Ashley Proffitt a Roanoke artist and member of the resettlement team at Commonwealth Catholic Charities shot this image at a summer 2021 event celebrating newly naturalized residents and high school graduates.

Proffitt designed an interactive mural celebrating the nine cultures represented among the group of refugee families celebrating these important milestones.

“We have so much to be thankful for in our community,” says Proffitt. “By pulling together to help new residents, we honor ourselves, our new friends, and this place.”