FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2010
Indiana Centers Participate in Migrant Farmworker Conference
Indianapolis, IN – Center Managers, Core Team Members, and Coordinators from the Indiana Region participated in the Indiana Migrant Farmworker Conference today sponsored by the Indiana Taskforce on Migrant Affairs.
Center Managers Jesus Oranday, Zaida Zarate and Rebecca Fernandez shared information with Indiana migrant service providers from across the state to become familiar with the services TMC offers at its centers. “We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to partnering with all agencies in order to provide the migrant families of Indiana the best possible services”, stated Zaida Zarate – Lafayette Center Manager.
Breakout sessions were held throughout the day that included topics such as: Educational Trends (presented by TMC’s Indiana Region Infant/Toddler Coordinator Pam Richard), Housing Issues, Health Services, Labor Issues, Mental Health Services, Legal Issues, Career Trends, Agriculture Trends and Adult Education Programs. The conference included keynote speaker Norma Flores of the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) “Children in the Fields Campaign”. The campaign strives to improve the quality of life of migrant and seasonal farmworker children by advocating for enhanced educational opportunities and the elimination of discriminatory federal child labor laws in agriculture.
The main challenges identified were the effect of the excessive rain on the crops, the effect of possible state level immigration legislation, and the effect of high gas prices and the troubled economy. There was also a discussion about challenges each agency is facing this year.
Audience members included individuals who work with migrant families in Indiana either at government agencies or non-profits.
Photo: Enidza Deynes-Wallace (FSA - Lakeville), Mary Gonzalez (FSA - Lakeville), Cynthia Navarro (FSA - Lafayette), Leticia Navarro (Health Aide - Lafayette), Norma Flores (Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs - Washington DC) Rebecca Fernandez (CM - Vincennes), Enedina Salazar (FSA - Vincennes), Zaida Zarate (CM - Lafayette), Jesus Oranday (CM - Lakeville).
