Each year on June 20, the world honors the strength and resilience of refugees, people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations, is a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and take action. It is a reminder that while the global refugee crisis can feel overwhelming, we each have the power to make a difference in our own communities.
At Brownieland Pictures, we are proud not only to share powerful stories through video but also to take action through volunteerism. We’ve had the honor of partnering with incredible refugee-focused organizations right here in Atlanta. Below, we highlight some of our past service projects through our blog posts and share ways you can get involved.
International Rescue Committee Atlanta: Helping Families Thrive with the IRC
In celebration of World Refugee Day in 2017, our team organized a donation drive for IRC Atlanta and filled our vehicle with essential items for newly arrived refugee families. This effort reminded us of the impact even one day of giving can make. IRC Atlanta supports refugees and immigrants through resettlement services, job training, education, and healthcare to help them build stable, self-sufficient lives. Community members can get involved by volunteering, donating, or organizing a drive of their own to help the IRC. Join IRC supporters worldwide who stand with people affected by conflict and disaster and help them rebuild their lives.
As the refugee crisis in Ukraine escalated, we once again partnered with IRC Atlanta donating to support displaced children and families. The organization was actively responding both overseas and here in Georgia, helping families resettle and access vital services.
The IRC Atlanta continues to offer resettlement, education, job training, health services, and community integration to more than 27,000 refugees from over 65 countries.
New American Pathways: Giving Back During the Holiday Season
Our November volunteer project focused on collecting warm clothing for families resettling in Georgia. We also spotlighted New American Pathways’ “End of Year Cheer” gift drive, which brings joy to over 1,000 refugee children and teens each year.
New American Pathways offers a full continuum of support for refugees and immigrants, from arrival to citizenship. Their wraparound services include housing support, youth and education programs, employment services, and civic engagement opportunities. New American Pathways offers a variety of ways to get involved with their efforts to help families.
Embrace Refugee Birth Support: Empowering Mothers and Building Community
For World Refugee Day in 2021, we held a donation drive benefiting Embrace Refugee Birth Support, which helps refugee mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Based in Clarkston, one of the most diverse cities in America, Embrace provides vital support through education, doula care, and community-building programs. Their Healthy Mom Classes, Mom’s Circle, and labor support volunteers empower women with knowledge, care, and compassion. Embrace is always in need of volunteers and donations.
International Community School: Restoring Nature for Back to School Week
In partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, the Brownieland Team joined other volunteers in cleaning up the nature trail at the International Community School in DeKalb County. ICS is a charter school serving refugee, immigrant, and local children in a nurturing academic environment. With more than 400 students from over 30 countries, ICS fosters inclusion and cultural understanding. Learn more about United Way of Greater Atlanta’s volunteer programs.
Inspiritus: From Surviving to Thriving
In partnership with Emory University’s Center for Humanitarian Emergencies, we connected with Inspiritus, an organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing disruption from natural disasters to forced displacement. We assembled care kits filled with essential items, part of Inspiritus’ broader mission to build stable, self-sufficient lives. Their work spans refugee services, adoption, disaster relief, housing, and more. Inspiritus offers many opportunities to volunteer.
A Call to Action
Volunteering with Atlanta’s refugee organizations has deepened our connection to our neighbors and strengthened our sense of community. These experiences remind us that behind every refugee statistic is a personal story, a dream, and a future worth investing in. This World Refugee Day, we invite you to take action by supporting local nonprofits, volunteering your time, and sharing your stories. Together, we can help transform new beginnings into brighter futures!
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