In this issue:
- Introductory Meeting July 18
- Community Picnic Highlights
- Peter Mulvey concert August 9
- Note from Lutheran Social Services
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"3rd Wednesday" General Meeting
July 18, 7:00-8:30 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
2126 N Sherman Ave
Madison, 53704
Want to get involved?
Come and learn how you can!
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Editor's note: We weren't going to publish a newsletter at all this month because the usual contributors to it have been traveling (Prague is highly recommended by the way). But, given the large number of folks who came to or heard about the Community Picnic and are new to Open Doors, we are putting out this shortened version mainly to let these folks (you?) know about the upcoming public Introductory Meeting next Wednesday.
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Introductory Meeting this coming Wednesday:
Did you meet us at the picnic or hear about us after? Do you want to learn more about Open Doors, and maybe get involved? On the third Wednesday of every month, we host a public meeting for inquiring folks who are new to Open Doors. These meetings rotate through variety of locations including libraries, private spaces, churches, synagogues, and mosques. This month the meeting will be this coming Wednesday, July 18, from 7-8:30 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N Sherman Ave on Madison's north side. Come and learn about Open Doors and find out how you can get involved.
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Highlights from the Community Picnic
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On Sunday June 24th about 300 people, many recent arrivals and many long-term residents, joined together at Olin Park to mix, talk, laugh, play and eat at our third annual Community Picnic.
The crowd was lively, the entertainment spirited, the food sumptuous, and the kids wet!
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The picnic epitomized the inclusive community spirit that we share, enjoy and want to foster in Madison.
Great media coverage was provided by reporters from the Capital Times and Channel 3000.
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Many people contributed to this event. We especially want to thank our:
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Generous Sponsors:
- Festival Foods
- Willy St Coop
- Trader Joe’s
- Istanbul Market
- Wisconsin Public Radio
- Cargo Coffee
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Lively Entertainers:
- Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble
- Raizes do Brasil Capoeira
- Madison Area Ukulele Initiative
- Eric De Los Santos
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And a long list of volunteers, with special accolades to the Epic team who fabulously engaged the kids!
Much thanks to all!
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Peter Mulvey returns to Threshold on August 9th
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On August 9th our old friend Peter Mulvey returns for a benefit concert for Open Doors. Peter is a fabulously creative, talented and humorous musician, touring nationally and internationally since the early ‘90s, with 17 albums under his guitar. Nickle&Rose, who play West African, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk and Jazz, will open the show. And as with last year, Open Doors will serve food prepared by several local refugee families so come hungry!
Threshold, at 2717 Atwood Ave, is the birthplace and frequent host-site of Open Doors.
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Tickets are available through EventBrite for $20 plus a small service charge. Don't miss this great night of entertainment and fabulous food, and help support the work that we do.
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And a note from Mary Flynn, Refugee Resettlement Program Manager of Lutheran Social Services:
LSS Refugee continues to see few arrivals and none scheduled for the coming month. Activities continue, however, at weekly Job Center employment workshops, assisting with scheduling, interpretation, and accompaniment to the Catholic Multicultural Center’s DOJ-recognized immigration service for green card and citizenship applications. It’s more important than ever for refugees to submit green card applications on time—the wait is getting longer due to a backlog at USCIS for processing. We’re also hearing from USCIS that travel outside the US should be strictly limited to emergencies until citizenship is achieved. While this has always been in place, special attention is needed now in light of the current climate regarding refugees and asylees. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: according to information from USCCB’s immigration service training in Milwaukee, once refugees adjust their status to Permanent Resident Alien (green card), they lose the protections of refugee status. Consultation with a DOJ-recognized agency is important to be informed of the details.
Thank you to Open Doors For Refugees for welcoming LSS to the picnic on June 24th at Olin Park. The day was perfect, the food was excellent, and the music made for a great event.
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Please note, here are links to all previous newsletters
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Mailing Address
Open Doors for Refugees
1213 N Sherman Ave # 104
Madison, WI 53704
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