News posts about ODFR and our interactions with the local community. Also includes content about past ODFR events.
Open Doors for Refugees’ annual community potluck picnic took place on Sunday, June 21 at Elver Park. This year’s event ran on Father’s Day, with inclement weather, and at a new location. Despite these factors, at least 200 members of the Madison community came together to celebrate refugee families! Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars kicked… Read More
Rain or shine, join Open Doors for Refugees at the annual community potluck picnic! This event is free, open to the public, has family-friendly activities, live music, and an international potluck luncheon. Welcome and connect with refugee families who are making their home in Madison. Please RSVP at our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1332003042074441/ Sunday, June 21From… Read More
We recently talked with Monica Nolan to learn about her experiences leading Jewish Social Services. Q: Before beginning your work at JSS, you started a sustainable agriculture LLC, Driftless Commons Farm. Could you tell us about that and how that led to where you are today? A: After nearly two decades in nonprofit leadership and administration, most… Read More
Join the Retired Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison and Open Doors for Refugees on Saturday, March 7th for the 45th annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K walk or run. Since 1982, Freeze for Food has brought people together to support food security and community-building. Whether you run, walk, or donate, every step and dollar helps create a stronger, more inclusive Madison! Registration for the… Read More
As immigration raids increase under the second Trump administration, community organizers are faced with the difficult task of helping local immigrants stay safe and defend their rights. Voces de la Frontera is one such organization that is fighting for immigrants’ rights through the management of their bilingual Community Emergency Line. Karen Romo, Emergency Line Lead… Read More
This fall, Open Doors for Refugees, alongside the Leagues of Women Voters, the CatholicMulticultural Center, and the Literacy Network, hosted two dynamic immigrant town halls, each one a powerful reminder that immigrant voices are essential to the future of Madison and Dane County. The first town hall took place on the morning of October 10… Read More
As our nation continues to struggle through a time of violence and tension, as our cities are turned into the stages of absurdist political theater, and as the communities we serve face increasingly greater threats to their freedom and safety, I continue to be thankful for the opportunity to do work that matters. We do… Read More
As we know, refugees are now arriving in very limited numbers. Although some who arrived earlier still have needs that volunteers may be able to support, furnishing apartments for refugee families – a major activity for Open Doors in the past – is not currently a large need. In response to this shift, Open Doors for… Read More
At least 250 attendees made it to the June 22nd potluck picnic. Thanks to them, our volunteers, and Syrcus Lomombe’s photography, we got a bunch of amazing photos. It was a hot day! But the pavilion is on a hill, and so we got a great breeze along with the shade. The Potluck Live Music… Read More
A huge thank-you goes out to Zendesk for being the host sponsor at this year’s picnic. This sponsorship helps keep our organization moving forward despite the many complications that have come about in the last few months. Zendesk is a customer and employee experience company with a Midwest hub in Madison. This gift comes from the Zendesk Social… Read More
