As tensions heighten in the national discourse about immigrants and refugees, multiple events will be taking place throughout the Capital Region on Wednesday to observe World Refugee Day. Created by the United Nations in 2000, World Refugee Day is meant to raise awareness about refugees and the circumstances they face.

Albany's U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants typically resettles around 400 refugees each year — second only to the Houston chapter. However, that number has dropped to a mere 130 refugees resettled since October 2017 in light of recent federal government policy changes.

Refugees: Poetry from the Heart

Adult students from the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus will be reciting poetry they wrote in their English as a New Language classes. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Woman's Club of Albany, 725 Madison Ave., Albany.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The NYS OTDA will be hosting an informational session about refugees and the services they provide, along with refreshments, in the lobby of their building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 30 N. Pearl St. in Albany.