September 5, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martinez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Statement on President Donald Trump's Decision to Rescind DACA
Mamaroneck, NY – Today the Trump Administration announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals-DACA Program. This means that hundreds of our community members—our family members, our friends, and even our employees will be at risk of losing their temporary status and therefore at risk of deportation, separating thousands of families. Over the last several years the Community Resource Center (CRC) has worked with over 300 individuals to apply for DACA and DACA Renewal. As modest as the relief offered by DACA is, it is a pathway for 800,000 immigrant youth to achieve their dreams. This program makes it possible for our young people to go to college and support their families with work opportunities. DACA significantly improved the lives of millions of immigrants and their communities.
Community Resource Center joins our immigrants’ rights advocates and human rights organizations in collective outrage for Trump’s decision to destroy our nation’s dignity by ending the DACA Program. Our DREAMers deserve better; they deserve a pathway to citizenship! CRC urgently calls on Congress to act and pass legislation to allow undocumented young people to live without fear. We ask that you call elected officials to support the bipartisan DREAM Act, legislation which creates long-term legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth.
We reaffirm our solidarity with the 800,000 strong DACA recipients and our immigrant communities across the nation. CRC pledges to continue our fight to preserve the rights and dignity of our directly impacted communities and to ensure that they know their rights and how best to protect their families.
JOIN OUR FIGHT: Call Congress Representative, Paul Ryan at 866-575-9410 and tell him to pass the DREAM Act. Join events and protests—make your voice heard!
GET INFORMED: Connect with your local community-based organizations for Know Your Rights Workshops, Q&A, and Community Forums. CRC will host a forum for DACA recipients and updates on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Now that the decision has been announced, you can find updated information at http://weareheretostay.org/.
###
Community Resource Center (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and to advocate for those in need.
Declaración del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios sobre la decisión del Presidente Donald Trump de Rescindir DACA
Mamaroneck, NY - Hoy la Administración Trump anunció el fin del Programa de Acción Diferida para Niños Llegados en la Infancia-DACA. Esto significa que cientos de miembros de nuestra comunidad -los miembros de nuestras familias, nuestros amigos e incluso nuestros empleados estarán en riesgo de perder su estatus temporal y por lo tanto corren el riesgo de ser deportados, separando a miles de familias. En los últimos años, el Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (CRC) ha trabajado con más de 300 personas para solicitar DACA y Renovación de DACA. Tan modesto como el alivio ofrecido por DACA es, es un camino para que 800,000 jóvenes inmigrantes logren sus sueños. Este programa hace posible que nuestros jóvenes asistan a la universidad y apoyen a sus familias con oportunidades de trabajo. DACA mejoró significativamente la vida de millones de inmigrantes y sus comunidades.
El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios se une a los defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes ya las organizaciones de derechos humanos en la indignación colectiva por la decisión de Trump de destruir la dignidad de nuestra nación al poner fin al Programa DACA. ¡Nuestros DREAMers merecen algo mejor; merecen un camino hacia la ciudadanía! CRC urge al Congreso a que actúe y promulgue leyes que permitan a los jóvenes indocumentados vivir sin temor. Le pedimos que llame a los funcionarios electos para apoyar la ley bipartidista DREAM, una legislación que crea protecciones legales a largo plazo y un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los jóvenes inmigrantes indocumentados.
Reafirmamos nuestra solidaridad con los 800,000 receptores de DACA y nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes en todo el país. CRC se compromete a continuar nuestra lucha para preservar los derechos y la dignidad de nuestras comunidades directamente afectadas y para asegurar que conozcan sus derechos y la mejor manera de proteger a sus familias.
ÚNASE A NUESTRA LUCHA: Llame al Representante del Congreso, Paul Ryan al 866-575-9410 y dígale que pase la Ley DREAM. ¡Participa en eventos y protestas: haz que se escuche tu voz!
OBTENGA INFORMACIÓN: Conéctese con sus organizaciones comunitarias locales para talleres de Conozca Sus Derechos, preguntas y respuestas y foros comunitarios. El CRC tendrá un foro comunitario para receptores de DACA el jueves 14 de septiembre de 2017 de 6:00 a 8:00 pm.
Ahora que la decisión ha sido anunciada, puede encontrar información actualizada en http://weareheretostay.org/
###
El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) fue fundado en 1998 para promover la integración cultural, económica, educativa y profesional de los inmigrantes a la comunidad más grande ya establecida y para abogar por los necesitados.
