81-Year-Old Margaret Brauer Transforms Refugee Lives Daily

At 81 years old, Margaret Brauer could easily spend her days relaxing, but instead she's managing volunteers, coordinating winter coat drives, and personally escorting refugees to crucial appointments across Madison, Wisconsin.

As a board member and volunteer manager for Open Doors for Refugees, Margaret has become the vital connection between newly arrived refugee families and the resources they desperately need. She responds to urgent requests from case managers, organizes transportation for families without cars, and even runs the organization's free winter wear store.

Margaret's work fills a critical gap in Madison's refugee resettlement system. Many newly arrived families need rides to medical appointments, job interviews, and government offices but lack both vehicles and knowledge of the local area.

Open Doors for Refugees was founded in 2016 as a volunteer-driven organization working alongside larger resettlement agencies. The group provides furniture, winter clothing, transportation, language support, workforce development, and childcare to refugees and immigrants building new lives in the Madison community.

Margaret coordinates dozens of volunteers who help make these services possible. Her organizational skills and personal commitment ensure that urgent needs get met quickly, whether that's finding a winter coat for a child or arranging a ride to a crucial immigration appointment.

Community Shares of Wisconsin recognized Margaret's extraordinary service with their monthly Backyard Hero Award. The honor celebrates individuals making real change happen in their communities through sustained action and leadership.

Why This Inspires

Margaret's story reminds us that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. At 81, she brings decades of life experience, patience, and wisdom to families navigating one of life's most challenging transitions.

Her hands-on approach goes beyond just managing logistics. By personally driving clients and escorting them to the winter wear store, Margaret offers something refugees need just as much as coats and rides: a welcoming face and human connection in an unfamiliar place.

The organization's partners say Open Doors for Refugees wouldn't function as effectively without Margaret's leadership. Her grace and perseverance, especially during challenging times for refugee resettlement, set the tone for an entire volunteer network.

Margaret proves that one dedicated person can create ripples of positive change across an entire community.