Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Close to 70 refugee children and youth, resettled with their families by Catholic Charities of Louisville, are participating in a summer learning program titled “Six Weeks of Summer in America.” This initiative is designed to offer both education and recreation. Kait Evans, the youth program manager for Catholic Charities, stated that the program will run through July 18 at Spalding University’s campus in downtown Louisville. It targets newly arrived refugee children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Evans highlighted that these children have been in the United States for less than a year and have experienced schooling here, but this marks their first summer in the country. She explained, “Based on their backgrounds, many have had interruptions in their schooling. The summer program helps them to learn more English and experience fun activities as they adjust to life here in the U.S.”

Catholic Charities collaborates with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and other agencies like Lou City Soccer Club, which provides soccer lessons to participants. Throughout the six weeks, JCPS English as a Second Language teachers assist with English instruction.

The campers originate from countries such as Haiti, Somalia, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Cuba. Evans noted that refugee families were last resettled between December 2024 and early January before President Donald Trump took office on January 20. Following his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order terminating the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

With no new refugee arrivals since then, Evans mentioned that efforts have shifted towards case management and services for families with children attending JCPS. Since March, case workers have been conducting weekly check-ins with students needing additional support in school.