Thursday, August 03, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martinez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Joins to Support Farmworkers Rally in White Plains
On Tuesday August 2, a group from the Community Resource Center (CRC) joined with other activists, allies, and members of the community and Rural & Migrant Ministry at a rally in White Plains in support of farmworkers across New York State. Speakers included Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Minority Leader, Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains, and two farmworker leaders-see photo.
For most workers in the United States basic labor rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively, are guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and passed by Congress in 1935 and 1937 respectively. However, in order to gain the support of southern Democrats, two groups – domestic workers and farmer workers – were excluded from these basic protections. In New York State domestic workers provided they worked full time were granted the right to organizing and bargain collectively, as well as other basic protections, in the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, passed in 2010, but NY State’s more than 80,000 Farmworkers remain excluded.
A year ago the CRC joined with farmworkers marching from Long Island to Albany to urge our representatives to support that would grant farmworkers these basic rights. Unfortunately, it failed to pass. This year the New York State Senate and Assembly are considering the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (S2721/A4189). Among other provisions, the act if passed would:
“New York has perpetuated the exclusion of farmworkers from labor rights for far too long. 2018 needs to be the year that marks the end of this shameful exclusion and demonstrates that New York honors the hands that feed us and respects the dignity of all. Call Governor Cuomo’s office today at 518-474-8390 and urge him to be more vocal of his support for the Farmworkers Bill (Senate Bill S.2721),” says Jirandy Martinez, Co-Executive Director of CRC.
We hope that our allies and supports will join us in expressing their support for the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act. A more complete list of the Act’s provisions, as well as background information, can be found at: http://ruralmigrantministry.org/en/justice-farmworkers-campaign.
###
Community Resource Center (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and to advocate for those in need.
Centro de Recursos Comunitarios se une a la movilización en White Plains en apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas
El martes 2 de agosto, un grupo del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (CRC) se unió con otros activistas, aliados y miembros de la comunidad y el Ministerio Rural y Migrante en una movilización en White Plains en apoyo a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el Estado de Nueva York. Entre los oradores se estaba la Senadora Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Líder de la Minoría, el Alcalde Thomas Roach, de White Plains, y dos líderes de los trabajadores agrícolas (en la foto).
Para la mayoría de los trabajadores en los Estados Unidos, los derechos laborales básicos, incluyendo el derecho de organizarse y negociar colectivamente, están garantizados por la Ley Nacional de Relaciones Laborales y la Ley de Normas Laborales Justas, aprobada por el Congreso en 1935 y 1937 respectivamente. Sin embargo, para obtener el apoyo de los demócratas del sur, dos grupos - trabajadoras domésticas y trabajadores agrícolas - fueron excluidos de estas protecciones básicas. En el Estado de Nueva York, las trabajadoras domésticas, siempre y cuando trabajen tiempo completo se les concedió el derecho a organizarse y negociar colectivamente, así como otras protecciones básicas, en la Declaración de Derechos de las Trabajadoras Domésticas, aprobada en 2010, pero los más de 80,000 Trabajadores Agrícolas del Estado de Nueva York quedan excluidos.
Hace un año, el CRC se unió a los trabajadores agrícolas que marcharon de Long Island a Albany para instar a nuestros representantes que otorgan a los trabajadores agrícolas estos derechos básicos. Por desgracia, no pudo pasar. Este año, el Senado y la Asamblea del Estado de Nueva York están considerando la Ley de Prácticas Laborales Justas de los Trabajadores Agrícolas (S2721 / A4189). Entre otras disposiciones, la ley si es aprobada dará:
"Nueva York ya ha perpetuado la exclusión de los trabajadores agrícolas bastante tiempo. 2018 tiene que ser el año que marca el final de esta vergonzosa exclusión y demuestra que Nueva York honra las manos que nos alimentan y respeta la dignidad de todos. Llame a la oficina del Gobernador Cuomo hoy al 518-474-8390 y exígele que sea más vocal de su apoyo a la Ley de Trabajadores Agrícolas (Senado Proyecto de Ley S.2721) ", dice Jirandy Martínez, Co-Director Ejecutivo de CRC.
Esperamos que nuestros aliados se unan a nosotros para expresar su apoyo a esta Ley. Una lista más completa de las disposiciones de la Ley, así como información de antecedentes, se puede encontrar en: http://ruralmigrantministry.org/en/justice-farmworkers-campaign.
