Open Doors for Refugees
@odfr.org
Open Doors for Refugees is a volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to help refugees make a home in the Madison, WI, area.
Check us out at odfr.org
Check us out at odfr.org
People who have done everything asked of them by the US government are being forcibly detained and sent to detention centers in Texas for interrogation. If released, they have to pay their own way back home. Read more in this report from the NY Times:
archive.is/202601272233...
archive.is/202601272233...
archive.is
February 5, 2026 at 7:50 PM
People who have done everything asked of them by the US government are being forcibly detained and sent to detention centers in Texas for interrogation. If released, they have to pay their own way back home. Read more in this report from the NY Times:
archive.is/202601272233...
archive.is/202601272233...
We’ve known that the Trump administration intended to review the status of legal refugees in Minneapolis—despite the fact these people have already undergone years of vetting and been resettled with the permission of the US government. This revetting is proving to be not only extreme but cruel. 1/2
February 5, 2026 at 7:48 PM
We’ve known that the Trump administration intended to review the status of legal refugees in Minneapolis—despite the fact these people have already undergone years of vetting and been resettled with the permission of the US government. This revetting is proving to be not only extreme but cruel. 1/2
It's critical that schools are kept safe for everyone in the community.
Tell our attorney general to keep ICE out of public schools!
actionnetwork.org/letters/keep...
Tell our attorney general to keep ICE out of public schools!
actionnetwork.org/letters/keep...
Keep ICE Out of Public Schools
Public schools should be places of learning, not fear. Yet across the country, ICE enforcement near schools is traumatizing children and forcing districts to cancel classes just to keep students safe....
actionnetwork.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:16 AM
It's critical that schools are kept safe for everyone in the community.
Tell our attorney general to keep ICE out of public schools!
actionnetwork.org/letters/keep...
Tell our attorney general to keep ICE out of public schools!
actionnetwork.org/letters/keep...
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued! The TRO blocks the arrests and deportations of refugees under Operation PARRIS in Minnesota. We commend IRAP, the Advocates for Human Rights, and the brave refugees who are serving as plaintiffs in this case!
Link to TRO: e1.nmcdn.io/assets/irap/...
Link to TRO: e1.nmcdn.io/assets/irap/...
e1.nmcdn.io
February 4, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued! The TRO blocks the arrests and deportations of refugees under Operation PARRIS in Minnesota. We commend IRAP, the Advocates for Human Rights, and the brave refugees who are serving as plaintiffs in this case!
Link to TRO: e1.nmcdn.io/assets/irap/...
Link to TRO: e1.nmcdn.io/assets/irap/...
We’re grateful to share that ODFR raised approximately $125,000 in 2025. The majority of this support came from individual donors, including Zendesk, which provided a generous $10,000 sponsorship.
Thank you to everyone who supported us this past year and here's to even better years to come!
Thank you to everyone who supported us this past year and here's to even better years to come!
February 2, 2026 at 9:59 PM
We’re grateful to share that ODFR raised approximately $125,000 in 2025. The majority of this support came from individual donors, including Zendesk, which provided a generous $10,000 sponsorship.
Thank you to everyone who supported us this past year and here's to even better years to come!
Thank you to everyone who supported us this past year and here's to even better years to come!
Come join Madison International Partners on Saturday, February 21, for CommUnity Yoga!
The event will be led by Tedi Hellen with an hour of yoga followed by coffee, tea, and time to connect.
Register using the QR code or the following link:
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
The event will be led by Tedi Hellen with an hour of yoga followed by coffee, tea, and time to connect.
Register using the QR code or the following link:
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
January 30, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Come join Madison International Partners on Saturday, February 21, for CommUnity Yoga!
The event will be led by Tedi Hellen with an hour of yoga followed by coffee, tea, and time to connect.
Register using the QR code or the following link:
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
The event will be led by Tedi Hellen with an hour of yoga followed by coffee, tea, and time to connect.
Register using the QR code or the following link:
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
If you support these bills, write your legislator to say so! Contact information is provided on the Wisconsin Legislature home page. (Enter your address under “Who Are My Legislators?”)[2/2]
legis.wisconsin.gov
legis.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin State Legislature Home Page
legis.wisconsin.gov
January 29, 2026 at 6:07 PM
If you support these bills, write your legislator to say so! Contact information is provided on the Wisconsin Legislature home page. (Enter your address under “Who Are My Legislators?”)[2/2]
legis.wisconsin.gov
legis.wisconsin.gov
A package of legislation has been introduced to the Wisconsin legislature aimed at curbing the kinds of ICE tactics that have unfolded so tragically in Minneapolis. Details on these proposals can be found in this video, from Indivisible Baraboo:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEua...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEua...
Wisconsin's Defense Against ICE
YouTube video by Indivisible Baraboo
www.youtube.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:06 PM
A package of legislation has been introduced to the Wisconsin legislature aimed at curbing the kinds of ICE tactics that have unfolded so tragically in Minneapolis. Details on these proposals can be found in this video, from Indivisible Baraboo:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEua...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEua...
Early bird discount ends January 31!
