06/23/2026
"Where I see the HOME program come in is the right to assembly, the right to belong and questions of our identities as well. Safety is a basic human right. An extension of that is flourishing, not just surviving.”
Yet, this year is tangibly different, she added. “On some level, we are continuing with a celebration to commemorate and advocate for refugees, like what the United Nations is doing at the local level,” but today “what people are facing is monumental, bringing people to think deeply about how to engage in the community and in public events like this, considering what the implications could mean. How safe is it to show up or not show up?”
In the past two years, “we see and we are encouraging allies to show up,” she said. “Colleagues of refugees, supporters of refugees, those who have a permanent status or have already gained their citizenship, they want to contribute to the community. They are showing up. And other people who feel they must show up to show strength, show resilience, to show ‘joy and community against the odds,’ which is HOME’s theme for this year.
“Despite it all, against the odds, we still find ways to continue our work and continue our lives. Those have to continue.” (Kim Khaira)
Celebrating Wisconsin’s refugee community in turbulent times Posted by Sandra Whitehead | Jun 23, 2026 | Featured The state’s refugee community, local resettlement agencies and partner organizations were invited to the governor’s executive residence last week to celebrate the contributions of ...
