March 24th-31st is Farmworker Awareness Week (FAW), which gives special recognition to the men, women and children who make up a large part of the labor force that picks America’s produce. This year marks the 15th anniversary of FAW, a national event put together by the organization Student Action for Farmworkers based in North Carolina (www.saf-unite.org).

There are between 2-3 million farmworkers in the United States, 75% of which were born in Mexico. Many spend years separated from their families working in America and sending money home to support the education of their children and care for their home and other family members. It is not uncommon for farmworkers to endure substandard housing conditions and low wages here in the states. Thankfully here on the San Mateo coast, almost all farmworkers are paid an hourly rate as opposed to a piece-rate. Even though all are paid minimum wage, however, the Fair Labor and Standards acts exempt people working in agriculture from earning overtime. So, even though many people (both farmworkers and growers alike) work many more than 40 hours per week, they do not earn overtime rates for those hours.

Both farmworkers and growers are entrenched in a challenging system. Consumers want more affordable food, and so market-driven low prices for produce is one factor that prevents growers from paying higher wages. Fuel costs have doubled in the last 20 years, which also does not make it any easier.

Puente works with farmers and farmworkers to build a sustainable agricultural South Coast and the community at large to leverage resources for healthcare, youth employment and leadership development, and more. For more information on Puente’s work or to donate to the cause, please visit www.mypuente.org.

To help community members learn more about this important issue that affects our community, Puente is hosting a viewing of the award-winning documentary, Harvest of Dignity. The film will be shown in English and Spanish at 7pm on Wednesday, March 26th in the multi-purpose room of Pescadero Elementary, 620 North Street. Light refreshments will be served. For questions or directions please call Puente at 650-879-1691.

Zumbathon 2014 – March 20, 2014

A 2-hour marathon of your favorite exercise dance class!  Zumbathon will take place at the Pescadero High School gym from 5:30-7:30pm.  All of your favorite teachers will be featured and great prizes will be raffled off.  There will be a $10 entrance fee, and free childcare will be provided.  

Call 650-879-1691 for details.

Enough Abuse Campaign Discussion – March 11 in La Honda (English)

Come and learn about this movement against child sexual abuse; providing families and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce the risk of this happening.  Iris Fernandez and Jorge Guzman, MFT Interns, will be running the discussions. The discussion is from 6-7:30pm at the Puente Offices in the respective towns.  

Call 650-879-1691 for details.

National Farmworker Awareness Week – March 24-31

In collaboration with organizations from across the nation, Puente will be participating in Farmworker Awareness Week 2014.  This is a time to think about where our food comes from and more importantly, the people who pick it.  To bring attention to this fundamental issue, Puente will be hosting a viewing of the award winning 30-minute film, Harvest of Dignity, followed by a community discussion.  This showing will take place (in Spanish and English) Wednesday, March 26th at 7pm in the Multi Purpose Room at Pescadero Elementary.  

Call 650-879-1691 for details.

Puente Tax Preparation

Puente will be offering free tax preparation in Pescadero for anyone living in the region who made below $52,000 in 2013.  This service will run through April 14.  An appointment is required.

Please call Puente at 650-879-1691 to schedule an appointment.

Día de los Niños/Children’s Day May 2:  supplies and volunteers needed

Puente needs your help in purchasing watercolors, colored pencils and bubbles for our Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) celebration, an annual event co-hosted by and the La Honda Pescadero Unified School District. Please send supplies by March 20.

We also need volunteers to help set up for the event, lead activities and clean up from 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Tax prep volunteers needed ASAP

 It’s tax time, and Puente needs several volunteers to join our pro bono tax prep program. Help your neighbors keep more of their money between now and April. The position requires an online training and a few hours a day, twice a week at Puente offices during tax season.

For details on the tax prep program, please contact Rita Mancera at RMancera@mypuente.org or (650) 879-1691 x 102

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros
 Puente needs your help in purchasing watercolors, colored pencils and bubbles for our Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) celebration, an annual event co-hosted by Puente, the Half Moon Bay Library, and the La Honda Pescadero Unified School District, on May 2. Please send supplies by March 20.

 We also need volunteers to help set up for the event, lead activities and clean up from 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Tutors needed! Change someone’s life

Puente needs 3 Plaza Comunitaria tutors who are Spanish-English bilingual and comfortable teaching materials ranging from high school-level reading and writing to math and geography. (Need to Speak Spanish)

Puente also needs two GED tutors: one in Pescadero, one in La Honda. (Need to speak Spanish)

Finally, Puente is seeking an English conversation volunteer for level 3 ESL classes, starting in January. Your English language skills will give students a chance to practice conversing in a casual setting, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.

Be a Mentor

We are looking for several people to serve as mentors for high school youth. This position expects volunteers to guide and advise students about career options, the importance of higher education or vocational training, and life skills like getting a driver’s license or managing money.  Mentors serve as positive role models and allies for youth. A mentor also would talk to a high school mentee on a regular basis (weekly/bi-monthly/monthly) about school assignments, tests, study skills, and course planning, especially if the student is struggling in school.

For more information on ALL volunteer opportunities, call (650) 879-1691 ext 102, email Abby Mohaupt at amohaupt@mypuente.org, or fill out a Volunteer Form by clicking here.