A welcome team from Refugee Services of Texas helps a family settle into their Dallas home. (RST photo)

The CEO of Lake Highlands-based Refugee Services of Texas recently penned a statement expressing his disappointment in the Trump administration’s attempts to stop refugee arrivals to the United States.

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“The consistent and inappropriate conflation between refugees and terrorism is unfounded and unconscionable and represents a dark moment in the history of the United States,” CEO Aaron Rippenkroeger wrote. “Refugees are fleeing violence and persecution to find a new home for their families in peace and safety.”

As the foundation prepares to host its annual open house and safety fair for its clients who are part of the U.S. refugee program, organizers have invited all members of our neighborhood to participate in this celebration, “where [residents] can meet recently resettled Syrian and Iraqi refugee families who some Texas government officials have sought to keep out of the U.S.”

The open house, organizers note, “will be a great opportunity for the public to meet and welcome refugees from the Middle East and elsewhere who now call Dallas home and who will have the opportunity to become U.S. citizens.”

Art activities for kids, free health screenings and food are hallmarks of the event. Attendees also will have an opportunity to meet, talk to and ask questions of resettlement experts from Refugee Services of Texas.

Today the group has satellites around the state and has helped resettle more than 15,000 refugees; Dallas is the longest running branch and has provided services to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking from more than thirty different countries of origin, according to a spokesperson.

Save the date for the open house. It’s Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 9696 Skillman #320.

Visit rstx.org to learn more about the organization, its programs, partnerships with churches, volunteer opportunities and more.