Metro nurtured change agents within diverse communities through volunteer training initiatives and emphasized the value of interracial education, and provided training on eradicating racism and promoting institutional change. Our commitment extended to supporting families with our "Parenting With Justice" program. Expanding our services further, Metro established a counseling service to meet the needs of the community.

In pursuit of creating a more equitable society, Metro conducted a comprehensive Fresno power structure analysis, gaining critical insights to address prevailing challenges. We rallied the Southeast Fresno Concerned Citizens for Home Improvement Loans, empowering individuals to improve their living conditions.

Taking significant strides towards reform, we introduced the Alternative Sentencing Program. Additionally, our efforts culminated in the formation of the Low-Income Housing Task Force, advocating for accessible housing opportunities.

In June 1976, Metro warmly welcomed Reverend David Mann and Reverend Penny Mann as our new Co-Directors. Their visionary leadership continues to guide our mission toward a fairer and more compassionate society.

As we reflect on our journey, we are immensely proud of the positive changes we have sparked in numerous lives. Together with our volunteers and partners, we continue to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate society.

In the early 1980s, the Interfaith Task Force for Valley Medical Center played a pivotal role in preventing the sale of the County's hospital. This resolute action led to the establishment of Community Medical Centers, serving as a testament to our commitment to the well-being of the community. Later in the same decade, the Task Force advocated for the construction of a new Level 1 Trauma Center and the continued use of the hospital as a teaching facility, solidifying our dedication to enhancing healthcare access and education.

During the mid-1980s, Metro made significant strides in shaping the City of Fresno's social landscape. Our efforts culminated in the proposal and funding for the City of Fresno Human Relations Commission in 1986. We provided unwavering support during its formative years, including conducting community hearings on excessive police force. Our work continued to foster improved police-community relationships, and we proudly offered leadership to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Unity Committee.

Addressing essential community needs, Metro established task forces to tackle pressing issues. The Hunger Task Force produced the impactful "Hidden Hunger" video, raising awareness and garnering support for the local food bank. The Mental Health Task Force was equally instrumental, organizing the enlightening "Cultural Diversity and Helping Approaches" conference, which effectively blocked the diversion of $1.1 million from county mental health services.

Our Convalescent Task Force brought together eight congregations to develop educational workshops and actively engage with the community. The Homeless Task Force facilitated supportive relationships between congregations and homeless shelter residents, offering hope and assistance to those in need.

Throughout our journey, we have celebrated community spirit through events like the Thanksgiving Festival of Choirs, a heartwarming tradition established in 1985 as a free "Thank You" to the community for their enduring support.

In March of 1985, Walt Parry assumed the role of Metro's Executive Director, bringing with him a vision for transformative change and continued dedication to serving the community.

These historic moments have shaped who we are today, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a stronger, more compassionate community for all.

Metro provided leadership in collaboration with Fresno Unified School District's Climate Subcommittee, focusing on cultural understanding and conflict resolution training and techniques. Metro supported the Peace and Nuclear Age curriculum and the expansion of Family Life Education in high schools. Metro's Youth Committee sponsored "Churches At Risk Reaching Children and Youth At Risk" and developed three partnership models. Metro also helped block attempts to eliminate funding for the Human Rights Commission and the City's Ombudsman. Metro developed the Cross-Cultural Clusters curriculum, a six-part educational course designed to build bridges between diverse cultures and organized clusters in schools, congregations, and the general community.

Developed and began the annual publication of the "Making Connections Resource Directory", a listing of more than 350 community organizations and services available in Fresno. Metro secured and distributed $160,000 to needy individuals and families who were suffering as a result of a major winter freeze. The Mental Health Task Force developed workshops for the initiation of support groups. Metro also initiated the Hate Violence Prevention and Response Network and held four community conferences on Welfare Reform. Throughout the decade, Metro also addressed issues related to religion, schools, and health care including Managed Care and Medi-Cal. Metro also developed and presented for 10 years the Health Care Round Table, a monthly forum on emerging and critical health care issues in Fresno.

Since its inception, Metro has been a driving force in advocating for positive changes in public health and healthcare access. One of our proudest achievements was successfully advocating for the hiring of a full-time qualified bi-lingual doctor to lead the County's Department of Public Health. This milestone ensured that diverse communities received the care they deserved.

Breaking barriers and enhancing access to healthcare services, we worked tirelessly to change the income eligibility threshold for indigent adults. This significant reform opened the door to free or low-cost health services for more individuals, addressing a threshold that hadn't been adjusted since before 1996.

