Focus Development Organization

09/03/2026

We are especially grateful for the trust you have placed in Focus Development Organization and for giving us opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen our work.

Thank you, USA for UNHCR, for standing with refugee-led organizations and for helping us build stronger, more hopeful communities.

When women lift up other women, everyone moves forward.

Sarwat, a former refugee from Afghanistan, started a project that provides refugee women in Wisconsin with training in marketable skills such as sewing, garment production and embroidery.

Her goal is to provide women with pathways to economic independence and dignified income by building on skills many of them already have.

Through USA for UNHCR's Sparking Change program, Sarwat will be taking this project to the next level — from basic sewing instruction to a more fleshed-out entrepreneurship program, where participants will receive hands-on mentorship and training, along with classes on small business ownership.

Follow along each week to meet more refugee leaders creating lasting change across the United States.

08/22/2026

Event Alert 🚨

It is time to share stories and connect! On Thurs, Sept 10th, the and partners are ringing in with a special Storytellers Showcase event.

During this virtual event, you’ll learn more about the Collective, hear original stories, poems, and reflections from members, and discover ways that you can foster the same connection with your own neighbors.

Share widely and register today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bWTQtAx1QweqtS1ZRkVAPw #/registration

08/18/2026

We Are All America Advocacy Days, August 17–21, bring together refugee and immigrant advocates, community leaders, and partners to engage with policymakers and strengthen support for welcoming communities. The advocacy efforts focus on sharing community perspectives, discussing policy priorities, and advancing a strong and effective U.S. refugee resettlement and immigration system.

Refugee Council USA
We Are All America

08/18/2026

A Powerful Story of Resilience — Living In the Middle by Dr. Sam Dinga

Dr. Sam Dinga’s In the Middle is a meaningful and inspiring story of resilience, identity, perseverance, and finding one’s place within a new community. Through personal experiences, the book reminds us that behind every journey is a human story filled with challenges, courage, hope, and determination.

It is especially relevant to conversations about immigrants, refugees, belonging, and the important role welcoming communities can play in helping people rebuild their lives and contribute to their new home.

A thoughtful and inspiring read—and a powerful reminder of why our stories matter.

Sam Sam Dinga

08/18/2026

Beautiful highlights from Focus Development Organization’s community event—filled with meaningful conversations, shared stories, new friendships, and moments of joy.

Strong communities are built when neighbors come together, learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and create a sense of belonging. A welcoming neighborhood can have a lasting impact: it helps newcomers feel at home, strengthens relationships, supports local families and businesses, and reminds us that community development begins with human connection.

We are grateful to the wonderful Wisconsin community that continues to show that kindness, inclusion, and collaboration can turn a neighborhood into a place where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

Together, we are not just building stronger neighborhoods—we are building a stronger Wisconsin.

State Representative Vincent Miresse
Mayor Mike Wiza
Sam Sam Dinga
Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church
Women's Fund of Portage County
Retired Teachers association

08/17/2026

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

Yesterday, Focus Development Organization proudly hosted the 5th Anniversary of the Fall of Kabul: Hope, Resilience, and Courage, bringing together community leaders, educators, volunteers, attorneys, students, and advocates to reflect on the resilience of the Afghan people and the power of community.

We were honored to welcome remarks from Mayor Mike Wiza; State Representative Vinnie Mirsei; Iris Christenson, Retired Attorney, Author, and FDO Board Member; Attorney Brian Formella; Dr. Sam Dinga, Educator and Author; Amy Wiza, Director of Wisconsin–Nicaragua Partners; Gregg Henson, FDO Volunteer; Sarah Ross, Women’s Empowerment Director at the Community Foundation; Marzia Azimi, UW–Stevens Point Student; Mashaal Stanekzai, President of Al-Madinah Group and UW–Stevens Point Student; Shamla Azad, FDO Member; and Najib Azad, President of Focus Development Organization.

Together, we remembered the fall of Afghanistan, shared stories of resilience, and celebrated the incredible efforts of individuals and organizations across Wisconsin who continue to support refugees, immigrants, and local communities.

Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, volunteered, and stood with us. Your compassion and commitment remind us that stronger communities are built through understanding, partnership, and hope.

Special thanks to Retired Teachers Association and Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church for your support.

State Representative Vincent Miresse
Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church



Photography Credit; Abaseen Stanikzai

08/10/2026

USA for UNHCR
Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church

08/07/2026

August 16, Pififfner Park building, 3 to 8. Don’t miss it.