Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at Friends of Refugees

• What is your mission?

  Empowering refugees through opportunities for well-being, education, and employment.

• What can be done with a $100 donation?

  Pays for career and college preparedness mentoring to a high school Growing Leader at the Jolly Avenue Garden, a program of Friends of Refugees.

• What is the history of your organization?

  Friends of Refugees (FOR) was founded in 1995 by Pat Maddox, a resident of Clarkston. Pat grew up in Clarkston when many of the streets were still dirt and when the pharmacy and grocery store were owned by family friends. She left Clarkston to attend nursing school in Florida.

  In December of 1995, Pat relocated back to Clarkston. One morning while attending church, she saw a notice in a newsletter asking for volunteers to help meet the needs of some newly arrived refugee families. Pat’s connection with these families made a lasting impression on her heart that led her into the world of refugees and has helped drive the work of FOR. Pat’s visionary answer to God’s call on her life paved the way to what FOR would become.

  In 2005, Friends of Refugees became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is “to empower refugees through opportunities that provide for their well-being, education and employment.” Our programs help New Americans seize opportunities while bringing them into relationships that will help them flourish.

  Today, Friends of Refugees provides programs that teach hundreds of moms and kids English together, welcome dozens of babies born to healthy moms, fill family kitchen tables with fresh produce from garden plots, help launch new businesses, and strengthen existing entrepreneurs.