Presenter: Melissa Lukes, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Refugee Community Sponsorship Program

Melissa Lukes is the Refugee Community Sponsorship Program Developer of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Her presentation will demystify the process of resettlement of refugees and asylees, and clarify many common misunderstandings. The challenges of resettling for refugees and asylees in the United States will be outlined. Catholic Charities’ program of Refugee Community Sponsorship, with three levels of commitment, will be outlined, along with additional opportunities for individuals and groups to participate. Information on current Afghan resettlement in Kansas will be covered.

Event Sponsors:  St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church; Plymouth Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (PIRA); Lawrence Interfaith Refugee and Immigrant Ministry (L.I.R.I.M.); St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center; KU International Affairs; KU International Support Services; KU Institute for Leadership Studies; Pat and Dave Willer; Ed Quick; Margie Wakefield; Watkins Law Office; Nora Murphy and Jim Beach