###
El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) fue fundado en 1998 para promover la integración cultural, económica, educativa y profesional de los inmigrantes a la comunidad más grande ya establecida y para abogar por los necesitados.
May 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5th Anniversary of Westchester Labor Alliance Westchester-grown Labor Agencies Celebrate Past and Future
What: Press Conference
When: May 18, 10am
Where: 22 Don Bosco Pl Port Chester (Rectory Office – White Building Adjoining Church)
About the Westchester Labor Alliance
A partnership established in 2012 by five Westchester worker centers: Don Bosco Workers, Inc. Port Chester Community Resource Center (Hispanic Resource Center) Mamaroneck; Neighbors Link; Obreros Unidos Catholic Charities of Yonkers, Yonkers; United Community Center of Westchester, New Rochelle.
Over the past five years, we have surpassed our expectations as a Westchester based-alliance assisting more than 10,000 men and women in various areas of labor including wage theft recovery, health and safety workshops (OSHA) and Know Your Rights training.
Our collective efforts have yielded more than $300,000 in the recovery of stolen wages across a broad range of sectors including construction, restaurant, beauty salons, barber shops and others.
Our commitment to OSHA training not only protects our worker members but their employers. To date, over 1,400 members of the alliance have been certified and many have obtained OSHA-10 certification in the construction industry and general industry.
Our work also includes research and policy initiatives in the area of wage theft reform. In collaboration with the John Jay Legal Clinic (Neighborhood Justice Center) our most recent study reported on the use of local ordinances to help enforce state wage theft laws in five cities across the U.S. We are presently working with National Employment Law Project to develop a similar piece of legislation for Westchester County.
The press event will also recognize the highly publicized criminal case against the owner of Elise’s Food and More in Port Chester successfully prosecuted by the office of the New York Attorney General in 2015. Five women workers were awarded $47,000 in back wages by the court and the first $15,000 restitution will be presented to them by Don Bosco Workers.
This press conference will commemorate our anniversary as an alliance and our ongoing commitment to make Westchester County the first “wage theft free” county in the nation. We are proud to welcome special guests NY Assembly Representatives, Steven Otis and Shelley Mayer, to celebrate our renewed commitment to advocating for low income workers as key to economic development in Westchester County.
Contact person:
English: Esmeralda Hoscoy (646) 799-8578 esmeralda.hoscoy@archny.org
Español: Gonzalo Cruz (914) 433- 6666 cruz@donboscoworkers.org
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martínez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Village of Mamaroneck Passes Resolution in Support of Drivers' Licenses
Mamaroneck, NY: Last night marked a local victory in the Green Light Coalition’s movement for drivers’ licences for all immigrants in the state of New York. The Village of Mamaroneck unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Green Light NY Campaign.
“Access to Driver’s Licences for our undocumented community is not a matter of immigration status; it is a matter of public safety and social justice. We are grateful for the Village of Mamaroneck and its Board of Trustees for supporting this campaign in a logical and empathetic manner”, expresses Jirandy Martinez, Co-Executive Director.
“It is crucial that our community understand that the passage of this resolution does not mean we now have access to driver’s licences in Mamaroneck. This resolution is an official statement of support from local Village of Mamaroneck officials, which the Green Light Coalition will use to go Albany to continue the movement for drivers’ licences for all,” states Gail Vidales, Co-Executive Director.
Janet Rolon, CRC’s Deputy Executive Director stated:
“Our next step is to hold another Community Forum to regroup and strategize as we organize for other communities to pass resolutions, like this one, in support of Green Light NY Campaign.”
The resolution will be sent to State representatives Andrew Cuomo, George Latimer (D-37) and Steven Otis (D-91) to follow the necessary steps to ultimately achieve the passage of a law that grants the right to drivers’ licenses to all immigrants of the state.
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The Green Light Coalition is a coalition of organizations across the state of New York advocating for the passage of legislation that would allow all New York residents access to driver's’ licences, including immigrants.
Villa de Mamaroneck Aprobó Resolución en Apoyo a Campana Licencias de Conducir
Mamaroneck, Nueva York: Anoche marcó una victoria local en el movimiento de la Coalición Luz Verde para las licencias de conducir para todos los inmigrantes en el estado de Nueva York. La Villa de Mamaroneck aprobó, por unanimidad, una resolución en apoyo de la Campaña Luz Verde
"El acceso a las licencias de conducir para nuestra comunidad indocumentada no es una cuestión de estatus migratorio; Es una cuestión de seguridad pública y justicia social. Agradecemos a la Villa de Mamaroneck y a su Junta de Síndicos por apoyar esta campaña de manera lógica y empática ", expresó Jirandy Martínez, Co-Directora Ejecutiva.
