Local Impact
JOYFULLY SHARING GOD'S BOUNDLESS LOVE
We believe every person is created in the image of God—beautifully and wonderfully made just as they are. Guided by this belief, we actively partner with our community to ensure that everyone has the resources they need not just to survive, but to truly thrive.
Explore the organizations we collaborate with and discover the impact our church is making below.
Monthly Food Distribution & Community Garden
On the third Saturday of every month, we distribute shelf-stable food and fresh produce from our own community garden to those in need in our neighborhood. In partnership with the Community Food Bank, the USDA, and our generous congregation, we are able to freely give away food to hundreds of people monthly in our neighborhood and beyond. Volunteers are needed on the Thursday before the Food Distribution from 12-2 p.m. to sort the food, and the Friday before from 9-11 a.m. to help bag the food. The Distribution itself takes place the Third Saturday of the month from 8-10 a.m.
If you are in need of food assistance, you are welcome here and are warmly invited to join us on the third Saturday of the month between 7 and 9 a.m.
Little Library
University Presbyterian Church is proud to host a Free Little Library for use by our members and community and be a part of a movement that is designed to combat childhood illiteracy. Sadly, over 60% of low-income families have no books at all for children and adults in their homes and that access to printed materials-not poverty-is the "critical variable affecting reading acquisition." This Free Little Library, located next to our playground, is meant to be a resource to our community, and a blessing to those who we call neighbor.
Wolters Elementary School: Every Neighborhood Partnership
We partner with a local ministry, Every Neighborhood Partnership, to provide Literacy Mentors to Wolters, our neighborhood elementary school. Combining the career experience of many in our congregation with a pressing need in our immediate vicinity, Literacy Mentors help students with their sight words, letter sounds, and comprehension. It is critically important for children to be able to read by third grade, and Literacy Mentors invest in children’s lives through building relationships of encouragement and positivity.
FIRM
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM) is a faith-based non-profit that serves the needs of over 6500 refugees in the Fresno area of the California San Joaquin Valley, primarily refugees of Southeast Asian, Slavic, and African origin. They serve them through holistic neighborhood/youth outreach and enrichment programs, elder citizenship, advocacy, community gardens, health navigation and policy work, culturally appropriate community organizing, a state-licensed preschool, employment projects, an after-school program and much more.
FIRM serves refugee families of all cultures and religious traditions, and participation in religious services or adherence to a particular religious belief is not required to receive services. However, FIRM’s motivation and mission is to “share Christ’s love by building communities of hope with New Americans.” Whenever interest is present, FIRM staff assist refugees in linking with one of our city’s refugee community or mainstream congregations.
Calvin Crest
Calvin Crest is our local Presbyterian camp and retreat center. Through partnership with local churches, they work tirelessly to serve the community by practicing biblical hospitality and inviting people to experience and know God’s creation and love.
Every year, Calvin Crest hosts a variety of events that many of our church member’s and the greater community participate in, including Men’s and Women’s Camp, Family Camp, Children and Youth Camp and an Advent Silent Retreat. Scholarships are available for church members who are interested in taking advantage of this wonderful ministry.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. The core budget, including staff and administrative costs, is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing, and its program work is additionally funded through designated gifts. PDA enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic event.
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