We are a faith-based nonprofit helping refugees navigate their journey to creating a new, abundant life in America.
OUR MISSION
To help refugees build abundant new lives in America
OUR VISION
New Americans flourishing as our neighbors and friends
Our approach
Post-resettlement focus
Building a life in a new country is a long process, which is why we offer support and programs long after government-sponsored resettlement services end.
Wrap-around family support
We believe long-term success requires a holistic approach to healthy integration into American life. Our wrap around services in four key areas reach over 2,000 New Americans each year:
- Language & Literacy
- Childbirth & Maternal Health
- Healthy Food Access
- Employment & Entrepreneurship
Trauma-informed practices
Nearly all refugees experience trauma while fleeing their homes, so all of our programs incorporate trauma-informed practices to support ongoing mental health and recovery. More than half our staff comes from refugee and immigrant backgrounds, so we understand the refugee’s unique challenges and how to overcome them.
Why it matters
As people of faith, 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.
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 invest in relationships with those we serve and those with whom we serve. We love one another through relationship as God loves us. We seek to model Christ’s love in these relationships and the work that we do in the community.
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 which empower individuals and their families and thus allow for greater self-sufficiency. We provide environments where people are free and able to contribute not only to their own well-being, but also to the well-being of their families, 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. Stewarding well the resources God provides is a hallmark of Friends of Refugees.
Abundant Life
We experience abundant life when we are in relationship with God and others, where our inherent dignity and capacity is acknowledged, and we are participating 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 New American neighbors.
Donate
Set up a recurring donation, contribute one time, or view our in-kind donation lists.
Volunteer
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