Join the Retired Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison & Open Doors for Refugees on March 7th for the 45th annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K walk and run. Every step and dollar helps create a stronger, more inclusive Madison!
Register: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Join the Retired Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison & Open Doors for Refugees on March 7th for the 45th annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K walk and run. Every step and dollar helps create a stronger, more inclusive Madison!
Register: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Freeze For Food
The Freeze For Food is on Saturday March 7, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K, 10K, and 5K AND 10K.
runsignup.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Early bird discount ends January 31!
Join the Retired Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison & Open Doors for Refugees on March 7th for the 45th annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K walk and run. Every step and dollar helps create a stronger, more inclusive Madison!
Register: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Join the Retired Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison & Open Doors for Refugees on March 7th for the 45th annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K walk and run. Every step and dollar helps create a stronger, more inclusive Madison!
Register: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
We’re grateful to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for welcoming our Executive Director, Jason Mack, to speak about refugee resettlement as it relates to recent policy changes shaped by the Trump Administration.
If you're interested in a speaking engagement please contact [email protected]
If you're interested in a speaking engagement please contact [email protected]
January 26, 2026 at 9:00 PM
We’re grateful to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for welcoming our Executive Director, Jason Mack, to speak about refugee resettlement as it relates to recent policy changes shaped by the Trump Administration.
If you're interested in a speaking engagement please contact [email protected]
If you're interested in a speaking engagement please contact [email protected]
📳 This Wednesday, Jan 28th at 4:30pm, join in at the capitol to support a Mutual Aid Drive for Minnesota and a statewide mass call-in to stop ICE funding!
January 26, 2026 at 3:19 AM
📳 This Wednesday, Jan 28th at 4:30pm, join in at the capitol to support a Mutual Aid Drive for Minnesota and a statewide mass call-in to stop ICE funding!
TELL YOUR SENATORS: No More Funding for Lawless Immigration Enforcement
Make a difference by checking out CWS campaign against congressional funding of $170 billion to ICE. CWS makes it easy to get involved and provides the steps to reach your congress member.
cwsglobal.org/action-alert...
Make a difference by checking out CWS campaign against congressional funding of $170 billion to ICE. CWS makes it easy to get involved and provides the steps to reach your congress member.
cwsglobal.org/action-alert...
TELL YOUR SENATORS: No More Funding for Lawless Immigration Enforcement | CWS
cwsglobal.org
January 24, 2026 at 9:48 PM
TELL YOUR SENATORS: No More Funding for Lawless Immigration Enforcement
Make a difference by checking out CWS campaign against congressional funding of $170 billion to ICE. CWS makes it easy to get involved and provides the steps to reach your congress member.
cwsglobal.org/action-alert...
Make a difference by checking out CWS campaign against congressional funding of $170 billion to ICE. CWS makes it easy to get involved and provides the steps to reach your congress member.
cwsglobal.org/action-alert...
Indivisible launched a national campaign in light of the killing of Renee Good. The organization makes it easy to help make a change!
Call your congress representative - indivisible.org/ice-out-house
Email your congress representative - act.indivisible.org/sign/ice-out...
Call your congress representative - indivisible.org/ice-out-house
Email your congress representative - act.indivisible.org/sign/ice-out...
CALL NOW: Tell Congress We Need ICE Out For Good
indivisible.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Indivisible launched a national campaign in light of the killing of Renee Good. The organization makes it easy to help make a change!
Call your congress representative - indivisible.org/ice-out-house
Email your congress representative - act.indivisible.org/sign/ice-out...
Call your congress representative - indivisible.org/ice-out-house
Email your congress representative - act.indivisible.org/sign/ice-out...
Church World Service is posting updates on this concerning effort:
cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-s...
[2/2]
cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-s...
[2/2]
Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt | CWS
cwsglobal.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Church World Service is posting updates on this concerning effort:
cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-s...
[2/2]
cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-s...
[2/2]
The Trump administration has launched a new operation, Operation PARRIS, which aims to re-examine resettled refugees in Minnesota who have not yet received green cards, despite the fact these people have already undergone extensive vetting, often for years. [1/2]
Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt | CWS
cwsglobal.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM
The Trump administration has launched a new operation, Operation PARRIS, which aims to re-examine resettled refugees in Minnesota who have not yet received green cards, despite the fact these people have already undergone extensive vetting, often for years. [1/2]
Looking for a meaningful to support your community?
Save the date for the 45th annual Freeze For Food 5k/10k Walk & Run! This race supports refugees in the Madison area and fights local food insecurity. ❤️
Register before February 1st to save $5!
For more info, visit: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Save the date for the 45th annual Freeze For Food 5k/10k Walk & Run! This race supports refugees in the Madison area and fights local food insecurity. ❤️
Register before February 1st to save $5!
For more info, visit: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Freeze For Food
The Freeze For Food is on Saturday March 7, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K, 10K, and 5K AND 10K.
runsignup.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Looking for a meaningful to support your community?
Save the date for the 45th annual Freeze For Food 5k/10k Walk & Run! This race supports refugees in the Madison area and fights local food insecurity. ❤️
Register before February 1st to save $5!
