JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in Northeast Florida is hosting a free movie screening this weekend at the University of North Florida theater.
LSS' intention is to bring local attention to the refugee experience by screening Peace by Chocolate, a movie based on a true story including a Syrian refugee family. Officials said the movie is supposed to encourage the public to volunteer however they can.
LSS provides assistance for thousands of refugees who call the First Coast home. Laura Cook, LSS's refugee resettlement director, told First Coast News there are plenty of opportunities to give back.
"We can't do this without the community," Cook said. "We need volunteers picking families up from the airport, transportation, mentoring. They can help set up apartments."
In 2023, Lutheran Social Services supported over 2,500 individuals escaping 29 countries. People like Zakira Ganji and her family were forced to leave Afghanistan and relocate to Florida. Now, they call the First Coast their new home. It has been nearly a year since they fled their home country.
"It is very difficult to leave everything behind," Ganji said.
LSS was able to assist Ganji's family in securing a place to stay, enrolling her sisters in school and finding a job for her. To Ganji, it pains her to leave her home country, but is looking forward to building a new life in Jacksonville.
"Refugees are coming here with hopes, ambitions and dreams," Ganji said. "And they [refugees] are here to build a new life and thrive with the successes they aim for - for their future. So, they're always seeking something better."
The Peace by Chocolate screening event will take place at UNF's Robinson Theater on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees must register for free tickets; click here to do so.
