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

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/

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!

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!

Miss our newsletter? Check it out here and sign up to receive the next one: odfr.org/newsletters/

We had amazing time at our Thanksgiving event, thanks to food, live music and roughly 140 people showing! Thank you to our many volunteers! You make all this possible! Here are some photos we'd like to share from the event. More Photos in the reply 1/2

In case you didn't know, we have a special newsletter that goes out every 2 months. Our next newsletter is coming out soon! Sign up and check out some of our previous newsletters here: odfr.org/newsletters/

We'd like to share some recent photos from a move-in we did for a family supported by Centro Hispano. We furnished the place and provided essential supplies right as one of the new tenants was arriving. We hope this allowed them to spend more time and resources to settle in to their new home!

Traditionally, Open Doors for Refugees provides furniture and supplies for newly arrived families. When they first arrive at their new home, it has already been furnished for them. With the continued unlawful pause of the United States Refugee Assistance Program, we’ve partnered with 1/2

We're very thankful for people like Tom, who take the time and effort to educate and inspire. And we look forward to seeing him again next year when the market opens back up! (2/2)

A big thanks to Tom and his partner for sticking it out in the cold this morning and many Saturdays prior to advocate for immigrants at the Farmers Market at the Capitol square! Materials he shared include information for Open Doors for Refugees, Voces de la Frontera, and CILC. (1/2)

The health department for Madison and Dane County put out a guide in October for food resources: publichealthmdc.com/documents/fo... La guía de recursos alimentarios en español: publichealthmdc.com/documents/fo...

If you're looking for a family friendly to-do around the holidays, on December 20th, Open Doors for Refugees will be among the beneficiaries of this play. Tickets are available now. www.tickettailor.com/events/nutkr... A big thank-you to Beatrix Productions for putting this together!

A big thank-you goes to the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church for donating blankets, sheets, throws, and pillows! These go a long way. See the latest needs here: odfr.org/contribute-f...

Open Doors for Refugees strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the number of refugees allowed into the United States from 125,000 to just 7,500, a figure far below historic norms at a time when the global refugee population is at a record high. A full statement is attached.

We met so many great people at the Resistance Fair last Saturday! A big thanks to Arboretum Cohousing for hosting. By the way, Voces de la Frontera is fundraising to support their bilingual emergency hotline. vdlf.org Keep this number on-hand - label it in your phone! +1 (800)-427-0213

Are you looking for a way to help Open Doors help people? Do you have experience in Project Coordination? Well, good news! Open Doors is looking for a Project Coordinator for a 6 month contract position from Jan - June 2026. Details: opendoorsforrefugees.org/now-hiring-o...

This page has been updated with some details regarding SNAP (FoodShare) benefits with the current shut down: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/in... (1/3)

Our friends over at CommUnity Yoga Hub are excited that their regular yoga offerings are returning in just a few weeks! On Saturday, November 15 from 10AM to Noon they will host a donation-based gentle yoga! All proceeds going to Community Immigration Law Center More details: communityyogahub.com

Thanks to everyone who joined us earlier this month at the Forward Madison game! We met new people, sold out of tickets, and had a great time letting people know about our cause.

The Community Sponsorship Hub is starting a program to cover tuition costs for people aged 18-30 who have arrived here with refugee status since 2021. It sounds like this comes along with mentorship, case management, and ongoing support. Details: communitysponsorshiphub.org/campus/

Roughly 20,000 people marched for the No Kings protest here in Madison! The right to protest only exists so long as it's used. Thanks to all who made it out. wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/10/18/b...

Attending tomorrow's protests and looking for more ways to give back to the community? Here are three ways we could use your support: - Volunteer with Open Doors: odfr.org/volunteer - Financial Support: odfr.org/donate - Furniture Donations: odfr.org/contribute-f...

New polling has come out recently showing strong support for a national refugee program. This support comes amidst the largest rollback of refugee admissions this country has ever seen. For more details and related polling questions: www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2025/10...

No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. Exercise your right to free speech while fighting for others' right to do the same! Everyone can contribute even if it's just being there! Save the date 10.18.25 Full info here: badgercollective.net/no-kings

The African Center for Community Development is organizing Know Your Rights Immigration Workshops to inform community members about their rights and what they need to do. Join tomorrow's workshop over Zoom on Sunday, October 12th at 2pm. Zoom link: bit.ly/3VQ564l

Today was mental health day. When you have time this weekend, take a moment to breathe and reflect on ways we can better our community.

