About

FISH / RHAFT, Inc. is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization of over a hundred thirty dedicated volunteers who provide emergency food and rides for those needing assistance and living in the Rush-Henrietta School District.

FISH

The FISH organization was started in England in the 1960’s. Founded on the Christian principle of “love your neighbor as yourself” and the Golden Rule of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” F.I.S.H. helped anyone who needed a neighborly good turn.

Today, as an international organization, F.I.S.H. has widened its influence to several countries and has expanded rapidly in the United States. Each local organization, while possibly using the F.I.S.H. name and founding principles, operates under it’s own rules, regulations and guidelines.

The Rush-Henrietta FISH organization was formed, in 1969, as a mission of the Rush-Henrietta Interfaith League, comprised of members from twelve congregations in the Rush-Henrietta area. FISH Volunteers provide transportation to medical-related appointments for those who no longer drive. FISH operated under the umbrella organization, Community Concerns of Henrietta, Inc., until the February, 2008, incorporation of FISH / RHAFT, Inc. FISH is a charter member of Give-a-Lift, a volunteer transportation consortium run by Lifespan, which now includes 26 other agencies and ministries.

RHAFT

Thirty-five years ago, RHAFT, the community’s emergency food cupboard, was created as an outgrowth of the FISH project. After beginning in a closet in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, RHAFT then moved to the Gillette School, to Good Shepherd Church, and to the Webster School Building. A $65,000 Building Fund Drive, in 2000, enabled a much needed expansion into our own independent facility. RHAFT is a member of Foodlink’s coalition of emergency food cupboards; they’ve been a valued partner from the outset.

Today, more than 130 volunteers provide a network of support to our neighbors in the Rush-Henrietta community. A number of volunteers wear several hats! Neighbors who need help call 585/453-2370, the R-H FISH and RHAFT Answering Service. Click here to see how we have served the R-H community.

Interested in helping? Visit our volunteer page.