Our mission
To help refugees build abundant new lives in America
Our vision
What we do
We focus on the long-term skills and relationships families need for healthy integration into American life. These services continue long after they arrive in America.
All of our programs incorporate trauma-informed practices to support ongoing mental health and recovery.
Why it matters
We believe every refugee man, woman, and child—of any faith or background—is sacred and worthy of our friendship and support.
As Americans, we believe life in our country is enriched when we welcome the vibrant cultures and hardworking spirits embodied by New Americans.
While we are faith-based, we welcome all faiths–or none at all–and there are no religious requirements to receive our services or to serve alongside us.
Core values
While every program is unique in its delivery, the foundation of all our work is built on Friends of Refugees’ core values, which come from Christian community development principles.
Relationship
We seek to model Christ’s love by investing in relationships with those we serve and work alongside.
Dignity
We seek to treat all people—as bearers of the image of God—with dignity and worth. Everyone has something to give, and to learn from one another.
Empowerment
We prioritize initiatives that empower individuals and their families to create opportunities for self-sufficiency, as well as contribute to the well-being of their neighbors and communities.
Stewardship
We accomplish our mission through programmatic excellence, continual improvement by staff and partners, and effective delivery of our resources that meet the actual needs of our community.
Abundant life
We experience abundant life when we are in relationship with God and others, when our inherent dignity and capacity are acknowledged, and when we participate in the development of a flourishing community.
Our history
Friends of Refugees was birthed in 1995 as an act of faith by a retired nurse and Clarkston native. Miss Pat Maddox witnessed the challenges her refugee neighbors faced in navigating tasks like going to the doctor, finding employment, or providing meaningful activities for their children outside of school. Rooted deeply in prayer and a conviction about God’s call to welcome refugees with love and compassion, Miss Pat skillfully used every resource set before her to create a welcoming and rich environment for New Americans in Clarkston.
Miss Pat was involved in either directly serving, or praying faithfully for Friends of Refugees, until the very day she passed away in March 2024. What began with one retired woman faithfully extending the hand of friendship has grown into a Christian community development nonprofit with 53 employees, touching 55,000 refugees over 30 years.
Will you be a friend?
There are many ways to join us as we build abundant life in flourishing communities with our refugee and New American neighbors.
Donate
Set up a recurring donation, contribute one time, or view our in-kind donation lists.
Volunteer
Share your information to learn about ways partners can serve and volunteer.