New resource center opens in Fresno for refugees

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Refugees here in the Central Valley now have a place to receive essential resources with the grand opening of the Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries Welcome Center or FIRM for short.

“Since 1994, we did start working with the Southeast Asians, and as of today, we’re working with so many people across the world, including Afghanistan, Ukrainians, people from Syria back in 2016,” said Salim Syoufi Program Manager.

The center will serve as a one-stop shop for refugees seeking community enrichment, school enrollment, career development and health care services.

“The majority does not speak English, so it’s been difficult for them to communicate and get things on their own,” said Syoufi.

Executive Director of FIRM Christine Barker says this facility is so important to a group of people who are often misunderstood.

“Despite the headlines fearmongering, I think we all want the same thing. We want our families to be safe. We want our kids to grow up and achieve their dream. Things go above and beyond even our dreams,” said Barker.

Armando Aguirre is a refugee from Nicaragua. He says he hopes the center helps others like him who came to America with nothing but the clothes on their backs

“In my country, we leave everything, we leave everything,” said Aguire.

For more on the FIRM Resource Center click here .

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