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ABOUT US

Vision

A community in which foreign-born individuals are welcomed and successful, and contribute to a global perspective, vibrant economy, and rich fabric of cultures and customs.

 

Mission

FIRN helps ensure equal access to community resources and opportunities for all foreign-born individuals

 

Values

FIRN believes our community is stronger and richer because of its diversity, and values the differences of cultures and peoples.

FIRN believes that each individual has unique strengths, and values the contribution each makes to our community.

FIRN believes in treating the people it serves with respect and sensitivity, and values a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere.

FIRN believes in the power of collaboration, and values the opportunity to work in partnership with other organizations to "bridge cultures and build community.

 

History

FIRNgrew out of an informal support service for foreign-born students at Howard Community College (HCC) and an idea by Pat Hatch for a place where immigrants could ask questions "without feeling stupid". Pat shared her idea with the Columbia Foundation and with HCC's teachers of English as a Second Language, whose students were continually posing questions that had little to do with English, but much to do with survival in a new culture.

Pat and HCC joined forces. With initial seed money from the Columbia Foundation, FIRN opened its doors in October 1981, staffed only by Pat. In its first year, the project served 90 persons from 10 countries. In 1984, FIRN was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Slowly its services expanded to include immigration counseling, interpreting and other critical services. Today, FIRN serves immigrants from over 75 countries and is well known as the key resource in Central Maryland for the foreign born. It also provides valuable assistance and guidance to health and human service agencies that serve immigrant clients.

 

Annual Report

The FIRN's' fiscal year is from July to June; an Annual Report is issued in the fall of each year.

An annual independent audit is filed with the Maryland Secretary of State, Charitable Organizations Division.

FIRN's IRS Form 990 and other information can be found online at GuideStar

 

Strategic Plan - 2007-2009

Key to FIRN's success is its attention to strategic planning. In its Strategic Plan 2007-2009, FIRN's strategic goals are to:

  1. increase the quality, scope, and reach of its services to the foreign born.
  2. be a resource to nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses that serve or employ the foreign born.
  3. provide leadership to create and sustain a fully integrated, multi-cultural community.
  4. strengthen its organizational capacity and effectiveness.