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NAPLES, FLA. – Southwest Florida's World Refugee Day celebration is slated for June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology in Naples. Please join on us for a local commemoration of this important global celebration that honors the courage and resilience of refugees. This event will focus on recognizing employers of refugees in Collier County.

Department of Children and Families' Regional Director Mike Carroll will speak at the event and other highlights will include refugee youth performances, awards for employers and individuals and a keynote speech by Desiree Gutierrez, former refugee from Cuba who is now a U.S. citizen managing an award winning department at the Doubletree Hotel in Naples. Along with the short formal program from 11:00-11:45 a.m. there will be also be free food, community resource tables, kid's activities and music.

In Florida, more than 27,000 refugees are resettled each year. The Department of Children and Families Refugee Services program is funded by the federal government to coordinate and oversee many of the services provided to refugees who settle in Florida.

WHO: DCF Regional Director Mike Carroll, former refugee Desiree Gutierrez

WHAT: Collier Refugee Task Force World Refugee Day Celebration

WHEN: Thursday June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

WHERE: The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, 3702 Estey Ave, Naples

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