News posts about ODFR and our interactions with the local community. Also includes content about past ODFR events.
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
Guest Author: Esther Ama S. Ptak, Executive Director Greetings from the African Center! I’d like to take a moment to introduce ourselves, outline our programs, and let you knowhow you might get involved with our work. Thank you for reading. Our mission is to empower African immigrants and low-income residents throughservice, education, entrepreneurship, engagement, and… Read More
Join Open Doors for Refugees at the annual community potluck picnic, which will feature family-friendly activities, delicious food, and live music entertainment, providing a perfect opportunity for resettled refugees and long-term Madison residents to come together and build community. Please RSVP at our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/16A3M3cLDr/ Sunday, June 22from 12pm to 4pm at the Olin… Read More
Much of this is being litigated in the courts. There are good organizations out there fighting against these actions. And so there is some good news: A federal judge has paused this order.https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/judge-will-halt-trump-administration-from-ending-humanitarian-parole-for-people-from-four-countries/7MYULGVT3ZD5NOCWGGC4UQDFO4 In this case, it was the Justice Action Center, CHIRLA, The UndocuBlack Network, the Haitian Bridge Alliance, and others fought to make… Read More
A huge thank you to all the walkers, runners, donors, volunteers, and sponsors who supported the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison 44th annual Freeze for Food event on March 1, 2025. More than 200 participants joined the 5K and 10K races. Among them were Samuel Dean, Isaac Moore, and Colton Hansen, the top 3… Read More
We have expanded our social media presence and are now sharing updates on Bluesky as well as Facebook and Instagram. Please check us out at: @odfr.bsky.social
Last month, we sat with Harry Bennett to talk about how he helps provide bikes to families. Harry works between Open Doors for Refugees and Wheels for Winners, making sure that newly donated bikes find their way to newly arrived families. Wheels for Winners Wheels for Winners provides bicycles, training, and safety gear and lessons… Read More
Please join us at Vilas Park Shelter on a March 1st walk/run to support refugees and food security! Race Details March 1st, 20255K Run/Walk: Starts at 12PM10K Run: Starts at 1PM Vilas Park Shelter1602 Vilas Park DriveMadison, WI 53715 This 44th Freeze for Food event would not be possible without the continued efforts of the… Read More
You are welcome to join us for a free, no-registration film screening of Can We Make A Home Here? and a following panel discussion on Sunday, February 16th. Can We Make A Home Here?, by Dr. Fran Kaplan MSW, EdD features stories and information on several different refugee families living in Milwaukee and how immigrants… Read More
Volunteer opportunities for the 2025 Freeze for Food are now open and once again we need your help to make this event a success! Sign up quickly here: volunteersignup.org/RA8D9 For details on volunteer positions and reporting times, please view this PDF. Note: Corner Guard Station Volunteers: If you prefer a certain corner (for example 5K # 3 or… Read More