"Es crucial que nuestra comunidad entienda que la aprobación de esta resolución no significa que ahora tenemos acceso a las licencias de conducir en Mamaroneck. Esta resolución es una declaración oficial de apoyo de los funcionarios locales de la Villa de Mamaroneck, que la coalición Luz Verde utilizará para ir a Albany y continuar el movimiento para las licencias de conducir para todos," dijo Gail Vidales, Co-Directora Ejecutiva.
Janet Rolon, Sub-Directora Ejecutiva del CRC, afirmó:
"Nuestro siguiente paso es tener otro Foro Comunitario para reagrupar y elaborar estrategias para organizar otras comunidades para que aprueben resoluciones como este en apoyo de la Campaña Luz Verde.”
Después de la votación favorable, se acordó, hacer llegar esta resolución a los representantes Estatales Andrew Cuomo, George Latimer (D-37) y Steven Otis (D-91) y enviar la resolución a Albany, capital del Estado, para que se sigan los pasos necesarios y finalmente se logre pasar una ley que otorgue el derecho a Licencias de Conducir a todos los inmigrantes del estado.
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The Green Light Coalition is a coalition of organizations across the state of New York advocating for the passage of legislation that would allow all New York residents access to driver's’ licences, including immigrants.
Thursday, January 26 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martínez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Statement on Trump Administration Regarding Immigration
Despite the divisive nature of the recent actions taken by the Trump Administration regarding immigration, our values remain the same and our work matters more than ever. We will stay united and continue working tirelessly to support and defend all immigrants in our community.
We, at the Community Resource Center, hope that you will work with us to embrace the contributions of our immigrant community here in Westchester County.
Declaración del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios sobre la Administración Trump con Respeto a Inmigración
A pesar de las acciones divisivas de las recientes acciones de la Administración de Trump con respeto a inmigración, nuestros valores permanecerán de la misma forma y nuestro trabajo importa ahora más que nunca. Nosotros permaneceremos unidos y continuaremos trabajando incansablemente para apoyar y defender a todos inmigrantes en nuestra comunidad.
Nosotros, en el Centro de Recursos de la Comunidad, esperamos que ustedes trabajen con nosotros y aprecien las contribuciones de nuestra comunidad inmigrante aquí en el Condado de Westchester.
Wednesday, September 28 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Resource Center Announces New Management Team
(Mamaroneck, NY)
The Community Resource Center has announced the selection of Gail Vidales and Jirandy Martinez as its new Co- Executive Directors. Gail and Jirandy will fill the vacancy created by Milan Bhatt’s departure in June to join the State Department of Labor as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner. The selection was made after a comprehensive search and selection process, during which Gail and Jirandy served as Directors of Operations and Programs respectively.
“We are very pleased to announce this new direction in our leadership,” reported Kelly Grayer, the Community Resource Center Board Co-Chair. “Both Gail and Jirandy will provide leadership and vision to the Center’s programs because of their deep knowledge and commitment to the community we serve. Both have worked at the CRC for many years, and we are more than thrilled to have them assume these new roles”. Their wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership in serving those in need will help the CRC move forward in its mission to advocate for immigrants and low-income families in need”.
In this new structure Gail will maintain responsibility for all Center operations, finances, human resources and facilities as well as oversight of the Worker Center. Jirandy will assume responsibility for all program development and implementation, grant writing and fundraising, as well as fostering community partnerships. Janet Rolon will serve as the new Deputy Executive Director responsible for all legal and case management services. Gail, Janet and Jirandy have expressed their mutual excitement about their new roles. “Our shared leadership will focus on continuing to provide the host of educational programs, case management and referral services the CRC has become so well known for”.
All are invited to attend an Open House on Friday, October 21st 9:00-11:00 am to meet the new leadership team and to learn more about the exceptional services the CRC provides.
The Community Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and advocates for those in need.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martinez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Statement on President Donald Trump's Decision to Rescind DACA
Mamaroneck, NY – Today the Trump Administration announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals-DACA Program. This means that hundreds of our community members—our family members, our friends, and even our employees will be at risk of losing their temporary status and therefore at risk of deportation, separating thousands of families. Over the last several years the Community Resource Center (CRC) has worked with over 300 individuals to apply for DACA and DACA Renewal. As modest as the relief offered by DACA is, it is a pathway for 800,000 immigrant youth to achieve their dreams. This program makes it possible for our young people to go to college and support their families with work opportunities. DACA significantly improved the lives of millions of immigrants and their communities.
