La Luz Center

Popular Forum Series Continues

Two very popular Forums were held in May, organized by La Luz’s Director of  Vineyard Workers Services and Community Relations, Mario Castillo.  The first was held in San Francisco, with officials of the Mexican Government.  Important information was provided on Mexican Identification Cards, Mexican Passports, dual citizenship, investments in Mexico, education and other programs.

Vineyard Worker Camps at Capacity

This year’s Migrant Vineyard Worker housing was the most successful in many years. Our temporary housing was 100% full with a waiting list of workers. Twice during harvest season groups left to work further north and their beds were filled the next day.

This was the first year that the Vineyard Worker Housing was provided as a combined effort of La Luz Center and Vineyard Workers Services . Director of Vineyard Workers Services Mario Castillo and his assistant Don Jose Fernandez report this year’s harvest lasted longer than normal, due to the cooler growing season.

Thanks to the continued support of Father Donahue, the project marked its fifth consecutive year at St. Leo's Church in Agua Caliente. There were eight housing units, with separate shower and bathroom facilities. During the Vineyard Workers’ stay, they received dental and physical check ups provided by St. Joseph's Memorial Hospital. La Luz Center also provided the men with daily ESL language classes.

Many of the meals were provided by the local Brown Baggers organization led by Elizabeth Kemp and Sharon Delaney, both board members of La Luz Center.

Imagery Winery Hosts VWS Benefit Party

On October 29th La Luz and Vineyard Workers Services held their annual Migrant Farmworker Camp silent auction at the Benziger Family’s Imagery Estate Winery.

Even with a challenge from the World Series and a late harvest, the event was a great success. Mike was still tending to harvest but sister Kathey Benziger welcomed us all. The Red Grape provided pizzas. Peter Haywood, one of the founders of the Migrant Farm Worker Camps, gave the audience some history followed by a touching video never before shown about the camps.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mike and Mary Benziger for their continued support of the Farm Worker Camps. The Benziger Winery, one of the few wineries in Sonoma Country that is 100% biodynamic, has a love and passion for the land that supports their family, and a compassion for the Farm Workers without whom they know they would not be able to produce their fine wines.

Special thanks to the Sangiacomo and Robledo Families, Gloria Ferrer and to our VWS Angels—The Vadasz Family Foundation!

Healthy Workers Means Healthy Wines

On Thursday, October 29th from 6PM to 8PM Vineyard Workers Services (a program of La Luz) will be hosting its annual celebration/fundraiser  at Imagery Winery.  Imagery Winery is located at 14335 Highway 12 in Glen Ellen.

Please join us and learn about our migrant vineyard worker camps and other services we offer to the industry.