Farmworker Advocacy Day in Albany

There are an estimated 80,000 farm workers in New York who work long hours with no overtime pay, no right to a day of rest and no right to collective bargaining. Farm workers often live in poor living conditions working 60 to 80 hours, sometimes seven days a week. They also are at risk of pesticide exposure and poisoning. While consumers have begun to demand healthier products and more humane treatment for farm animals, similar values and ethics have not extended to farm workers who are toiling under Jim Crow- era laws since the 1930s.

Failure to protect the rights of farm workers threatens the rights of all workers, driving down wages and working conditions for the labor force as a whole. By providing basic protections and rights of workers to farm workers, New York will be able to systematically address the crisis of farm worker abuse. With Hispanic Federation helping to lead the march for farmworkers' rights, CRC marched in solidarity along with other partner agencies for workers' justice.

“Fighting for justice, both on the ground with clients and in campaigns is hard work. We do it because those that need justice like our state’s farmworkers work so much harder. I march, because walking with our brothers and sisters of justice feels like healing; it feels like a song, it feels like hope. Justice for farmworkers now!”

Marrisa Senteno, CRC Senior Worker Rights Advocate

"When over 80 years ago Congress approved the National Labor Relations Act farmworkers were omitted.    Protections almost all workers in the United States enjoy are not available to farm workers.  For years advocates have been trying to get the NY State to pass farm workers' protections without success.   Substandard wages, unsafe working conditions, and child labor are only a few of the common abuses in the orchards, dairy farms, and poultry factories of Rural New York.

This year with a law suit filed by the NY Civil Liberties Union and with Gov. Cuomos support for that suit maybe we have a chance.

I marched last week because I felt it was a moral obligation.   It was also fun.   There was a spirit of camaraderie, solidarity and optimism.   Even if you weren't there, please write your State Senator and Governor Cuomo."

John Gitlitz, CRC Board Member

CRC Delegation Leads Legislative Visits on Statewide Day of Action

A community delegation of more than a dozen members and advocates met with Assembly Member Steve Otis and a representative from the office of State Senator George Latimer, part of a coordinated statewide day of action to gain support for top immigrant priorities including driver's licenses, immigration services, tuition assistance, and workers' rights.

CRC Achieves BIA Accreditation 

We are proud to announce that CRC's application to the Board of Immigration Appeals for accreditation to provide immigration legal services has been approved. This status will bolster our ability to provide critical services to thousands of community members in need of assistance.  Our official BIA representative will be Janet Rolon.  

CRC Expands Domestic Worker Organizing Efforts Through National Partnership

This month, Community Resource Center has entered into a grant partnership with the National Domestic Worker Alliance to build on domestic worker organizing in Westchester County in 2016.  Our Worker's Rights Advocate Marrisa Senteno will be leading efforts throughout the region.

CRC Graduates Cohort Of Restaurant Industry Training

Over a dozen students graduated last month from CRC's 2016 Restaurant Training series.  Building on past successes and conducted by the NYC chapter of ROC-United, the comprehensive 6 week workforce development program consisted of hands on training enabling participants to flourish within the restaurant industry. After completion of the training, students are equipped to earn official industry certification. Past graduates have gone on to successful careers as chefs and other key positions!   

CRC 2015 Annual Gala A Huge Success

We thank all of our partners who made our first annual Gala as Community Resource Center a remarkable success.  Nearly 250 supporters joined us to honor various individuals who have been an instrumental part of our history and celebrate our accomplishments over the past year.  We also put forth a special appeal to raise funds during the event toward our domestic violence program.   By night's end, we nearly doubled our goal!  

CRC Hosts Governor's Worker Exploitation Task Force Fact-Finding Hearing 

On December 1st, our organization had the privilege and honor of hosting one of several statewide fact-finding hearings held by Governor Cuomo's Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation.  The task force brings together advocates and government officials to produce recommendations that will enhance protections for low-wage workers throughout New York. 

Our New Building

Community Resource Center (formerly the Hispanic Resource Center) is proud to announce that we have moved to our new building at 134 Center Avenue (previously the “CAP Center”) in Mamaroneck. Ushering in a new era of leadership with our recently appointed Executive Director, Milan Bhatt, and in our new building, we are eager to further enhance our services and programs and increase our overall presence in the community. 

CRC is also pleased to be housing the Head Start program and Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force Food Pantry, stalwarts of the community for so many years. We hope that you will join us on September 16th for our Grand Opening in celebrating all that we have accomplished so far and the numerous partnerships, programs, special projects, and campaign victories that lay ahead! For more information or to become involved, please contact us at (914) 835-1512.