Community Resource Center joins our immigrants’ rights advocates and human rights organizations in collective outrage for Trump’s decision to destroy our nation’s dignity by ending the DACA Program. Our DREAMers deserve better; they deserve a pathway to citizenship! CRC urgently calls on Congress to act and pass legislation to allow undocumented young people to live without fear. We ask that you call elected officials to support the bipartisan DREAM Act, legislation which creates long-term legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth.
We reaffirm our solidarity with the 800,000 strong DACA recipients and our immigrant communities across the nation. CRC pledges to continue our fight to preserve the rights and dignity of our directly impacted communities and to ensure that they know their rights and how best to protect their families.
JOIN OUR FIGHT: Call Congress Representative, Paul Ryan at 866-575-9410 and tell him to pass the DREAM Act. Join events and protests—make your voice heard!
GET INFORMED: Connect with your local community-based organizations for Know Your Rights Workshops, Q&A, and Community Forums. CRC will host a forum for DACA recipients and updates on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Now that the decision has been announced, you can find updated information at http://weareheretostay.org/.
###
Community Resource Center (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and to advocate for those in need.
Declaración del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios sobre la decisión del Presidente Donald Trump de Rescindir DACA
Mamaroneck, NY - Hoy la Administración Trump anunció el fin del Programa de Acción Diferida para Niños Llegados en la Infancia-DACA. Esto significa que cientos de miembros de nuestra comunidad -los miembros de nuestras familias, nuestros amigos e incluso nuestros empleados estarán en riesgo de perder su estatus temporal y por lo tanto corren el riesgo de ser deportados, separando a miles de familias. En los últimos años, el Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (CRC) ha trabajado con más de 300 personas para solicitar DACA y Renovación de DACA. Tan modesto como el alivio ofrecido por DACA es, es un camino para que 800,000 jóvenes inmigrantes logren sus sueños. Este programa hace posible que nuestros jóvenes asistan a la universidad y apoyen a sus familias con oportunidades de trabajo. DACA mejoró significativamente la vida de millones de inmigrantes y sus comunidades.
El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios se une a los defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes ya las organizaciones de derechos humanos en la indignación colectiva por la decisión de Trump de destruir la dignidad de nuestra nación al poner fin al Programa DACA. ¡Nuestros DREAMers merecen algo mejor; merecen un camino hacia la ciudadanía! CRC urge al Congreso a que actúe y promulgue leyes que permitan a los jóvenes indocumentados vivir sin temor. Le pedimos que llame a los funcionarios electos para apoyar la ley bipartidista DREAM, una legislación que crea protecciones legales a largo plazo y un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los jóvenes inmigrantes indocumentados.
Reafirmamos nuestra solidaridad con los 800,000 receptores de DACA y nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes en todo el país. CRC se compromete a continuar nuestra lucha para preservar los derechos y la dignidad de nuestras comunidades directamente afectadas y para asegurar que conozcan sus derechos y la mejor manera de proteger a sus familias.
ÚNASE A NUESTRA LUCHA: Llame al Representante del Congreso, Paul Ryan al 866-575-9410 y dígale que pase la Ley DREAM. ¡Participa en eventos y protestas: haz que se escuche tu voz!
OBTENGA INFORMACIÓN: Conéctese con sus organizaciones comunitarias locales para talleres de Conozca Sus Derechos, preguntas y respuestas y foros comunitarios. El CRC tendrá un foro comunitario para receptores de DACA el jueves 14 de septiembre de 2017 de 6:00 a 8:00 pm.
Ahora que la decisión ha sido anunciada, puede encontrar información actualizada en http://weareheretostay.org/
###
El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) fue fundado en 1998 para promover la integración cultural, económica, educativa y profesional de los inmigrantes a la comunidad más grande ya establecida y para abogar por los necesitados.
Thursday, August 03, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martinez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Joins to Support Farmworkers Rally in White Plains
On Tuesday August 2, a group from the Community Resource Center (CRC) joined with other activists, allies, and members of the community and Rural & Migrant Ministry at a rally in White Plains in support of farmworkers across New York State. Speakers included Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Minority Leader, Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains, and two farmworker leaders-see photo.
