The public is invited to attend an upcoming event led by representatives from a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety from war, disaster, persecution and crises.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland is hosting a community forum at 2 p.m. on March 15 for Global Refuge, which helps resettle refugees who have been vetted and approved for immigration by the U.S. government. Formerly known as the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the organization was founded during World War II, when it assisted refugees from Germany and Eastern Europe.

At the forum this weekend, Global Refuge Chief Development and Mobilization Officer Andrew Steele and Director for International Programs Libby Sittley plan to discuss the work of the 85-year-old charity as well as the crisis facing nonprofits ministering to refugees and immigrants, according to information from a press release. Trinity Lutheran Church Pastor Jim Lindus said there will also be a Q&A.

The following day, March 16, the two speakers will provide a presentation at the Sunday Forum from 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. in the church’s Fireside Room. This event will be on Camino a Casa, a new program for Guatemalan youth who are repatriated to their home country.

“Global Refuge provides immediate support to immigrants and refugees, standing alongside them as they rebuild their lives, navigate a new culture, find a new home, a new job and a new sense of belonging and community,” the press release stated.

The organization has served over 800,000 people from around the globe.

Lindus said Trinity Lutheran Church has been a primary supporter of the new program assisting young Guatemalans.

Last year, the church in Freeland gave away $583,515 to support local nonprofits, college scholarships, disaster relief and world hunger.

For more information about Global Refuge, visit globalrefuge.org.

(Photo provided) Andrew Steele is the chief development and mobilization officer for Global Refuge.