On Friday, May 10, FIRM received the 2019 Spirit of Abraham Award from the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno.
The Spirit of Abraham Award has been given each year since 2005 – one award to an individual and one to an organization – for contributions toward enhancing the understanding of Islam and Muslims and promoting more harmonious faith relationships. The Spirit of Abraham award is presented at the “Night of Spirituality”, held each year annually at ICCF on the first Friday night of Ramadan. FIRM has grown a robust program to serve the Arabic-speaking community in Fresno through case management (in partnership with the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health), early childhood programs (in partnership with First 5 Fresno County), the Syrian Literacy Program (in partnership with Golden 1 Credit Union) and much more.
FIRM was recognized for services to Syrian Muslim refugees (as well as Muslim refugees from other countries), for education efforts in the wider community focused on combating Islamophobia, and for work to create stronger interfaith partnerships between Christian and Muslim communities.
The individual Spirit of Abraham Award went to Loretta Martin, longtime director of Clovis Funeral Chapel.