As Clarkston-based Friends of Refugees prepares to welcome a new leader, outgoing Executive Director Kendra Jeffreys joined “All Things Considered” to discuss what she’s learned in her time at the helm, and what lies ahead.
Even though rapidly shifting policies and laws regarding refugees and asylum seekers might make it seem like an unstable time for the organization, Jeffreys said that internally, Friends of Refugees is as strong as it has ever been in its 31-year history.
From starting during the COVID-19 pandemic to having to adapt to the spike in refugees from Afghanistan following the U.S. military withdrawal, Jeffreys said her and her staff have had to pivot, but have always prioritized human relationships and trauma-informed care.
Jeffrey’s last day in the role was April 10, and a new executive director is scheduled to be announced in May.
Christopher Alston contributed to this report.
