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
4.
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.
7.
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.
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