Local Afghan refugee featured at final 'Live Love' symposium Sunday

First Congregational Church of Elgin will host the final program in the "Live Love, Stop Hate Symposium and Dinner" from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.

It will feature a free dinner and keynote speaker as you can learn more about the issues that face your neighbors and put your faith into action through understanding and love.

Kim Snoddy, senior manager of Cosponsorship & Housing at RefugeeOne, and a local client will discuss "Open Immigration with Closed Borders." Representatives from RefugeeOne will share information on the United States resettlement program and the changes that are happening under the current administration.

You will hear how for more than 35 years RefugeeOne has provided opportunities for refugees who have fled war, terror and persecution and how they help them build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance here in America.

One of RefugeeOne's clients will share how the agency and First Congregational Church of Elgin, through a cosponsorship program, helped him and his family begin their life in this foreign land.

Donations will be accepted and encouraged. Reservations are required; there is a 100-person maximum. To register, call the church office at (847) 741-4045 or visit the Eventbrite.com event page.

Dinner begins at 5 p.m. The Rev. Paris Donehoo will introduce the speaker at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation at 5:35 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a question-and-answer period and open discussion.

To learn more, visit www.fcc-elgin.org.