Building Our City Together: Join Us for World Refugee Day at The Joslyn
2025 World Refugee Day leadership from the Omaha Refugee Task Force at Joslyn Art Museum
As we approach June 20th, Dr. Arturo Aceves Gonzalez, Head of Health Equity and Economic Opportunity at LEDC is profoundly honored to serve again as the chair for World Refugee Day in Omaha.
Our city is at its strongest when we recognize the shared humanity that connects us, and this event is a powerful opportunity to explore our similarities in lieu of our differences. This gathering is an open invitation to every single resident in our geographical area to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible people who help build our community.
To understand the true impact of this celebration, we must recognize that when we welcome refugees, we are embracing a fundamental driver of economic mobility and cultural proximity. They are not just finding a new home; they are actively building ours. The data speaks for itself:
Economic Engines: Nationally, refugees generate a massive net positive fiscal impact of $63 billion over a decade.
Community Builders: New Americans play a critical role in reversing population decline, launching vibrant small businesses, and addressing essential workforce needs across our industries.
Financial Reliability: According to data from the International Rescue Committee, resettled refugees exhibit incredible economic integration, demonstrated by metrics like auto loan repayment rates exceeding 98%.
To honor these profound contributions, there is no better venue for our gathering than The Joslyn Art Museum. Opened in 1931, the original Art Deco building was a gift from Sarah Joslyn to the people of Omaha, built on the explicit vision of uplifting the greatest number of people possible at no cost. Its historical commitment to absolute public accessibility aligns perfectly with our mission to bring our entire community together under one roof.
Within these historic walls, our focus will extend to holistic well-being. Because economic stability and physical health are deeply interconnected metrics for success, this event goes beyond celebration. On June 20th, we are hosting a comprehensive Health and Community Resources Fair right alongside the festivities to ensure every attendee is connected directly with the programs and tools they need to thrive.
Making this vision a reality requires sustained, collective effort. We need your energy, your time, and your partnership. We invite you to join us, step up as a sponsor, host an informational booth, or lend your time as a volunteer.
And the opportunities to engage don't stop here. We are actively seeking partners for our ongoing initiatives throughout the year:
Cinco de Mayo, which is just around the corner! Join us next Saturday May 16th in the heart of South East Omaha, learn more at https://www.cdmomaha.com
Fiestas Patrias, September 11-13 in partnership with Casa de la Cultura
The Binational Health Fair, this fall in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico
Whether you are representing an organization or volunteering as an individual, your involvement ensures these programs reach their absolute maximum potential.
Reach out to Arturo directly to find out how you can get involved and let's continue to celebrate the contributions that move us forward, and keep building a city that works for everyone.
