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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!
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