Now Hiring a Director of Programs

Position Title: Director of ProgramsReports To: Executive Director (ED)Compensation: $60,000 plus benefits including health care.  Location: Remote-based, with regular in-person meetings in and around the greater Madison area. Download the job description: Director of Programs PDF Position Overview Open Doors for Refugees is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Director of Programs to help lead and… Read More

The 2026 Potluck Brought New Experiences

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

June 21 at Elver Park – Join Open Doors’ Free Community Potluck!

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

Rooted in Welcome: A Conversation with Monica Nolan, Executive Director of Jewish Social Services of Madison

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

Freeze for Food 2026 Comes this March 7th!

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

Community Emergency Line Helps Residents Stay Ahead of ICE

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

Bridging Voices and Leadership: A Reflection on Our 2025 Immigrant Town Halls

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

Director’s Note: We’re in this for the long haul

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

Leadership Council Explores Community Connections

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

Hot! Photos from Open Doors’ 2025 Picnic

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