Sonoma County to host first-ever Farmworkers Resource Fair on March 3 in Windsor

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A resource fair to assist local farmworkers will be held Sunday, March 3 in Windsor, a collaboration by the Sonoma County Human Services Department, Job Link, the county Economic Development Board, California Human Development and dozens of community partners. 

The event will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Mary Agatha Furth Center, 8400 Old Redwood Highway in Windsor.

The resource fair will connect farmworkers with more than 30 government agencies, nonprofits and advocacy groups that can provide support with housing, food, health care, employment, immigration law, tax preparation and more. 

“Farmworkers put fresh food on our tables and play an essential role in Sonoma County’s world-renowned wine industry, yet too many struggle to feed themselves and their families over winter when work slows between the end of harvest and the start of the new growing season,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “With this resource fair, we are trying a new approach to support local farm laborers when they need help the most.”

Free meals will be provided to the first 200 farmworkers, and Redwood Empire Food Bank will distribute fresh produce and other food. Farmworkers will also be entered into a raffle for gift cards that can be used to purchase gas, food, clothing and other necessities. Free health screenings and opportunities to obtain health care will be available.

“Our local farmworkers are the backbone of Sonoma County agriculture, and yet far too many remain disconnected from vital programs and services,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the Windsor area. “This resource fair provides a starting point to connect the dots and do better.”

More than 40 government agencies, nonprofits and advocacy groups will be available to provide support, including the Agricultural Labor Relations Board; Alliance Medical Center; California Human Development; California Rural Legal Assistance; Catholic Charities; Child Support Services; Commission on Human Rights; Community Action Partnership; Corazon Healdsburg; the county Economic Development Board; 4C's; Graton Day Labor Center; the county Human Services Department; Immigration Institute of the Bay Area; InterFaith Shelter Network; IOLERO; Job Link/Workforce Investment Board; KBBF; La Familia Sana; La Plaza Nuestra Cultura Cura; Latino Service Providers; Lideres Campesinas; Migrant Education Program; Mission Asset Fund; Petaluma Health Center; Planned Parenthood Northern California; Providence Community Benefit; Raices Collective; RED Latin X The Hub; Santa Rosa Junior College; Self-Help Credit Union; Sonoma County Library; Sonoma Family Meal; West County Community Services; Women, Infants and Children; the county Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures; the county Department of Emergency Management; the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office; and California Vineyard & Farm Supply. Entertainment includes a performance of Aztec dancing by Danza Azteca Xantotl de Santa Rosa.

The Sonoma County Human Services Department serves more than 120,000 individuals and families annually through its four core divisions: Economic Assistance; Adult & Aging; Family, Youth & Children’s Services; and Employment & Training, which houses Sonoma County Job Link and other supportive services.

For questions, contact Job Link at (707) 565-5550.

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Media Contact:
Ted Appel, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403