The St. Catherine
’s Dayworker Committee has hired a director for the planned
Dayworker Center.
The St. Catherine’s Dayworker Committee has hired a director for the planned Dayworker Center.
America Romero, a 4-year Morgan Hill resident, will take on the job of getting the center up and running. First, however, legal details must be worked out between the committee and Weston Miles Architects, on whose property the center will sit – once that firm completes the purchase.
Romero said she was happy to be working for the center but is not yet on the job.
“I don’t have a date to start yet because I just heard yesterday,” Romero said Thursday. “As soon as we find office space I will start networking with the workers to get as much done as possible, even before we have a building.”
Romero has a long history with nonprofit agencies, having worked with homeless programs, with Head Start and having taken an INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) program from startup to reality. During the 2000 census year she was the public relations specialist for the nine Northern California counties.
“I hope to run the center so it is beneficial to day workers,” Romero said. “We will work closely with local government, business and the community. I want it to work for everyone.”
Charles Weston said his firm is in escrow to buy the now closed Isaacson Grain Co. on Depot Avenue at East Main Avenue and the lease with the committee can be finalized when escrow is complete. He expects the deal to close in mid-June.
Julian Mancias, member of the committee and a local Realtor, said the committee was particularly impressed with Romero’s experience in grant writing.
“That is something we desperately need,” he said. Mancias said Romero has read all the media reports and is up to date on the background of the proposed center and the reasons why local citizens came together to solve the problem of dayworkers lining downtown streets in search of casual work. The workers stand out in all weather and have no access to services that might improve their lot.
The center will also be designed to ease problems that arise between worker and employer from the language barrier. It will hold English as a Second Language classes and help the workers toward citizenship. Romero is bilingual and has dealt with similar issues in previous jobs.
“She knows what she’s getting into,” Mancias said.
The position, Romero said, is three-quarters time at a salary of about $29,000 with full benefits.
The grandmother of six – almost seven – has two daughters and two sons, one in the U.S. Navy stationed on the USS Denver in San Diego.
Before Romero can get started, the committee must find a small, temporary office or space in a business office. Mancias asks that anyone with space to offer – preferably on loan – call him. A downtown location would be best, given the proximity to the current East Main Avenue hang out.
Portable classrooms have been donated by the Oak Grove School District for the center’s use but Mancias said a portable manufacturer may donate new portables made from new and different materials. New buildings would preclude the need for renovation to the old ones.
The center will be located – barring insurmountable snags – on vacant land next to the former grain company. Weston Miles Architects plans to renovate the building into modern office space for its growing firm, a possible restaurant or bakery and additional office and conference space. The firm has asked the city Redevelopment Agency for a three-year $300,000 loan which the RDA is considering.
Mancias said it will take about two months of site work and construction before the center can open – he hopes in time for the summer hiring season. A previous attempt to sign a lease with the Isaacson family faltered over legal and indemnity issues, deflating the excitement committee members felt over raising $35,000 in a successful October fundraiser.
Mancias said he has been a bit down because of all the project’s problems but now has his second wind.
“About six months ago I was just flat out tired and exhausted – just worn out from it all. Now I’ve overcome that and I’ve got a new life in it. I just brush the dust off and continue to move forward,” he said.
Details or to offer temporary office space for Romero: Julian Mancias, 778-8686.
