Open Doors For Refugees (ODFR) will be hosting a picnic at Olin Park on Sunday, July 9, noon-4 p.m.
Supporting refugees or those who have had to recently immigrate into the community is vital to both welcoming and acclimating them to the community. Picnic co-leader Jacqueline Komada spoke on the organization’s roots and services, as well as why the picnic is important for the community.
“The organization was actually founded in 2016, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Today, we’re a trusted community partner serving refugees of many ethnicities and nationalities arriving in Madison,” Komada told Madison365, evidenced by last year’s picnic turnout of over 200 people. 
“The picnic is just a way for the Madison community, between the public and our volunteers in the organization as well as the clients we serve, to kind of come together to celebrate diversity and celebrate community.”
Open Doors For Refugees is composed of different teams that offer a variety of services from the employment team, to ESL, to housing, along with many other crucial teams around necessities for refugees like transportation and translation.
“I think our organization is there to be a resource for people,” said Komada. “In turn, I would say that we also as a community really benefit from refugees being a part of our community, as well. They bring so much insight and skills and perspectives to our community. It’s a mutual relationship.”
The picnic will be free and will have musical acts including klezmer band Yid Vicious, Ewe (Togolese) drummer Koffi Zoe Dogbevi, as well as Gloria Hays DJ’ing international music. Activities will also be held by Madison Public Library, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and KEVA Sports Center. Wheels for Winners will also have a tent to provide bike tune-up services.
The picnic is a potluck, so while there will be food, it is encouraged to bring a dish or snack to share if able. Komada ended with excitement for the upcoming event and hopes that engagement can continue to grow.
“This year, we’re hoping to have just as many if not more attendees to celebrate diversity and an inclusive community in Madison.”
To learn more about Open Doors For Refugees, visit their website here.