For most workers in the United States basic labor rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively, are guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and passed by Congress in 1935 and 1937 respectively. However, in order to gain the support of southern Democrats, two groups – domestic workers and farmer workers – were excluded from these basic protections. In New York State domestic workers provided they worked full time were granted the right to organizing and bargain collectively, as well as other basic protections, in the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, passed in 2010, but NY State’s more than 80,000 Farmworkers remain excluded.
A year ago the CRC joined with farmworkers marching from Long Island to Albany to urge our representatives to support that would grant farmworkers these basic rights. Unfortunately, it failed to pass. This year the New York State Senate and Assembly are considering the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (S2721/A4189). Among other provisions, the act if passed would:
- Establish an 8 hour workday for farmers
- Provide overtime pay
- Give farmworkers the right to organize and bargain collectively for the purposes of representing and protecting their interests
- Require employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to farmworkers who are injured during
“New York has perpetuated the exclusion of farmworkers from labor rights for far too long. 2018 needs to be the year that marks the end of this shameful exclusion and demonstrates that New York honors the hands that feed us and respects the dignity of all. Call Governor Cuomo’s office today at 518-474-8390 and urge him to be more vocal of his support for the Farmworkers Bill (Senate Bill S.2721),” says Jirandy Martinez, Co-Executive Director of CRC.
We hope that our allies and supports will join us in expressing their support for the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act. A more complete list of the Act’s provisions, as well as background information, can be found at: http://ruralmigrantministry.org/en/justice-farmworkers-campaign.
###
Community Resource Center (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and to advocate for those in need.
Centro de Recursos Comunitarios se une a la movilización en White Plains en apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas
El martes 2 de agosto, un grupo del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (CRC) se unió con otros activistas, aliados y miembros de la comunidad y el Ministerio Rural y Migrante en una movilización en White Plains en apoyo a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el Estado de Nueva York. Entre los oradores se estaba la Senadora Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Líder de la Minoría, el Alcalde Thomas Roach, de White Plains, y dos líderes de los trabajadores agrícolas (en la foto).
Para la mayoría de los trabajadores en los Estados Unidos, los derechos laborales básicos, incluyendo el derecho de organizarse y negociar colectivamente, están garantizados por la Ley Nacional de Relaciones Laborales y la Ley de Normas Laborales Justas, aprobada por el Congreso en 1935 y 1937 respectivamente. Sin embargo, para obtener el apoyo de los demócratas del sur, dos grupos - trabajadoras domésticas y trabajadores agrícolas - fueron excluidos de estas protecciones básicas. En el Estado de Nueva York, las trabajadoras domésticas, siempre y cuando trabajen tiempo completo se les concedió el derecho a organizarse y negociar colectivamente, así como otras protecciones básicas, en la Declaración de Derechos de las Trabajadoras Domésticas, aprobada en 2010, pero los más de 80,000 Trabajadores Agrícolas del Estado de Nueva York quedan excluidos.
Hace un año, el CRC se unió a los trabajadores agrícolas que marcharon de Long Island a Albany para instar a nuestros representantes que otorgan a los trabajadores agrícolas estos derechos básicos. Por desgracia, no pudo pasar. Este año, el Senado y la Asamblea del Estado de Nueva York están considerando la Ley de Prácticas Laborales Justas de los Trabajadores Agrícolas (S2721 / A4189). Entre otras disposiciones, la ley si es aprobada dará:
- Establecer una jornada laboral de 8 horas para los agricultores
- Proporcionar pago de horas extras
- Dar a los trabajadores agrícolas el derecho de organizarse y negociar colectivamente con el fin de representar y proteger sus intereses
- Exigir a los empleadores que proporcionen beneficios de compensación al trabajador a los trabajadores agrícolas
"Nueva York ya ha perpetuado la exclusión de los trabajadores agrícolas bastante tiempo. 2018 tiene que ser el año que marca el final de esta vergonzosa exclusión y demuestra que Nueva York honra las manos que nos alimentan y respeta la dignidad de todos. Llame a la oficina del Gobernador Cuomo hoy al 518-474-8390 y exígele que sea más vocal de su apoyo a la Ley de Trabajadores Agrícolas (Senado Proyecto de Ley S.2721) ", dice Jirandy Martínez, Co-Director Ejecutivo de CRC.
