Looking back on 2025, we are inspired by the resilience of refugees and immigrants and the impact built together across the Central Valley. This report shares FIRM’s ongoing work to strengthen connections, support sustainability, and continue building a Central Valley where everyone feels they belong.
For opportunities to build a Central Valley where we all belong, you can check out our volunteer opportunities, donate, or reach out to us at 559-487-1500 for other ways to participate.
As the 2024 year comes to a close, we share the collective works and efforts from the community to building a Central Valley where we all belong.
FIRM is celebrating 30 years of welcoming refugees in Fresno and the Central Valley with a fundraiser on October 4th at the San Joaquin River Center.
Individual Ticket Sales available on Eventbrite.
Here is our program for tonight’s (1/28/25) screening of All We Carry at the Big Red Church
Thank you to the Planning Committee, Supporters and Panelists for making tonight happen!
To donate to support FIRM, please click here.
FIRM celebrated Thanksgiving with 423 of our closest friends this year!
FIRMUnity Thanksgiving 2023
Our Thanksgiving committee hosted a beautiful community meal last Tuesday, thanks to generous donations from Anthem Blue Cross, Sun Fat, Pitman Farms, Sasiprapa Muay Thai Gym, AC Deli, Ramen Ichiban, Ho Ho Kitchen, LA Kitchen, Events by Daniel & Claudia, Maykou’s Decoration and Party Rentals, Choummaly Keodara, Jake, Phayvanh, Phon Southisombath, Vee Rose, Siriporn Bouasy, Noi’s Desserts, Olam & Mally, and Lucky Siphogsay.
We had many delightful performances to accompany the meal and 40 families won their own turkeys to take home and cook for their families. Additional thanks to the dozens of volunteers who helped set up, decorate, serve and clean up!
Looking for a meaningful community-based volunteer opportunity? Join us at FIRM! We are a non-profit organization in Fresno dedicated to assisting refugees who have recently arrived in the area. As a resettlement agency, we are committed to providing support and a warm welcome to our new neighbors.
If you are interested in volunteering or partnering with us to provide support to new families, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming fall Community Involvement Info-Sessions. During these sessions, you’ll gain valuable insights into our organization’s mission and the vital work we do for the refugee community. Join us on the following dates for our upcoming sessions:
Thursday, October 12th, 2023 6PM-7PM
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 5PM-6PM
Thursday, December 8th, 2023 5:30PM-6:30PM
Location: Stanley-Rea Center, FIRM Campus, 2630 E Weldon Ave, Fresno, CA 93703.
Not only will you learn more about FIRM and our initiatives, but you’ll also discover the various ways in which you can make a difference and get involved in extending a warm welcome to our new neighbors. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Come be a part of something truly impactful and join us in supporting our refugee community!
We are excited to share that we have officially celebrated 90 days since our Reception and Placement program began on April 18th, 2023 when our first family arrived! Since then, FIRM has welcomed additional refugee families from Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burma to help rebuild their lives in Fresno. Services during the first 90 days include obtaining access to safe and affordable housing, providing food and groceries, cultural orientation services, and enrollment into benefits, adult English education and public school. During this time, our families have displayed bravery and resiliency against incredible odds, while embracing their new country with love and in earnest. As we close our first cases, we look forward to welcoming more new neighbors to Fresno and the United States.
Here are ways you can support refugees in Fresno:
*We cannot accept used/opened mattresses and personal hygiene products.
It’s that time of year again! FIRM and the Thao family have opened up the Neng Thao Scholarship Application for first time college students starting this fall! This is a great opportunity for all students who are committed to serving the Southeast Asian community.
Any incoming college freshman who graduated from high school in the Central Valley who is committed to serving Southeast Asian Communities is eligible to apply. Please send an unofficial copy of your high school transcript to [email protected] before you submit your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the scholarship.
The deadline for the 2023 Neng Thao Memorial Scholarship will be Friday May 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
Please submit your transcript to the email and answer a few questions on our online application in order to be considered.
The US Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday March 13th that I-94 cards of Ukrainians paroled into the US before the launch of the U4U program (between 2/24/22-4/25/22) will be automatically considered for a one-year renewal. No action is required for this consideration, but they encourage individuals to check weekly for an updated digital I-94 card. This means continued eligibility for some government programs as well as work permits.
We encourage you to contact FIRM by the end of April for help if your parole has not been automatically extended or if you are having trouble finding the digital I-94 cards. We are here to help!
