1. Building Hope
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee

2. 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

3. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Significance of Service
Social 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

16. Building Hope Together!