To empower low-income residents, including non-English speakers, immigrants, and refugees, we developed New Leaders for Better Health. This transformative program offered health education and advocacy training, equipping individuals to take charge of their well-being and become advocates for their communities.

Recognizing the importance of equitable access to affordable and nutritious food, we played a pivotal role in expanding the acceptance of the electronic food stamp debit card, EBT, at farmers' markets and flea markets. This change provided greater access to healthier food choices for low-income individuals, promoting their overall well-being. Additionally, we took bold steps to expand the reach of farmers' markets within the City through a zoning change. By creating more accessible locations for these markets, we fostered vibrant community spaces and promoted healthy eating habits among residents.

Metro's commitment to community needs extended beyond health and food access. We introduced Urban Tours, a program designed to assist key individuals and organizations in identifying and addressing community needs across the Fresno area. This initiative fostered collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders, driving positive change on multiple fronts.

In January 2008, Richard P. Yanes assumed the role of Metro's Executive Director, bringing fresh leadership and vision to our organization. Under his guidance, we have continued to evolve and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

In February 2014, Metro welcomed Keith Bergthold as the Executive Director.

In August 2014, fueled by a collective passion for progress, our dedicated staff and Board embarked on a comprehensive strategic direction process. The outcome was a powerful mission-vision that resonated with our core values: 'Learning, Connecting, and Engaging to Achieve Healthy People and Healthy Places.' This inspiring direction led Metro to introduce three innovative programs:

1. Cross-sector Community Leadership and Innovation

2. Community Food Systems 

3. Resilient Communities

These programs complemented our existing Environmental Health, Hunger and Nutrition, and Healthcare Access initiatives. Together, they formed a cohesive framework for nurturing an active Healthy People and Healthy Places Network, spanning from Fresno to the broader expanse of the San Joaquin Valley.

At the heart of our approach was the theory of change centered on Asset-Based Community Development. We believed in the power of building strong partnerships, and each program was meticulously crafted to fulfill our mission-vision.

With the determination to be a backbone organization, we forged a strategic partnership with Regenerate California Innovation (RCI). Our collaboration aimed to bolster the performance and positive impacts of diverse, interconnected partnership programs. Each program operated with independent community advisory committees and distinct branding, fostering an inclusive and community-centered approach.

In 2023, Fresno Metro Ministry embarked on a momentous journey of leadership and organizational strategy transition. After Keith Bergthold, who had served as Executive Director since 2014, stepped down on December 31, 2022, the organization embraced new possibilities while honoring his legacy. Keith continues to offer his expertise and support as a consultant to the Metro Board and Senior Staff.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director on January 1, 2023, was Emogene Nelson, who had previously served as Metro's Deputy Director since November 2021. Emogene's appointment heralded a new era of progress, as her proven leadership skills and strong community relationships positioned her perfectly to drive Metro's strategic plan forward. In these challenging times, the importance of Metro's mission, "Learning, Connecting, and Engaging to Achieve Healthy People and Healthy Places," has never been greater, and Emogene is eager to lead the way.

As part of this exciting transition, Metro welcomed Dr. Vicki Taylor as the new Deputy Director on December 1, 2022. Dr. Vicki's arrival injected fresh perspectives and knowledge into the organization, facilitating a seamless staff leadership and management shift. Both Emogene and Dr. Vicki share a deep passion for empowering and advocating for greater access to health and food, underscoring their dedication to the community they serve.

As we embark on this transformative chapter, Fresno Metro Ministry stands steadfast in its commitment to the well-being of individuals and the places they call home. With Emogene and Dr. Vicki at the helm, Metro is poised to embrace change, foster growth, and create a positive impact that will resonate for years to come. Together, we look forward to shaping a healthier and more vibrant future for all.

As an organization, we are constantly evolving, adapting to the needs of our ever-changing world. Despite these transformations, one thing remains unwavering - our commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.

Over the years, we have witnessed the profound impact of collective action and community support. Together, we have brought positive change to countless lives, creating a ripple effect of hope and empowerment.

We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. There are numerous ways you can contribute and make a real difference. Whether through volunteering, supporting our initiatives, or spreading awareness, your involvement matters.

Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Together, we can continue to inspire change and foster a stronger, more connected community. Let's make a meaningful impact, hand in hand. Join Us!