Schools, churches team up to tackle learning during COVID-19 By Jessica Vix Allen – January 1, 2021 Picture Caption: Students engage in distance learning at Roadrunner Central at North Fresno (California) Church, which provides WiFi and a quiet study environment for 12 students ranging in age from kindergarten to sixth grade. NFC hosts the program in three rooms in its educational building, allowing for more students with social distancing measures. Photo: NFC This fall, schools and communities around the nation entered uncharted territory as they began the new school year during the ongoing threat of a global pandemic. For some […]
Read this article about FACE in Christian Leader Magazine “The magazine of the U.S. Mennonite Brethren” Meeting practical needs opens doors
Along with many challenges, COVID-19 has also given opportunity for the blessing of increased partnerships across our city. Because of pre-existing partnerships with Metro Ministries and El Dorado Community Development Corporation, we were able to receive food that we were then able to distribute to families that we are connected to. Over the past couple of months we have provided food for 50 families and 5 organizations or churches. Family Covenant Church, Dakota Eco Gardens, Grace Place, Central Community Church, and Mayfair Elementary School all received fresh fruit. So far, we have distributed 150 cases of fresh fruit and 30 Turkeys […]
There have been several recent transitions on the FACE Board and Staff so we want to introduce them to you and encourage you to follow the link below to read a short bio about each of them. FACE is continuing to be available to help meet the needs especially in this time as many folks find themselves without the resources needed. We are especially grateful for such a capable team during this time of many uncertainties as we continue to Care, Resource, and Develop our community.
Anthony Bunch has served with FACE as a security guard over the past couple years while at the same time FACE has provided him security in social and emotional ways, often times protecting him from homelessness. Anthony Bunch grew up in our neighborhood. He was raised by a single father who struggled on and off with unemployment. After becoming an adult, Anthony separated from his father and moved frequently from place to place, living in shelters, then board and care homes, and various motels or independent living. His social workers tried hard to accommodate Anthony, but they were unable to provide […]
Genevieve has it in her heart to give back to FACE after the help she received for her and her family. She started with FACE by volunteering last October cooking and volunteering with projects and events. She made herself available in any way needed because the staff already helped her with so many resources. Now she has joined the staff team and is serving others in the neighborhood like herself who are looking for hope and restoration…..making a difference she gets to continue being part of FACE’s mission, inspiring us in restoring hope and renewing neighborhoods. Her new role will […]
This past month two FACE staff members started full time positions at other great companies serving Fresno. Please pray for them and wish them well in their new journey. We are so grateful and appreciative of their service at FACE and blessed by the impact they’ve had on our community! Marly In FACE bookkeeper since 2016 New position: Aplos software company bookkeeper I love that FACE is a unique place from the programs they provide, the partnerships with other community organizations, and the social enterprises. I will surely miss the staff, the staff meetings, and all the people who come […]
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela Over the summer the FACE office transformed, from a relatively quiet work environment, into crazy town. On July 3rd we started our yearly 6-week Summer Adventure Club program (SAC). Spearheaded by Marisa Martinez, Jonathan Douglas, Jorg Letkemann, and Xavier Brumfield. Filled with games, fun, lessons, and Friday field trips the participants got to gain a variety of new experiences. Among other things, we learned about faraway lands such as Paraguay, South Africa, and our neighbor Mexico. Faced with […]
Devastation was left in the wake of the 2017 Railroad wildfire, and Calvin Crest Christian Camp was at the brink of closure. With rising insurance rates, destroyed cabins, smoke residue and no ability to host camps, they were considering shutting down their doors. In a team effort to Restore Hope and Renew Neighborhoods, FACE partnered with Biostewards Inc. to become part of the solution that’s brought the camp back into working condition and restoration to the forest and Fresno community. Two years ago Warren Bean graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a degree in Environmental Science and was looking for […]
Many people gathered on Saturday, June 15th to celebrate the first anniversary of Thrift on Blackstone and of course to take advantage of the 50% off discount for the day. Everyone seemed to be excited about the treasures and deals they found for sale and enjoyed snow cones and other snacks provided by FACE. The celebratory mood lasted throughout the day with the net sales totaling $3,444, which was their biggest day yet! What an encouraging way to celebrate the first year of business! Thrift on Blackstone had a good first year! They have felt the support from many churches […]