include disaster relief, service to armed forces, biomedical donations, training programs, and international services. redcross.org
SHIM
SHIM has been providing food, clothing and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods for around 50 years. Faced with unprecedented new levels of suburban poverty, SHIM is expanding its work to include more neighbors helping more neighbors in need. Together, with teams of dedicated volunteers, donors and partners, we’re working to reduce the devastating effects of suburban poverty among the working poor, unemployed, families, single parents, senior citizens, women, and the high concentration of refugee families in our service area. shimcares.org