Meeting Notes for December 17, 2025: Carol Freedman-Doan – Refugee Resettlement

| December 21, 2025 | Meeting Notes, Member News

President Dawn  called Ann Arbor Rotary’s final 2025 meeting  to order at 12:25 p.m. 78 members were in attendance in the Anderson Room, along with 11 guests. 11 members attended the meeting via Zoom.

Shelly McMillan shared inspirational quotes about the new year, including messages from Oprah Winfrey, JP Morgan, TS. Elliott, and Alfred Lloyd Tennyson. Multiple guests were welcomed including Scott Nelson, Christian Rinna, Kevin Armstrong, Ali Hinawi, Deborah Scott Katz, Linda Grekin, Lori Lichman, and Shrina Eadeh, who is the Director of Resettlement Services at Jewish Family Services. Former member Ugur Cetin shared a banner from Turkey.  Jody Tull performed “Planting Seeds of Love” by San Slamovitz in honor of today’s guest speaker.

Woman standing, speaking into microphone.
Dr. Carol Freedman-Doan discussed the history and current work of HIAS, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County.

Announcements:

  • The John U. Bacon meeting on January 7 is now full. Please watch on Zoom.
  • Dennis Powers presented a detailed review of the U. M. Rotaract Club’s fall semester, noting increased membership (40+) and community engagement.
  • The 2026 District Conference will take play May 1-3 in Chatham, ON. Past District Governor Don (Sparky) Leonard encouraged all to attend and celebrate our district’s many accomplishments. You can register online, and if you register by December 31, you’ll receive an “early bird” discount.

From Jewish aid society to refugee resettlement

Dr. Freedman-Doan discussed the history and current work of HIAS, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, and JCOR. She explained HIAS’s evolution from a Jewish aid society to a refugee resettlement organization, highlighting key legislative changes and refugee crises it addressed. Dr. Freedman-Doan emphasized the importance of community collaboration through JCOR, a co-sponsorship program involving six Jewish congregations. gave examples of JCOR’s local efforts to relocate families from Columbia, Syria, and Venezuela.

Shrina Eadeh, Director of Resettlement for Jewish Family Services’ discussed refugee resettlement, post-resettlement support, and specialized services for immigrants and older adults. Both speakers emphasized the importance of community partnerships and the organization’s commitment to serving refugees with dignity and respect.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 p.m.