For more info, visit: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Save the date for the 45th annual Freeze For Food 5k/10k Walk & Run! This race supports refugees in the Madison area and fights local food insecurity. ❤️
Register before February 1st to save $5!
For more info, visit: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
Join Voces de Frontera for their Annual Assembly 2026. Sign up here: secure.ngpvan.com/kjHqnRIcOkGk...
January 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Join Voces de Frontera for their Annual Assembly 2026. Sign up here: secure.ngpvan.com/kjHqnRIcOkGk...
We are looking for a volunteer who is focused on planning the FUN at this year's June 21st community potluck picnic.
This person will ideally be skilled at planning activities for kids of all ages and older adults.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in this role!
This person will ideally be skilled at planning activities for kids of all ages and older adults.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in this role!
January 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
We are looking for a volunteer who is focused on planning the FUN at this year's June 21st community potluck picnic.
This person will ideally be skilled at planning activities for kids of all ages and older adults.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in this role!
This person will ideally be skilled at planning activities for kids of all ages and older adults.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in this role!
CommUnity Yoga offers a donation-based class that supports groups that make this city a better place to be. This month’s donations go to Madison International Partners. Sign up and join us!
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
Find Connection: Gentle Yoga Supporting Madison International Partners! | Community Yoga Hub
Join the CommUnity! We'd love to share this gentle, donation-based class supporting the evolving work of the Madison International Partners as they help our global neighbors make Madison home. Come fo...
www.communityyogahub.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:47 PM
CommUnity Yoga offers a donation-based class that supports groups that make this city a better place to be. This month’s donations go to Madison International Partners. Sign up and join us!
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
www.communityyogahub.com/event-detail...
Join hosts Rob Ferrett and Kate Archer Kent as they interview guest Zabi Sahibzada, an Afghan refugee and the head of an aid org as they weigh in on the U.S. decision to pause immigration from 19 countries. Other topics and guest included;
Amy Timberlake - talking about her new book,
1/2
Amy Timberlake - talking about her new book,
1/2
January 8, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Join hosts Rob Ferrett and Kate Archer Kent as they interview guest Zabi Sahibzada, an Afghan refugee and the head of an aid org as they weigh in on the U.S. decision to pause immigration from 19 countries. Other topics and guest included;
Amy Timberlake - talking about her new book,
1/2
Amy Timberlake - talking about her new book,
1/2
Madison's vibrant Korean American community invites you to the 3rd Annual Madison Korean American Day! Enjoy Korean heritage and cultural connections through music, dance, food, and family fun. Entry is free and donations will support the River Food Pantry.
More info: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...
More info: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...
January 7, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Madison's vibrant Korean American community invites you to the 3rd Annual Madison Korean American Day! Enjoy Korean heritage and cultural connections through music, dance, food, and family fun. Entry is free and donations will support the River Food Pantry.
More info: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...
More info: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...
On January 17th, Centro Hispano invites the community to attend their annual Tres Reyes (Three Kings) Celebration at 12pm. Families will enjoy tradition, food, activities and a visit from the Three Kings. All are welcome!
For more information visit their website at www.micentro.org/events
For more information visit their website at www.micentro.org/events
January 5, 2026 at 7:39 PM
On January 17th, Centro Hispano invites the community to attend their annual Tres Reyes (Three Kings) Celebration at 12pm. Families will enjoy tradition, food, activities and a visit from the Three Kings. All are welcome!
For more information visit their website at www.micentro.org/events
For more information visit their website at www.micentro.org/events
Happy 2026! You can welcome in the new year with these 7-word stories on “welcoming the stranger,” from Christ Presbyterian Church:
cpcmadison.org/news/welcomi...
cpcmadison.org/news/welcomi...
Welcoming the Stranger | Christ Presbyterian Church Madison
The Justice Team at CPC took up an initiative to ask folks in the CPC community to come up with 7‑word stories on their experiences with immigration. 51 submissions tell a larger story. Stories are ca...
cpcmadison.org
January 1, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Happy 2026! You can welcome in the new year with these 7-word stories on “welcoming the stranger,” from Christ Presbyterian Church:
cpcmadison.org/news/welcomi...
cpcmadison.org/news/welcomi...
We are looking for two Food Coordinators for the June 2026 Potluck Picnic!
Responsibilities:
- Manage food and beverage donations.
- Acquire paper products and silverware as well as serving utensils.
- Assist with setup of a beverage table and food line.
Please email [email protected] if interested. 🍉
Responsibilities:
- Manage food and beverage donations.
- Acquire paper products and silverware as well as serving utensils.
- Assist with setup of a beverage table and food line.
Please email [email protected] if interested. 🍉
December 31, 2025 at 11:44 PM
We are looking for two Food Coordinators for the June 2026 Potluck Picnic!
Responsibilities:
- Manage food and beverage donations.
- Acquire paper products and silverware as well as serving utensils.
- Assist with setup of a beverage table and food line.
Please email [email protected] if interested. 🍉
Responsibilities:
- Manage food and beverage donations.
- Acquire paper products and silverware as well as serving utensils.
- Assist with setup of a beverage table and food line.
Please email [email protected] if interested. 🍉