At the end of 2020, in lieu of client gifts for the holidays, we asked our clients which nonprofits they would like us to donate to in their name. We were inspired by their excitement to give back to their community and wanted to take action ourselves in the Northern Nevada communities we serve.

In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week, we want to spotlight an organization that spreads kindness to those in need in our communities every day.

Friends In Service Helping (FISH) is a community non-profit that has served Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties for more than 40 years. FISH provides food, instruction, shelter and healthcare to the area’s unemployed, low-income and homeless families.

FISH’s main goal is to provide services and referrals to help clients recover from hardship and regain their independence. FISH believes in “giving a hand-UP, not a hand-out”. FISH works hard to instill healthy and sustainable behavior so that once their clients leave, they are unlikely to return.

How donating to FISH serves our community

From July of 2019 to June of 2020, FISH served 3,672 households of which 2,7019 were under the federal poverty level. FISH provided over 400,000 meals between their food banks and dining room. FISH also provided 7,712 nights of shelter at their two emergency shelters.

FISH also offers a Transitional Housing Program designed to help families (who work a minimum of 40 hours per week and have children under the age of 18) find housing stability. FISH offers housing with low rent and gives families 24 months to achieve a stable financial path on their own.

Giving a hand-up

“Fast Forward 4 Families” is a new workforce development program in Carson City that provides full-ride family scholarships for tech training to help Nevadans move from minimum wage jobs to meaningful careers.

Community partners including Western Nevada College and Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative offer formal education and skill development while FISH takes care of housing, food, on-the-job training and other support.

Certificate programs being offered include manufacturing, construction, automotive, welding, HVAC, information technology and healthcare.

How you can lend a hand with your donation

There is no lack of amazing non-profits in the local area, but FISH caught our attention through the work they are doing in Northern Nevada’s rural areas, especially in their efforts to get people back to work.

Our team understands that homelessness and financial insecurity have many faces and every situation is unique. That is why we chose to promote a non-profit that excels in offering a variety of services in a flexible environment.

FISH does not rely on the government for funding. That means 98% of their budget is funded through community donations and grants. Not sure what good your efforts will do? You may be surprised.

  • $200 will help FISH provide dinner for 80 people.
  • $3,000 will keep transport vehicles running to provide rides to work and back to the shelters.
  • $10,000 pays one month’s mortgage payment on FISH’s facilities.

To donate to FISH, please visit www.nvfish.com/donate.