FIRN — this Howard County nonprofit empowers immigrants, refugees, asylees, and other foreign-born individuals, offering a comprehensive array of services to newcomers from more than 75 countries: services such as immigration counseling, English language classes, interpreting, and referrals to health and human services agencies that assist immigrant clients. FIRN, which stands for Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network, was founded in the early eighties by Pat Hatch, a social entrepreneur who recognized the need for a place where immigrants could ask questions in a supportive environment. FIRN’s mission closely parallels that of the MurthyNAYAK Foundation: to welcome immigrants, and help them to become stakeholders in the common life of our society – to help them achieve their American dream!

Further information is on the web at www.firnonline.org.