West LA Times

The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, California, is gearing up to host a special event aimed at connecting and welcoming refugee families and new community members. The Families Welcome event, organized in partnership with Miry’s List, will take place on April 14 from 2-5 p.m.

Rabia Ahmadi, a new Angeleno from Afghanistan, will kick off the event with opening remarks, setting the tone for a day focused on inclusion and diversity. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kymberly Stewart will provide a musical performance, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

Miry Whitehill, the Founder of Miry’s List, will lead a children’s book storytime session and facilitate a family discussion on ways to embrace and support new community members. Various activities will be available throughout the day, including writing welcome letters, family portraits, and art workshops. The event will also feature a community dessert and teatime called BREAD BREAD, where attendees can share stories and enjoy Afghan desserts and tea provided by the Ashgary family.

In line with the theme of inclusivity, the event is open to all ages and aims to foster connections and friendships within the community. While attendance is free, there is a suggested donation of $10 per person to support Miry's List core programming.

Miry’s List, an Eagle Rock based nonprofit, works to assist newly arrived refugees in settling and integrating into their new communities through various forms of support. The organization focuses on providing resources such as volunteer networks, language immersion programs, and job training.

The Annenberg Community Beach House, known for its commitment to accessibility, ensures that the event is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. For any disability-related accommodations, attendees can contact Guest Services at (310) 458-4904.

The event, made possible through the generosity of the Annenberg Foundation and in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and California State Parks, is a testament to the community's dedication to promoting justice, equity, and diversity. Those interested in attending can RSVP through the Eventbrite link provided.