LATINO WORKERS SUPPORT SOCIETY

Religious services: providing Christian-based religious growth to the Guatemalan and Mexican Temporary Foreign Workers. A Spanish language church service is on the first Saturday evening of each month held at a space loaned to us by Cedar Park Church. 2 or 3 volunteers pick up workers at their residence and bring them to the church and return afterward. 1 or 2 volunteers prepare refreshments. In addition there is a small group of gathering every Thursday evening of approximately 20 people. 2 or 3 volunteers pick up workers at their residence and bring them to the meeting location (varying locations) and return afterward. Social activities: Opportunities for foreign workers to gather and create community. This past year we help a games night in collaboration wtih a local high school grade 12 Spanish class and their teacher. Foreign workers were invited to a curling club & lawn bowling clubs the members volunteered to host the event. Approx. 3-5 drivers picked up workers from their residences and returned after each event. Soccer tournament for foreign workers with 2-3 volunteers helping to set up and organize the event a professional referee was hired. English class: Providing an opportunity to learn English as a second language hosted every Wed with 6 volunteer teachers and 2-3 drivers to pickup and drop off workers. Celebrations: Christmas banquet for 100 workers. 12 volunteers ran the event including preparing food serving cleaning up and driving the workers to and from the event. Provide needed items: Received donated items such as blankets coats clothing kitchen items suitcases toiletries to provide to the workers who need the specific items. A food donation is provided every week by a community volunteer. Met physical needs: Arranged doctor dentist appointments and attended with workers providing translation. Helped with banking filing taxes and travel documents. Organized a bike repair clinic to fix workers bikes as the main form of transportation. All activities are organized and run by Jon and Kim Pelen with the various volunteers needed for each activity.