News posts about ODFR and our interactions with the local community. Also includes content about past ODFR events.
Open Doors for Refugees and Jewish Social Services observed World Refugee Day on June 20th by holding a panel discussion with several representatives of the Madison refugee community to discuss their hopes, challenges, and needs. The theme this year, set by the United Nations: Everyone has a right to seek safety, no matter who they […]
Build Your Future: Skill Building Funding Opportunity Madison-area refugees are able to apply for funds and support for education and career development as part of our Skill Development Initiative. Those interested in furthering their English language proficiency, pursuing higher education, developing vocational skills, or starting or growing a business are eligible to apply in 2022 for […]
Please, we need dressers, lamps and more… As one of our flagship programs, Open Doors furnishes apartments for newly arriving refugees. New families get here to find they have a fully furnished and stocked apartment, with all the furniture, bath, and kitchen supplies they need, plus food in the fridge and flowers on the table. […]
In January, seven female Open Doors volunteers were partnered up with seven refugee women and given each other’s contact information. The goal was to try to walk once a week (at a safe distance, masked up, wearing warm enough clothes, not meeting if someone was not feeling well) through March. While there have been a […]
Last week, for the first time in six months and with the help of volunteers from Jewish Social Services, we set up an apartment (our 41st) for a family of new arrivals. The family is from Afghanistan and consists of two parents with four sons. While there are plenty of two-bedroom apartments in Madison, it’s really […]
We’re proud to announce a new web design for opendoorsforrefugees.org. This has been a long-time coming. Not only has the design of the site changed, but so has the content – take a look! Meet Ahmad and Hanan. Learn about Aziz and Safia. Learn more about the teams that make up Open Doors. See what […]
Thank you notes from the community:The following thank you notes were received recently in response to the Emergency Funds wedistributed. Most were written or dictated in Arabic and translated by someone in the community. Weare touched! Thank you for your efforts and standing by our side, may God bless you and put it in the […]
Last Monday, Open Doors hit another milestone, setting up its 75th apartment for incoming refugees. A Quick Look at What Goes Into Setting Up an Apartment The Donations Team picks up furniture and household donations from Madison citizens. The Warehouse Team takes in these donations and organizes them among a warehouse for furniture and another […]
Today a crack team of Open Doors and JSS volunteers set up our 56th apartment – one of the most beautiful and spacious we’ve ever managed. This apartment is for one of the new Afghan families: a couple with four children ages 9, 6, 4 and 2. They were moved from Fort McCoy to Madison so […]
