War refugees from Africa now living in Clark County received help Saturday making new lives for themselves.
William E. Snyder Elementary School teamed with local charities to invite hundreds of refugee families to an event where they could shop for food and clothing and receive free haircuts and dental work.
Biar Atem is working with Lighthouse Charities to help the cause, one he knows well.
Atem arrived in Las Vegas after 13 years in African refugee camps. He came with nothing but the shirt on his back and has worked his way up to become the food and beverage manager at The Venetian hotel-casino.
"In America, you can accomplish anything," Atem said. "All you have to do is work hard and educate yourself."
Atem met one family who came to Las Vegas from the Congo. They've been here seven months.
These children from Africa are refugees of war. Now they're dreaming of futures as doctors. Their AMAZING story at 6 pic.twitter.com/uW7o9pulAY
— David Schuman (@david_schuman) May 21, 2016
The family of seven brothers and sisters says their favorite part of Las Vegas is going to school.
"We get to have a new life to make our future bright," Jesse Marco said, one of the brothers.
Charities and good people helped Atem so much when he came here. He says the most important thing to him is giving back to the community.
WATCH OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH ATEM BELOW.
To volunteer, contact Snyder Elementary at 702-799-3750.
