It has now been over one year since the Russian military launched a full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, and its devastation is still felt by Ukrainian citizens who are left in its wake. Millions have since fled Ukraine to other countries around the world, their exodus marking the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Although the Biden Administration declared its commitment to welcoming 100,000 Ukrainians into the United States following the invasion, it took several months before Ukrainian parolees became eligible for refugee benefits, services or work authorization. The Slavic community, churches, and FIRM staff offered aid and support to the thousands of Ukrainian refugees who flew to the U.S.-Mexico border in the hopes of being granted humanitarian parole.
As a result, dozens of Ukrainian families, mostly grandparents, women, and children now reside in the Fresno-Clovis area. FIRM staff have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the new arrivals since their arrival last year, providing transportation, housing assistance, translation services, and more.
As of 2023, FIRM offers services to the Ukrainian refugee community under the Preferred Communities: Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (PC UHP) grant funded by the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). Ukrainians who entered the U.S. after April 24th, 2022 under Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) were granted a two-year humanitarian parole.
Our Services
Over a minimum period of 90 days, case managers work with clients to develop a case plan to attain self-sufficiency in the United States. Staff conduct an initial intake assessment that assesses the overall wellness and needs of the client, and then works with the family to meet the immediate needs. Every month, we reassess the progress made to date, and identify any new barriers to self-sufficiency.
FIRM offers case management services to Ukrainians who were paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine and have a UHP stamp on their foreign passport, as well as Ukrainians who came through Mexico and received a DT stamp in their passport.
If you or someone you know is Ukrainian and entered the U.S. between April 24th, 2022 and September 30th, 2023, and is in need of case management services such as enrolling in benefits, applying for social security, or enrolling in ESL or public school, please contact the FIRM office at (559) 487-1500.
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