Our Story
Born from Experience. Built on Community.
FREC was founded by someone who lived the refugee experience firsthand — and refused to let others face it alone.
Dr. Johny Oxeda
Founder & Executive Director
about.founder.heading
Dr. Johny Oxeda
Dr. Johny Oxeda arrived in San Diego as a refugee from Haiti in 2010. He experienced firsthand the isolation, bureaucratic barriers, and lack of culturally competent support that so many refugees face upon arrival. Rather than accept that as the norm, he resolved to change it.
In 2016, Dr. Oxeda founded the Fairmount Refugee & Empowerment Center (FREC) in City Heights — one of San Diego's most diverse and underserved neighborhoods. His vision: a community-rooted organization that meets people where they are, speaks their language, and walks alongside them as they rebuild their lives.
Today, FREC serves hundreds of families each year through education, social services, housing navigation, legal aid, and community programming — all grounded in the dignity and resilience of the people it serves.
Purpose
Mission & Vision
about.mission.missionLabel
FREC's mission is to empower refugees, asylum seekers, and low-income families through education, social services, and community support — helping them achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and a renewed sense of purpose.
about.mission.visionLabel
We envision a thriving community where every person, regardless of background, immigration status, or income level, has the tools, support, and opportunities needed to live with dignity and hope.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Dignity
Every person we serve is treated with respect, compassion, and the recognition of their inherent worth.
Community
We believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors — rooted in the City Heights community we call home.
Empowerment
We don't just provide services — we build capacity, confidence, and pathways to self-sufficiency.
Equity
We work to dismantle barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing the resources they deserve.
Cultural Humility
We honor the cultures, languages, and lived experiences of the communities we serve.
Accountability
We are transparent stewards of the trust and resources our community places in us.
Our Community
Where We Work
FREC is based in City Heights, San Diego — a neighborhood that is home to one of the most diverse refugee and immigrant populations in the United States. City Heights is a place of extraordinary resilience, cultural richness, and community strength. It is also a place where many families face significant economic hardship, language barriers, and limited access to services. FREC exists to bridge that gap.
City Heights
Our home neighborhood in San Diego, CA
30+
Languages spoken in City Heights
100+
Countries of origin represented
Leadership
Board of Directors
FREC's board is composed of community leaders, advocates, and professionals committed to the organization's mission.
Dr. Johny Oxeda
Founder & Executive Director
Board Member
Director of Programs
Board Member
Director of Finance
Board Member
Community Liaison
Ready to make a difference?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — every action helps FREC serve more families in City Heights.