TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- Thursday was World Refugee Day and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) says they are committed to recognizing communities, refugees, and their families and supporters in the state.
The DCF celebrated the holiday at the Co Cathedral of St. Thomas More late Thursday morning, with volunteers from local schools such as FSU. The holiday began as a way to honor the courage, strength and determination of men, women and children who had to leave their home country, facing persecution or violence.
The DCF's office of Refugee Services helps around 28,000 refugees every year in obtaining employment, learning English, learning job skills, and conquering legal or medical difficulties.
"We're helping them learn English. We're helping them get their first job", said Theresa Leslie, Community Liaison for Refugee Services of the DCF. "We help them set up housekeeping or with an apartment, a rental house, or a trailer. We provide everything they need to start up housekeeping. We get the children enrolled in school. If the parents want to go to school or training before they get their first job, they do that."
The DCF says refugees in Florida come from 97 different countries.
