HONESDALE, PA. – The Cooperage Project will host a free screening of Making NEPA Home, an original one-hour documentary from WVIA, on Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. The screening will offer attendees an opportunity not only to experience the film, but also to meet several of the people whose stories it shares and connect with local organizations supporting immigrant and refugee communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Produced as part of WVIA's We Stand Against Hate initiative, Making NEPA Home follows four refugees and immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds who were forced to flee their homelands and have since built new lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Through everyday moments, community gatherings, and candid storytelling, the documentary explores the traditions, resilience, and contributions of these individuals and the ways they have helped shape the region's evolving cultural identity. It also highlights the important work of local education and human service organizations that help welcome and support new neighbors as they build lives in their communities.

The film features personal stories from individuals originally from the Dominican Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine. Its journey culminates at an annual World Refugee Day celebration in Scranton, honoring the universal search for safety, dignity, and a place to call home.

This special screening will include a number of guests connected to the film, including several of the individuals featured in the documentary, as well as representatives from local community organizations. Participating organizations include the Congolese Community of Scranton, Hazleton Integration Project, Catholic Social Services, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about their work and the resources they provide throughout the region.

Kara Washington, who was nominated for an Emmy for Making NEPA Home, will also be in attendance. Washington produced, directed, and edited the documentary and will join attendees for an open Q&A and community discussion following the screening.

The screening will take place Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at The Cooperage Project, 1030 Main Street in Honesdale. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 at the door. The event is open to all ages. For more information, visit thecooperageproject.org.