Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries

FIRM’s ministry offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers to serve, either as individuals or with a group. Throughout the year, we connect with local youth groups and volunteer groups as well as individuals who help with projects like tutoring with the elders in the ESL/Citizenship class, working in local community gardens, or special one-day outreaches.  In addition, individuals can also help with a variety of tasks like seasonal cleaning, filing, assembling mailings, occasional graphic design and more.  Please call or e-mail Sophia DeWitt to get more information, offer your skills or to set up a time for you or your group to volunteer.

All FIRM Volunteers (youth and adult, individuals and those with a group) must complete a volunteer registration form, and a form committing to appropriate behavior with children.  Youth forms must be completed by a parent or guardian, and group leaders are responsible for bringing signed forms for all the youth in their group.  Those forms may be downloaded here. .

Some volunteer opportunities are seasonal, and can be tailored especially for groups who come from outside Fresno for a Mission Trip:

FIRM Family Festivals (June & July) Every summer, volunteer groups from all over the city, state, and country come join us to celebrate FIRM Family Festivals. You can shower love on kids in one of Fresno’s poorest neighborhoods, through games, music, crafts, bible stories and/or activities. The Summerset apartment complex across the street from FIRM houses families that speak Lao, Hmong, Thai, Spanish and English. Your group will love this multicultural, multilingual experience. Groups from Fresno are especially encouraged to join us any and all days of festival.  Dates of summer festivals will be arranged during April/May. .

Christmas Party Every Christmas, FIRM staff, and many FIRM supporters come together with volunteer groups, to tell the Christmas story, share some Christmas sweets, and give away presents to local families in need. Prior to the actual party, volunteers are always needed to collect, wrap and sort gifts. Donations of gifts and financial support always welcome! .

Spring Break If you are interested in volunteering over spring break, you can celebrate a smaller-scale outreach festival with the neighborhood families. The kids love to play with new friends at any time of the year!  Volunteer groups can adapt their outreaches based on time available, and focused on the interests of the group.

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