UUCF Afghan Family Resettlement Effort - In 2021, the United States withdrew its troops after two decades in Afghanistan. The Taliban quickly seized control and thousands of Afghans, many of whom worked alongside U.S. forces, were forced to flee their homes. The Department of Homeland Security responded by launching "Operation Allies Welcome" and has partnered with agencies across the U.S. to support vulnerable Afghans. Beginning in January 2022, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno has been part of this effort. We are currently sponsoring a family of six who are in the process of resettling in Fresno. This is a long-term commitment and we are relying on the generosity of our congregation to support this family as they become self-sufficient. Your donation will directly support this family by assisting them with housing costs, internet access and utilities, food and clothing, and much more. Please visit the Give Page to learn how you can contribute to our Resettlement Fund. If you have any questions about this effort, please Contact Amanda Dinscore at uucfresettlement@gmail.com.
Faith in the Valley - Faith in the Valley is an interfaith coalition of congregations and justice groups in Fresno working together to create systemic change in key issues facing our city, including: substandard housing, access to jobs that pay a living wage, immigration reform, protection of undocumented individuals, police accountability, gun violence, voter registration in underserved communities, and youth at risk. The Unitarian Universalist Church is an active member of Faith in the Valley, and our Faith in the Valley Social Justice Team can help you get involved. Contact: Ellis Vance
Environmental Justice and Sustainability Team - The Environmental Justice and Sustainability Team is composed of individuals who are very knowledgeable and professionally involved in current environmental issues as well as persons with a sincere dedication to achieving and sustaining a better quality of life for all residents in our community. The Team meets monthly (via Zoom) and is open to all who are interested. Contact: Kathy Boudinot-Johnson
LGBTQ Rainbow Pride Parade Team - We help get the congregation prepared to march in Fresno’s annual Pride Parade. We plan publicity, creative attire, and items to give away. We also staff a table at the Pride Festival after the parade. We’ll participate again when Fresno Rainbow Pride is able to resume in-person events. Contact: Ellis Vance
Prison Ministry - Our team supports the inherent worth and dignity of prisoners in the Chowchilla prison through an annual goodie bag collection of personal items, serving more than 3,000 women prisoners annually. Contact: Joanne Michelson.
Church members and others offer transformative workshops in prisons through the Alternatives to Violence Project. Contact: Barbara Cutright.Through the Unitarian Universalist Association, church members can support incarcerated individuals by donating to the Church of the Larger Fellowship prison ministry and by participating in its letter writing program. Contact: Patty Bennett, Coordinator of Congregational Life
Earth Day Fresno - Earth Day Fresno is a committee of volunteers with a passion for environmental stewardship. We collaborate to host a one-day community event each year in April around Earth Day. Our mission is to inspire people to make changes in their daily lives to help restore the ecological health of our San Joaquin Valley and the world. We are looking for people with experience and passion for event coordination, community organization, bookkeeping, fundraising, environmental justice, and media relations. Contact: Karin Livingstone or info@earthdayfresno.org
Sanctuary Action Team - The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno has voted to become a Sanctuary Church and provide safe housing for undocumented individuals in danger of imminent deportation. The Sanctuary Action Team is a group of church members who care about immigration issues and reform, and will mobilize the congregation if we are called on to host and house an individual or family in need of sanctuary. Contact: Cindie Gonzales, Administrative Assistant
Citizen’s Climate Lobby - Join church and non-church members who care about global warming and environmental sustainability issues. Help us take specific actions in advocating for governmental policy changes. Contact: Connie Young
Monthly Social Justice Collections - On the second Sunday of every month our church takes up a collection to support a local nonprofit organization that is working to make the world a better place. Since 2013 we have donated more than $60,000 to approximately 40 organizations. To nominate a group, Contact Stephen Sacks