ECD's Multicultural Community Center Marking One Year of Refugee Resettlement Today

Thursday, January 19th, 2023 -- 10:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) -The ECDC's Multicultural Community Center in Central Wisconsin is going to mark one year of refugee resettlements on Thursday.

Community Engagement Manager Eric Yonke says they've managed to successfully place more than 150 families in the area. "The Afghan community that's come and now we have a number of families coming from the Congo."

He says they're really proud of the fact that every one of those families is contributing to the community, especially when it comes to filling vacant jobs. "Working full time jobs. We've got some great support from Great Lakes Cheese and Merrill Steel for example and Aspirus. And they're all supporting their families now and working full time."

And he says they aren't done helping families escape war or persecution in other countries. "We're planning on helping refugees resettle in central Wisconsin, probably between 150 and 175 each year."

He says there will be more to come, up to 175 families will be settled in the area each year- in fact some of their staffers will be working to welcome one family just before an event tonight to mark their first year. "For instance we have a family coming in litterally hours before the event starts. We're just going to get them home so they can settle in."

The local resettlement agency will hold an open house and event this evening beginning at 5:30 at the Jefferson Street Inn, and later at their office on third street located above the Ugly Mug Coffee shop.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.