La Luz Center Welcomes Vineyard Workers Services!

06.29.09 | By DFP in: Press Releases

By Stephen Dale — After months of talks, on April 20th the Board of Directors of both the La Luz Bilingual Center and Vineyard Worker Services voted  to consolidate the two organizations. Vineyard Workers Services is now a vital  program of the La Luz Center. Elizabeth Kemp, VWS Board Chair, assures that  “VWS will continue their commitment to provide housing for permanent farm workers (24 low-cost units in the Springs Village), in addition to the camps for seasonal workers.”


All programs of VWS including vintner/grower Assistance Outreach Services, GED Migrant Education, Poder Popular, Vineyard Worker & Day Laborer Meals and Support, Parents Speak Up National Campaign, Student Intern Volunteer Support Network and the Resource Center will continue with no immediate changes.

“We feel that this is the best strategy to serve our community, “ says new Board Chair Martha Rosenblatt.  “The consolidation will enable both groups to operate more efficiently with fewer duplications of services.”

The new combined Board benefits from years of experience, service and perspective in immigrant services.  All are committed to improving La Luz and getting the most mileage from donor contributions.

Former Board Chairman Stephen Dale was named Executive Director on May 19th.  Well known in Sonoma Valley, Stephen  has worked in the  wine industry for 10 years and has served on the  boards of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Valley Vintner & Grower Alliance, Sonoma County Winery Association, Wine Institute and Wine America in Washington DC.

“I have truly felt the need to step up and take the helm of “La Luz,” says Dale. “Particularly in these difficult financial times we have a great responsibility to  help our Latino community  develop indivuidual seft-sufficiency and strong leadership skills.  This will benefit everyone in Sonoma Valley.

Photo: Martha Rosenblatt, La Luz Board Chair; Stephen Dale, Executive Director,
Elizabeth Kemp, VWS Board Chair

The new combined Board benefits from years of experience, service and perspective in immigrant services.  All are committed to improving La Luz and getting the most mileage from donor contributions.

Former Board Chairman Stephen Dale was named Executive Director on May 19th.  Well known in Sonoma Valley, Stephen  has worked in the  wine industry for 10 years and has served on the  boards of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Valley Vintner & Grower Alliance, Sonoma County Winery Association, Wine Institute and Wine America in Washington DC.

“I have truly felt the need to step up and take the helm of “La Luz,” says Dale. “Particularly in these difficult financial times we have a great responsibility to  help our Latino community  develop indivuidual seft-sufficiency and strong leadership skills.  This will benefit everyone in Sonoma Valley.

Photo: Martha Rosenblatt, La Luz Board Chair; Stephen Dale, Executive Director,
Elizabeth Kemp, VWS Board Chair