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
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...
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!
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!
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
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. 🍉
Your tax-deductible donations support refugees in our community through housing and family support programs, transportation services, and child-minding programs that make English literacy learning possible.
Learn more about our programs at odfr.org/programs/
Happy Holidays!
Learn more about our programs at odfr.org/programs/
Happy Holidays!
December 22, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Your tax-deductible donations support refugees in our community through housing and family support programs, transportation services, and child-minding programs that make English literacy learning possible.
Learn more about our programs at odfr.org/programs/
Happy Holidays!
Learn more about our programs at odfr.org/programs/
Happy Holidays!
NutKracken 2: Christmas Island! The holiday classic with a circus twist is back, with an all new show set under the sea. Filled with Nutcracker music, bright silly costumes, and eye-popping live circus performances, it’s fun for all ages!
Link to get tickets: www.tickettailor.com/events/nutkr...
Link to get tickets: www.tickettailor.com/events/nutkr...
December 17, 2025 at 11:58 PM
NutKracken 2: Christmas Island! The holiday classic with a circus twist is back, with an all new show set under the sea. Filled with Nutcracker music, bright silly costumes, and eye-popping live circus performances, it’s fun for all ages!
Link to get tickets: www.tickettailor.com/events/nutkr...
Link to get tickets: www.tickettailor.com/events/nutkr...
Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking a Bilingual Resource Specialist fluent in Wolof and English to support students and families! This role involves collaborating and supporting instruction, translating, and connecting families with schools.
Learn more: mmsd.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
Learn more: mmsd.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
December 17, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking a Bilingual Resource Specialist fluent in Wolof and English to support students and families! This role involves collaborating and supporting instruction, translating, and connecting families with schools.
Learn more: mmsd.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
Learn more: mmsd.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
We’re excited to share that our Executive Director, Jason Mack, was featured on WORT Radio on November 30th. During the interview, he reflects on ODFR’s work supporting refugees in Madison and discusses the present-day climate for refugee resettlement. Tune in here: www.wortfm.org/a-year-in-th...
December 15, 2025 at 7:59 PM
We’re excited to share that our Executive Director, Jason Mack, was featured on WORT Radio on November 30th. During the interview, he reflects on ODFR’s work supporting refugees in Madison and discusses the present-day climate for refugee resettlement. Tune in here: www.wortfm.org/a-year-in-th...
Congratulations to Monica Nolan at Jewish Social Services!
December 14, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Congratulations to Monica Nolan at Jewish Social Services!
Our friends at the Catholic Multicultural Center are hosting their annual community holiday celebration, Fiestas Decembrinas, on December 13th!
Following the 1pm Mass, at 2:15pm there will be lots of entertainment, delicious food and activities like a Christmas Market.
We hope to see you there!
Following the 1pm Mass, at 2:15pm there will be lots of entertainment, delicious food and activities like a Christmas Market.
We hope to see you there!
December 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Our friends at the Catholic Multicultural Center are hosting their annual community holiday celebration, Fiestas Decembrinas, on December 13th!
Following the 1pm Mass, at 2:15pm there will be lots of entertainment, delicious food and activities like a Christmas Market.
We hope to see you there!
Following the 1pm Mass, at 2:15pm there will be lots of entertainment, delicious food and activities like a Christmas Market.
We hope to see you there!
Welcome.US is hosting a webinar on the latest immigration policy changes, their potential impacts on refugees and asylum seekers, and actionable ways to support affected newcomers.
Register: welcome-us.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: welcome-us.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
December 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Welcome.US is hosting a webinar on the latest immigration policy changes, their potential impacts on refugees and asylum seekers, and actionable ways to support affected newcomers.
Register: welcome-us.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: welcome-us.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us for a gentle, donation-based yoga flow that directly supports Open Doors for Refugees!
Saturday, December 20th from 10am-12pm.
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St.
Scan the QR code or register at communityyogahub.com
We hope to see you there!
Saturday, December 20th from 10am-12pm.
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St.
Scan the QR code or register at communityyogahub.com
We hope to see you there!
December 8, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Join us for a gentle, donation-based yoga flow that directly supports Open Doors for Refugees!
Saturday, December 20th from 10am-12pm.
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St.