This Saturday, October 11th, please join us for an evening of soccer and community at the Forward Madison Soccer match. Tickets purchased here support Open Doors for Refugees: odfr.org/tickets

Read our director's latest letter from our September newsletter here: odfr.org/directors-no... Interested to read the rest of the newsletter? You can find it and sign up for more here: odfr.org/newsletters/

Today we'd like to spotlight CIRH Academy (who we are not affiliated with) for their amazing videos and other resources designed to provide culturally tailored training on immigrant and refugee topics to enhance the health and wellness outcomes. Full Info: www.phi.org/thought-lead...

Looking for a way to directly support Open Doors for Refugees? We have an easy monthly donation option here: odfr.org/financial-su... And on October 11th, join us for an evening of soccer and community at the Forward Madison Soccer match and support Open Doors for Refugees! odfr.org/tickets/

On October 1st, Indivisible is hosting a rally to support immigrant workers! Details: www.mobilize.us/indivisible/... (Open Doors is not affiliated, just passing this along.)

🌍 Mark your calendars! The United Nations Association of Dane County is hosting its annual UNA Day Luncheon to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UN. 📅 Sunday, Oct 26 | 🕛 12–2:30 pm 📍 Catholic Multicultural Center, Fitchburg Get tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/events/unada...

The League of Women Voters Of Dane County held a public forum on 9/24 covering the difficulties facing immigrants and possible fixes. While the focus was on Dane County we encourage immigrants or those of you who know immigrants to check it out below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaGw...

Before October 1, the administration is required to consult with Congress and establish a new target for refugee admissions for the coming year. Contact your members of Congress to restore our refugee admissions program: cwsglobal.org/action-alert... (2/2)

We'd like to share a way to contact your members of Congress by Church World Service: September is a critical month for support of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and for all those who have been left stranded by the ongoing refugee ban. The federal fiscal year is ending. (1/2)

Today is the International Day of Peace. These may not be the best of times for peace, but please take some time today to think about your goals and how you can help move things forward for others. www.un.org/en/observanc...

Every two months, we share updates, stories, and opportunities with our community 💌 The next issue lands soon! Subscribe or explore past newsletters: odfr.org/newsletters

Jewish Social Services of Madison is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to advance the organization’s impact. JSS has been a critical part of the support refugees receive when they arrive in Madison. For more information or to apply click this like: www.qtigroup.com/job-posting/...

Starting tomorrow and for the next 8 weeks, the Allied Wellness Center is teaming up with Madison Technical College to provide free ESL classes to residents of Allied Dunn's Marsh! Details found in the attached poster.

The Arbor Good Neighbor House does a lot of work to support community-based organizations like ours. They also have a free repair service coming up on September 20th! Details: agnh.org/#repair-cafe

Struggling to understand how you can best support refugees in your community? Swing by this virtual conversation hour hosted by Peace Corps Community for Refugees the evening of Sept. 18 to share ideas and find new resources to advocate well! Register here: pcc4refugees.org/pcc4refugees...

On Saturday October 11th, Open Doors for Refugees will be at the Forward Madison Soccer match! Ticket sales made through here support our efforts to help refugees make a home in the Madison area: odfr.org/tickets/

Support the international community in Dane County! 🌎️ Discover the vibrant International Market at JSS of Madison's main office this Sunday from 12-4pm. Find handmade clothing, crafts, delicious vegetarian cuisine, henna, and so much more. Bring cash and come curious! jssmadison.org/event/intern...

The Catholic Multicultural Center are running free adult English classes at their Fitchburg and Madison locations, starting today! Details in the attached flyer - we're here to spread the word.

Tomorrow, September 9th at 6:30pm - Learn more about the current state of immigration, how immigrants positively impact our economy, and the legal rights that immigrants are supposed to have in this public forum by the League of Women Voters of Dane County. In-person or over Zoom - bit.ly/4mCEtuZ

You're Invited! On Saturday, October 11, 2025, join us for an evening of soccer and community at the Forward Madison Soccer match! Details: odfr.org/tickets/ Ticket sales and donations will help fund supporting local refugees with furniture, job training, language learning and more.

On this International Day of Charity, we celebrate YOU—our community. Your kindness and generosity create a welcoming, supportive home for refugees and immigrants across our neighborhoods. Thank you for helping your neighbors every day! www.un.org/en/observanc...

The Planning Team for Freeze for Food's upcoming March 7th, 2026 event are looking for volunteers, both from RPCV and ODFR, in the months leading up. To help, please contact: - Ron Chance of RPCVs of WI-Madison, [email protected] - or Jason Mack of Open Doors for Refugees, [email protected]