MIERS hosts Family Fun Day in Lewiston   

The Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MIERS) third annual Family Fun Day was a collaborative effort this year with Generational Noor, Lewiston Auburn Youth Network, and Sustainable Livelihoods Relief Organization (SLRO). 

The event was held at Mike McGraw Park in Lewiston. According to Jama Mohamed, Director of Whole Family Services at MIERS, this year’s Family Fun Day attracted the largest, most diverse crowd in the event’s history. The celebration brought together community organizations, families, and local leaders. 

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“We put a lot of time into planning, and today we see the results, with so many people here,” said Mohamed. 

Family Fun Day offered something for everyone, from face painting and games, to educational workshops and health screenings. In addition, 350 children were given backpacks filled with school supplies. Children played, families mingled, and volunteers did their best to make sure everything ran smoothly. 

Mohamed was delighted with the turnout: “We ordered a lot of food and thought maybe it would go to waste – but in 45 to 50 minutes, everything was gone! We expected about 300 to 400 people, but it was more than that. We had a great turnout, with many volunteers from various organizations and the community.” 

Lewiston’s summer was marred by gun violence, and Zamzam Elmoge, SLRO Director of Operations, expressed hope that the event would serve as an antidote to the stress raised by those threats. “The purpose of this event is not only to provide these essentials (backpacks, school supplies) but also to bring joy to our community, which has faced a lot this summer, especially with the increase in gun violence.”