Scan the QR code or register at communityyogahub.com
We hope to see you there!
Saturday, December 20th from 10am-12pm.
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St.
Scan the QR code or register at communityyogahub.com
We hope to see you there!
Happy International Volunteer Day! Thank you to all our volunteers! If you want to do more, check out our opportunities:
odfr.org/volunteer/
On Saturday, March 7th, we have our Freeze for Food fundraiser. Check out the link to volunteer, participate, and donate!
runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
odfr.org/volunteer/
On Saturday, March 7th, we have our Freeze for Food fundraiser. Check out the link to volunteer, participate, and donate!
runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
December 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Happy International Volunteer Day! Thank you to all our volunteers! If you want to do more, check out our opportunities:
odfr.org/volunteer/
On Saturday, March 7th, we have our Freeze for Food fundraiser. Check out the link to volunteer, participate, and donate!
runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
odfr.org/volunteer/
On Saturday, March 7th, we have our Freeze for Food fundraiser. Check out the link to volunteer, participate, and donate!
runsignup.com/Race/WI/Madi...
The Thanksgiving week helps remind us of the importance of community. However, the Trump administration announced plans to re-screen 233,000 Americans, resettled in the U.S. between 2021-2025.
The policy is still pending! See Welcoming America's statement to know how to help:
welcomingamerica.org
The policy is still pending! See Welcoming America's statement to know how to help:
welcomingamerica.org
November 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The Thanksgiving week helps remind us of the importance of community. However, the Trump administration announced plans to re-screen 233,000 Americans, resettled in the U.S. between 2021-2025.
The policy is still pending! See Welcoming America's statement to know how to help:
welcomingamerica.org
The policy is still pending! See Welcoming America's statement to know how to help:
welcomingamerica.org
This Thanksgiving, the volunteers at Open Doors for Refugees are grateful to have been able to furnish another apartment with our partners at Jewish Social Services. A refugee family of three is now safe and snug in their new home. We hope they enjoy their first Thanksgiving in Madison!
November 27, 2025 at 2:09 PM
This Thanksgiving, the volunteers at Open Doors for Refugees are grateful to have been able to furnish another apartment with our partners at Jewish Social Services. A refugee family of three is now safe and snug in their new home. We hope they enjoy their first Thanksgiving in Madison!
We'll be live on WORT's World View this Sunday at 5:30pm to talk about some of the topics from the director's note in our latest newsletter.
www.wortfm.org/news-talk/ne...
odfr.org/newsletters/
www.wortfm.org/news-talk/ne...
odfr.org/newsletters/
November 27, 2025 at 1:20 AM
We'll be live on WORT's World View this Sunday at 5:30pm to talk about some of the topics from the director's note in our latest newsletter.
www.wortfm.org/news-talk/ne...
odfr.org/newsletters/
www.wortfm.org/news-talk/ne...
odfr.org/newsletters/
We’re currently in need of several furniture and household items for our refugee families here in Madison. Items we're seeking include:
-Household basics
-Furniture
-Sewing supplies
-Working electronics
-Personal care items
For more info: opendoorsforrefugees.org/contribute-f...
Thank you!
-Household basics
-Furniture
-Sewing supplies
-Working electronics
-Personal care items
For more info: opendoorsforrefugees.org/contribute-f...
Thank you!
November 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
We’re currently in need of several furniture and household items for our refugee families here in Madison. Items we're seeking include:
-Household basics
-Furniture
-Sewing supplies
-Working electronics
-Personal care items
For more info: opendoorsforrefugees.org/contribute-f...
Thank you!
-Household basics
-Furniture
-Sewing supplies
-Working electronics
-Personal care items
For more info: opendoorsforrefugees.org/contribute-f...
Thank you!
Save the Date: Our annual potluck picnic will be on June 21st next year.
Because of the construction happening near the usual location, this year's event will be at the Elver Park Pavilion!
Because of the construction happening near the usual location, this year's event will be at the Elver Park Pavilion!
November 22, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Save the Date: Our annual potluck picnic will be on June 21st next year.
Because of the construction happening near the usual location, this year's event will be at the Elver Park Pavilion!
Because of the construction happening near the usual location, this year's event will be at the Elver Park Pavilion!