Building Hope

Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries

Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM)

Faith-based Non-profit Incorporated in January 1994 Many years of prior refugee

resettlement work and volunteer services through multiple denominations and in partnership with Church World Service

Community Context and Populations at Risk

Serves over 6,500 refugees per year in the Fresno Area of California San Joaquin Valley

Primarily Southeast Asian, Slavic and African

Most clients have limited English

Families who have heard of FIRM from out of the area have come to FIRM for assistance

Non-refugee families aware of FIRM'S services also come for guidance to and referral for outside assistance

Advocacy services provided to all refugees

Has services for refugees of all ages and various needs

Agency Mission and Aims Analysis

Though FIRM is a faith-based organization, there is no direct proselytizing of clients.

Participation in religious services or adherence to a particular religious belief is not required to receive services. Services are provided to refugee families of all cultures and religious traditions.

Understands the importance of relationships, community ties, and collaboration

Is culturally-sensitive and culturally-competent

Programs and Services

Employment Programs Hmong Health

Collaborative Slavic Family Support Healthy Homes Project Community Gardens Preschool Program Hot Meal Program

FIRM Family Festivals Elder Services Family Support and

Advocacy Services Church Leadership Supports Lead Programs Citizenship/English as a

Second Language classes

Only a few will be covered in this presentation.

Healthy Homes

Healthy homes programs empower neighborhood residents through assessment, education, and community organizing for healthier communities, civic engagement, housing quality improvements, and affordable housing development.

Hmong Health Collaborative

Programs develop culturally appropriate and faith based PICO (People Improving Communities Through Organizing) Community Organizing to guide New Americans to become leaders and solve health care access problems for their communities.

Elder Services

Elder support programs provide citizenship training, teach English, serve hot meals, and offer civic participation and cultural arts to build skills and self esteem.

Community Gardens

Community Garden programs give families the ability to grow their own food to promote family food security and utilize traditional farming abilities.

Employment Programs

Designed to help refugees with job skills, job search, and job placement

Recently awarded the only grant in Fresno County for Vocational English as a Second Language

Funding Sources

The United Way of Fresno County

Generous Churches and Individuals

Presbytery of San Joaquin

Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship

N. Ca. - Nv. Conference, U.C.C.

The California Endowment

Self Development of People

Office of Refugee Resettlement

Rotary Clubs

Fresno Regional Foundation

The California Wellness Foundation

Fresno County Human Services System

Faith and Community Based Initiatives

First Five, Fresno County

Presbyterian Women, PCUSA

Southeast Asian Resource Action Center

Agency Practices Analysis

Has received numerous awards for excellent public service

Is well-trusted among refugee community members and is well-known and recognized in the service community

At times, has service limitations due to funding or grant rules or regulations but strives to provide the best service to clients

Is always seeking to carry out, expand, and continue programs

Built and builds successful relationships with other agencies & community members for a cohesive & collaborative approach toward problem solving

Continual planning and evaluation of practice through meetings/discussions

Refers out for services unable to be provided

Significance of ServiceSocial Work Core Values and Ethical Principles

Service

Provides excellent service from an empowerment perspective, empowerment is part of mission vision

Social Justice

Understands that clients have had to leave their homeland and face many challenges as they settle in a new country

Dignity and Worth of the Person

Works with each client with care, respect, and sensitivity

Importance of Human Relationships

Knows the importance of family and community ties and dynamics, networks with other community members and agencies for more effective service

Integrity

Every staff member is professional in their roles and does not step out of boundaries

Competence

Possess expertise but always seek to improve their knowledge base

Building Hope Together!