FIRM is pleased to introduce one of our new staff members, Phon Southisombath. Phon is working as the Community Health Worker in the CBANS Program, which is one of FIRM’s thriving mental health programs. She was born in Laos and travelled with her parents to Thailand when she was around three years old. Her family lived in one of the refugee camps until they came to the United States about three years later in 1990. Phon has lived in Fresno ever since, graduating from Washington Union High School and then earning her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Social Work from Fresno State University. During her time at Fresno State, she was active in her community and served as the President of the Laotian Student Association. Her experience got her connected to the Laotian community and she has continued to serve the community ever since. Phon says the following about coming to FIRM, “The reason why I wanted to work at FIRM is that I am a refugee myself and I know that there are many barriers for refugees that keep them from getting the help that they need. Now that I am here at FIRM, I am so excited to help the Laotian community and help point them in the right direction to better their lives.” We are honored to have her join the team at FIRM and look forward to all the great things she will do to positively impact the Laotian community in Fresno.