Community
Fresno offers something unique for its MVS community - connectedness. Connecting people from across the globe, Fresno is home to a widespread ethnic diversity, with more than one hundred different languages spoken. Sitting in the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, the geography of Fresno connects it to beautiful mountains, national parks like Yosemite, and forests less than two hours away, California iconic cities like San Francisco (three hours) and Los Angeles (four hours on a good traffic day!), and various spots along the Pacific coast perfect for a day trip. The Fresno MVS unit has the opportunity to be connected with other voluntary service workers and interns throughout the city in both faith-based and secular settings, networked together in Fresno’s intimate-but-growing community of volunteers and justice workers. The unit house, built in 1924, is located in the historic Fresno High School neighborhood, right next door to the artsy, alternative Tower District. 

Service
Unique service opportunities in Fresno range from relationship with disabled adults (Central California Mennonite Residential Services and United Cerebral Palsy) to environmental justice and park restoration (San Joaquin River Parkway Conservation Trust) - from pursuing reconciliation through restorative justice (VORP - Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program) to leadership development with urban kids (Boys and Girls Club). With the opportunity to know the people of Fresno well, MVSers may work alongside populations of immigrants, refugees, low-income families, disabled adults, and at-risk youth. Fresno would welcome MVSers with an open mind and a desire to stretch themselves in this cross-cultural, urban setting!