My grandmother, the oldest of 13, left school in 8th grade to
work in the fields with her family. We grew up listening to her
unhappy stories of poverty and backbreaking work, and all of us in
my generation were virtually programmed through her cautionary
tales and our parents
’ efforts to motivate us to go on to college in order not to
repeat her life.
My grandmother, the oldest of 13, left school in 8th grade to work in the fields with her family. We grew up listening to her unhappy stories of poverty and backbreaking work, and all of us in my generation were virtually programmed through her cautionary tales and our parents’ efforts to motivate us to go on to college in order not to repeat her life.
Since we’ve moved here, on the way to school in the summer, my children and I pass farm workers dressed in long-sleeved hooded sweatshirts and hats that protect them from the sun, but also make them too warm.
I tell my kids to say a prayer for the people who are working to bring us food and for the hope that these people, who work harder than most everyone I know, will find a way to a life that is better for them and their families.
On Sunday, July 17, a group of organizations that serve migrant and permanent farm workers is providing an answer to that prayer by sponsoring the Celebracion del Campo, a community event to honor the work of farm workers in our county.
In addition to arts and crafts booths, entertainment including Mariachis and Aztec dancing, music and children’s activities, it will also provide them avenues to improve their quality of life by linking them with support services, such as health care, dental care, substance abuse recovery support, mental health support, quality child care, education assistance and housing assistance.
An important component of the celebration will be the presence of job training providers, such as Center for Employment Training, Second Start, Gavilan College, Career Advancement Center, Truck Driver Institute and Center for Training and Careers, to name a few.
In addition to English language skills and math skills, farm workers have other barriers to better employment.
These providers help develop basic and technical skills for farm workers to begin making the transition from a life of impermanence (below-poverty wages and often, insufficient housing, all of which threaten family stability) to a less physically stressful job with a living wage that helps eliminate the emotional stress that comes from worrying about feeding one’s family.
Also in attendance will be local employers that provide more stable employment, better wages and working conditions than farm labor contractors.
This first-ever event for farm workers is the brainchild of the “Migrant Collaborative,” a group of organizations chaired by the GUSD Migrant Education Department. Staff of the “Gilroy One-Stop,” one of the best kept secrets in Gilroy, have worked to make this fledgling idea a memorable day of fun and support for many families in our community.
In 1998, new federal legislation reorganized and replaced the old Jobs Training Partnership Act with the Workforce Investment Act (often referred to by its initials WIA – pronounced WEEAH), implemented in 2000.
One of the most significant changes brought about by this legislation was the formation of One-Stop centers.
Because many job seekers need more than just skills training and job listings to gain employment, these centers offer case management and links to other supportive services, such as housing, clothing, and other assistance.
One-Stop provides office space to a variety of organizations that help a wide range of clients, from “dislocated” workers who used to make six-figure salaries to youth looking for summer employment.
In addition to job preparation assistance such as crafting impressive resumes, interview practice, and job search, they provide a wide array of assistance, including helping veterans to access VA services and clients with physical disabilities to receive training. The list is quite extensive and comprehensive.
The Gilroy One-Stop is part of a countywide network that is administered by the City of San Jose’s Workforce Investment Network, but is staffed with local folks who have lived here for decades and who know the area and our neighbors who live here, making it a welcoming and effective place, not one of intimidation.
This celebration will be held on Sunday, (the only day of rest for field workers), July 17 at Christmas Hill Park from 12pm-6pm.
Spread the word as your way of saying thanks.