Esperamos que nuestros aliados se unan a nosotros para expresar su apoyo a esta Ley. Una lista más completa de las disposiciones de la Ley, así como información de antecedentes, se puede encontrar en: http://ruralmigrantministry.org/en/justice-farmworkers-campaign.
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El Centro de Recursos Comunitarios (AKA Hispanic Resource Center) fue fundado en 1998 para promover la integración cultural, económica, educativa y profesional de los inmigrantes a la comunidad más grande ya establecida y para abogar por los necesitados.
May 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5th Anniversary of Westchester Labor Alliance Westchester-grown Labor Agencies Celebrate Past and Future
What: Press Conference
When: May 18, 10am
Where: 22 Don Bosco Pl Port Chester (Rectory Office – White Building Adjoining Church)
About the Westchester Labor Alliance
A partnership established in 2012 by five Westchester worker centers: Don Bosco Workers, Inc. Port Chester Community Resource Center (Hispanic Resource Center) Mamaroneck; Neighbors Link; Obreros Unidos Catholic Charities of Yonkers, Yonkers; United Community Center of Westchester, New Rochelle.
Over the past five years, we have surpassed our expectations as a Westchester based-alliance assisting more than 10,000 men and women in various areas of labor including wage theft recovery, health and safety workshops (OSHA) and Know Your Rights training.
Our collective efforts have yielded more than $300,000 in the recovery of stolen wages across a broad range of sectors including construction, restaurant, beauty salons, barber shops and others.
Our commitment to OSHA training not only protects our worker members but their employers. To date, over 1,400 members of the alliance have been certified and many have obtained OSHA-10 certification in the construction industry and general industry.
Our work also includes research and policy initiatives in the area of wage theft reform. In collaboration with the John Jay Legal Clinic (Neighborhood Justice Center) our most recent study reported on the use of local ordinances to help enforce state wage theft laws in five cities across the U.S. We are presently working with National Employment Law Project to develop a similar piece of legislation for Westchester County.
The press event will also recognize the highly publicized criminal case against the owner of Elise’s Food and More in Port Chester successfully prosecuted by the office of the New York Attorney General in 2015. Five women workers were awarded $47,000 in back wages by the court and the first $15,000 restitution will be presented to them by Don Bosco Workers.
This press conference will commemorate our anniversary as an alliance and our ongoing commitment to make Westchester County the first “wage theft free” county in the nation. We are proud to welcome special guests NY Assembly Representatives, Steven Otis and Shelley Mayer, to celebrate our renewed commitment to advocating for low income workers as key to economic development in Westchester County.
Contact person:
English: Esmeralda Hoscoy (646) 799-8578 esmeralda.hoscoy@archny.org
Español: Gonzalo Cruz (914) 433- 6666 cruz@donboscoworkers.org
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martínez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Village of Mamaroneck Passes Resolution in Support of Drivers' Licenses
Mamaroneck, NY: Last night marked a local victory in the Green Light Coalition’s movement for drivers’ licences for all immigrants in the state of New York. The Village of Mamaroneck unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Green Light NY Campaign.
“Access to Driver’s Licences for our undocumented community is not a matter of immigration status; it is a matter of public safety and social justice. We are grateful for the Village of Mamaroneck and its Board of Trustees for supporting this campaign in a logical and empathetic manner”, expresses Jirandy Martinez, Co-Executive Director.
“It is crucial that our community understand that the passage of this resolution does not mean we now have access to driver’s licences in Mamaroneck. This resolution is an official statement of support from local Village of Mamaroneck officials, which the Green Light Coalition will use to go Albany to continue the movement for drivers’ licences for all,” states Gail Vidales, Co-Executive Director.
Janet Rolon, CRC’s Deputy Executive Director stated:
“Our next step is to hold another Community Forum to regroup and strategize as we organize for other communities to pass resolutions, like this one, in support of Green Light NY Campaign.”
The resolution will be sent to State representatives Andrew Cuomo, George Latimer (D-37) and Steven Otis (D-91) to follow the necessary steps to ultimately achieve the passage of a law that grants the right to drivers’ licenses to all immigrants of the state.
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The Green Light Coalition is a coalition of organizations across the state of New York advocating for the passage of legislation that would allow all New York residents access to driver's’ licences, including immigrants.
