June Is National Refugee Month—Here's Why It Matters and How You Can Help

June is a time for celebrating milestones, enjoying the summer, and coming together as a community. It's also National Refugee Month—a time set aside every year to recognize the strength and resilience of refugees around the world, and to reflect on the role each of us can play in welcoming them.

At Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, we think about refugees every single day. But this month, we invite the broader Southern Nevada community to join us in that awareness, learn more about what refugees experience, and discover how you can make a real difference right here in Las Vegas.

What Is National Refugee Month?

National Refugee Month is observed throughout June, culminating in World Refugee Day on June 20th—a date recognized by the United Nations to honor the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees across the globe.

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, or disaster. They leave not by choice, but because staying would mean risking their lives. Many spend years in limbo—living in camps or temporary housing—before being resettled in a new country.

National Refugee Month is a chance to shift the narrative. Instead of focusing only on hardship, it's a time to celebrate the humanity and contributions of people who have overcome extraordinary circumstances to build new lives. It's also a call to action—a reminder that the resettlement journey doesn't end when someone arrives. It's just beginning.

Why It Matters in Southern Nevada

Las Vegas is a city built on the promise of new beginnings. It's fitting that Southern Nevada has become a meaningful home for refugees from dozens of countries around the world. These are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, and community members—people who bring rich histories, languages, and cultures that make our region stronger.

But arriving in a new country is hard. There are language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and the challenge of building a life from scratch—often without family nearby or resources to fall back on. That's where Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada comes in.

How Catholic Charities Helps Refugees

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is one of only three agencies in Nevada authorized to provide refugee resettlement services. Through our Migration & Refugee Services program, we walk alongside newly arrived refugees through their first five years in the United States—one of the most critical windows for long-term stability and success.

Our support includes:

Getting settled

When refugees arrive, we help them find housing, access food and clothing, and navigate health services so their basic needs are met from day one.

Finding work

Employment is one of the most important steps toward self-sufficiency. We provide employment assistance and connect refugees to job opportunities throughout Southern Nevada—including with local businesses looking to hire a refugee.

Learning and growing

Through our Adult Education Services, we offer free English language classes, citizenship preparation courses, and High School Equivalency programs—tools that open doors to better jobs and deeper community connection.

Supporting young people

Our Youth Mentor Program pairs refugee youth ages 15 to 24 with volunteer mentors who provide academic support, college preparation guidance, career development, and cultural orientation. These relationships can be life-changing for young people navigating an entirely new world.

Immigration legal services

Through our Immigration Services program, we assist individuals seeking asylum, lawful permanent residence, employment authorization, and U.S. citizenship—providing representation and guidance through complex legal processes.

All of this work happens because of the generosity and commitment of this community. And this month, there's never been a better time to get involved.

How You Can Get Involved This June

You don't have to be an expert in immigration policy or have a background in social work to make a meaningful impact. There are simple, accessible ways to show up for refugees in Southern Nevada right now.

Donate 

Your financial support funds everything from case management to job training to English classes. Even a small, recurring gift makes a big difference when multiplied across our community. Make a donation here or consider setting up a monthly gift to provide steady, year-round support.

Volunteer 

Whether you want to mentor a young refugee, help with tutoring, or support our broader programs, there's a place for you. Sign up to volunteer and bring your time and talents to the people who need them most.

Hire a Refugee 

If you're a business owner or hiring manager, consider the incredible potential in your own backyard. Refugees are hardworking, motivated, and eager to contribute. Learn more about how to hire a refugee and what our team can do to support the process.

Spread the Word 

Awareness matters. Share this post, talk to your friends and family, and help build a Southern Nevada that is informed, compassionate, and welcoming. Small conversations have a way of creating big change.

A Community Worth Building Together

Refugees come to Southern Nevada carrying stories of unimaginable hardship—but also of incredible strength. They are building new lives, raising families, contributing to our economy, and enriching our culture. They deserve to be welcomed with dignity and given the tools they need to thrive.

This National Refugee Month, we hope you'll join us in that mission. Whether you give, volunteer, hire, or simply learn more, your support sends a clear message: Southern Nevada is a community where everyone belongs.

To learn more about our refugee and immigration services or to get involved, visit us at catholiccharities.com or call us at (702) 385-2662. Together, we can make Southern Nevada a place of hope for those who need it most.

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