Latest Updates

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

The Stories of Four Men Who Were Sent to CECOT

Four men who came to our country requesting aid are among those who were renditioned to the CECOT prison in El Salvador despite the government previously having allowed them to stay in the United States due to fear they would be persecuted abroad. To learn more about the backgrounds of these men is to understand the additional risk that the Trump administration’s actions are imposing on those who flee to the United States.

Music with Murishi

Murishi was born in Tanzania in 1996. His path as a refugee led him to the Congo, Burundi, and then in 2011, to Uganda. As a child, he could not afford a musical instrument, but he has a lovely singing voice and by age 14, he was already writing music. His lyrics are about life,… 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

June 22, Open Doors’ Free Community Picnic!

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

The African Center’s Commitment to Immigrants in Our Community

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

A Fall Potluck in the Park

This is regarding the 2024 picnic! 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. Sunday, September 15from 12pm to 4pm Olin Park – 1156… Read More

A Fight for Humanitarian Parole

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

Another Great Freeze for Food

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

Join us at Delta Beer Lab

On Saturday, February 15th, the Delta Beer Lab will be hosting a meat raffle to fundraise for Open Doors. Day: Saturday, February 15thTime: 2pm – 4pmLocation: Delta Beer Lab (167 E Badger Rd , Madison, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53713) https://www.facebook.com/events/818524603741334 Meat will be provided by Jenny Street Market. The event will close out with… Read More