Villa de Mamaroneck Aprobó Resolución en Apoyo a Campana Licencias de Conducir
Mamaroneck, Nueva York: Anoche marcó una victoria local en el movimiento de la Coalición Luz Verde para las licencias de conducir para todos los inmigrantes en el estado de Nueva York. La Villa de Mamaroneck aprobó, por unanimidad, una resolución en apoyo de la Campaña Luz Verde
"El acceso a las licencias de conducir para nuestra comunidad indocumentada no es una cuestión de estatus migratorio; Es una cuestión de seguridad pública y justicia social. Agradecemos a la Villa de Mamaroneck y a su Junta de Síndicos por apoyar esta campaña de manera lógica y empática ", expresó Jirandy Martínez, Co-Directora Ejecutiva.
"Es crucial que nuestra comunidad entienda que la aprobación de esta resolución no significa que ahora tenemos acceso a las licencias de conducir en Mamaroneck. Esta resolución es una declaración oficial de apoyo de los funcionarios locales de la Villa de Mamaroneck, que la coalición Luz Verde utilizará para ir a Albany y continuar el movimiento para las licencias de conducir para todos," dijo Gail Vidales, Co-Directora Ejecutiva.
Janet Rolon, Sub-Directora Ejecutiva del CRC, afirmó:
"Nuestro siguiente paso es tener otro Foro Comunitario para reagrupar y elaborar estrategias para organizar otras comunidades para que aprueben resoluciones como este en apoyo de la Campaña Luz Verde.”
Después de la votación favorable, se acordó, hacer llegar esta resolución a los representantes Estatales Andrew Cuomo, George Latimer (D-37) y Steven Otis (D-91) y enviar la resolución a Albany, capital del Estado, para que se sigan los pasos necesarios y finalmente se logre pasar una ley que otorgue el derecho a Licencias de Conducir a todos los inmigrantes del estado.
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The Green Light Coalition is a coalition of organizations across the state of New York advocating for the passage of legislation that would allow all New York residents access to driver's’ licences, including immigrants.
Thursday, January 26 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jirandy Martínez | 914-835-1512 | jmartinez@crcny.org
En español abajo
Community Resource Center Statement on Trump Administration Regarding Immigration
Despite the divisive nature of the recent actions taken by the Trump Administration regarding immigration, our values remain the same and our work matters more than ever. We will stay united and continue working tirelessly to support and defend all immigrants in our community.
We, at the Community Resource Center, hope that you will work with us to embrace the contributions of our immigrant community here in Westchester County.
Declaración del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios sobre la Administración Trump con Respeto a Inmigración
A pesar de las acciones divisivas de las recientes acciones de la Administración de Trump con respeto a inmigración, nuestros valores permanecerán de la misma forma y nuestro trabajo importa ahora más que nunca. Nosotros permaneceremos unidos y continuaremos trabajando incansablemente para apoyar y defender a todos inmigrantes en nuestra comunidad.
Nosotros, en el Centro de Recursos de la Comunidad, esperamos que ustedes trabajen con nosotros y aprecien las contribuciones de nuestra comunidad inmigrante aquí en el Condado de Westchester.
Wednesday, September 28 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Resource Center Announces New Management Team
(Mamaroneck, NY)
The Community Resource Center has announced the selection of Gail Vidales and Jirandy Martinez as its new Co- Executive Directors. Gail and Jirandy will fill the vacancy created by Milan Bhatt’s departure in June to join the State Department of Labor as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner. The selection was made after a comprehensive search and selection process, during which Gail and Jirandy served as Directors of Operations and Programs respectively.
“We are very pleased to announce this new direction in our leadership,” reported Kelly Grayer, the Community Resource Center Board Co-Chair. “Both Gail and Jirandy will provide leadership and vision to the Center’s programs because of their deep knowledge and commitment to the community we serve. Both have worked at the CRC for many years, and we are more than thrilled to have them assume these new roles”. Their wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership in serving those in need will help the CRC move forward in its mission to advocate for immigrants and low-income families in need”.
In this new structure Gail will maintain responsibility for all Center operations, finances, human resources and facilities as well as oversight of the Worker Center. Jirandy will assume responsibility for all program development and implementation, grant writing and fundraising, as well as fostering community partnerships. Janet Rolon will serve as the new Deputy Executive Director responsible for all legal and case management services. Gail, Janet and Jirandy have expressed their mutual excitement about their new roles. “Our shared leadership will focus on continuing to provide the host of educational programs, case management and referral services the CRC has become so well known for”.
All are invited to attend an Open House on Friday, October 21st 9:00-11:00 am to meet the new leadership team and to learn more about the exceptional services the CRC provides.
The Community Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community and advocates for those in need.
