Diversity Statement

“[W]e have never lost sight of our goal: an America in which every citizen shares all the opportunities of his society, in which every man has a chance to advance his welfare. What does poverty mean to those who endure it? It means a daily struggle to secure the necessities for ever a meager existence. It means that the abundance, the comforts, the opportunities they see all around them are beyond their grasp…Our fight against poverty will be an investment in the most valuable of our resources-the skills and strength of our people.”
– President Lyndon B. Johnson, War on Poverty

These words by President Lyndon B. Johnson are the foundation of our organization. As a community action agency, we are committed to having leadership, staff and programs reflect the language, race, culture gender, sexuality, identity, ability and belief of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating adaptable programs and systems that respond to the specific needs and values of each of these communities. We believe that equity is a measure of our impact, and therefore we direct our resources to meet the needs of those most impacted by poverty conditions.

Fresno EOC is committed to a diverse workforce which is reflective of the communities we serve.

Transforming and Inspiring

At Fresno EOC, “Helping People, Changing Lives” is more than just a catchy phrase. The words challenge us to pursue our goal of overcoming the barriers brought about by social disadvantage and poverty. They call us to meet the challenge of helping those we serve with empathy and remind us that we are not immune to the forces of crisis that impact the lives of individuals and families.

Safe Access Resolution

WHEREAS: Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s (Fresno EOC) goal is to eradicate poverty in Fresno County by providing people tools and support on the path towards being self-sufficient contributing members of their community;

WHEREAS: Fresno EOC operates over 15 components providing training and services to more than 120,000 people in education, employment, housing and shelter, crisis assistance, health, nutrition, energy and finance;

WHEREAS: Fresno County is home to 1 million people, 25% of which live in poverty. While over half of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, over 70 different languages are spoken in Fresno homes by residents from diverse backgrounds;

WHEREAS: Fresno EOC embraces our multiculturalism, embedding it in our policies and outreach. Our Human Resources Diversity Policy 1025 outlines our commitment to “fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion” throughout our agency and programs;

WHEREAS: Many parents, students, clients and others who access our programs and facilities are fearful and hesitant to leave their homes, unable to access the services they need;

WHEREAS: Fresno EOC’s educational offerings include 2 charter schools serving at risk youth, Early Head Start, Head Start, and School Age Childcare. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 2011 policy states that immigration enforcement activity will not be conducted at any “sensitive” location, which includes schools and other institutions of learning, without prior approval from specific federal law enforcement officials, unless there is an immediate need related to national security, terrorism, public safety, or where there is imminent risk of the destruction of evidence material to an ongoing criminal case;

WHEREAS: Fresno EOC has the moral obligation to protect the disadvantages; and WHEREAS: Immigration enforcement operations at and around our facilities would severely, negatively impact our ability to provide services to our clients, and would hinder the chances of prosperity for many of our families.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Fresno EOC Board of Commissioners stands in support of our multicultural and diverse community and understands Fresno EOC was created to provide a voice to disenfranchised and disadvantaged individuals and communities, and to be their voice if they are unable to be heard amongst us;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: We will continue to open to all we serve the opportunities for education, employment and the right to be treated with dignity irrespective of their protected class or immigration status;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Fresno EOC will not inquire about, collect, or compile immigration status of any clients unless expressly required by law or court order;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Fresno EOC will not provide immigration status of any clients unless expressly required by law or court order;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: ICE agents will not be allowed access to Fresno EOC controlled or operated properties without complying with the requirements applicable to other state and local law enforcement authorities;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Fresno EOC will not release a minor to ICE agents without the express consent of the child’s parent or guardian;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Fresno EOC will proactively seek out partnerships with public agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and legal services groups who are equipped to provide assistance to individuals and families facing deportation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Fresno EOC will seek resources and create strategies to address new and continuing challenges for all people in our community;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: This resolution will be posted throughout the agency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Staff will be informed and trained on implementation strategies.