The Southwest
Florida communities of Immokalee and Pine Island are
home to a large number of migrant workers. These workers, who come primarily
from Mexico, Guatemala and Haiti, as
well as from other Central and South American countries, work in various
agricultural industries in these communities. Underpaid and overworked, these
workers and their families face many challenges including affordable housing,
medical care and access to other social services.
Type of Work:
Immokalee: Immokalee interns will be able to choose two
agencies with whom they will work during their stay. These include: Catholic
Social Services, Habitat for Humanity, Immokalee Friendship House (homeless
shelter), programs for at-risk youth, the local elementary school (tutoring)
and The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (a farm workers’ advocacy organization).
Pine Island Pine Island interns will work with
the Beacon of H.O.P.E. (a faith-based long-term relief agency) and the outreach
ministry of St John’s Episcopal Church, helping with a variety of outreach
programs designed to service farmworkers and their families. These include, but
are not limited to Summer day-camp, ESL (English as a second language) classes
and Saturday fun days (optional).
* There is also an opportunity to spend time in a
Spanish-speaking congregation in Tampa.
Housing:
Immokalee: Private
room in a parishioner’s home in Naples for the
first four weeks.
Second four weeks - shared room in an homeless shelter in
Immokalee.
Pine Island: Private room in a parishioner’s home.
Hours/wk: 40 hours a week
with designated time for parish involvement, reflection and discernment.
Transportation: A car is helpful at both sites. Transportation can be provided for the intern. Intern with
personal transportation would receive mileage and a gas allowance.
Parish Context: Diocese
of Southwest Florida.
Language:
Immokalee – English, Spanish, French and Creole.
Pine Island - This placement is
appropriate for individuals whose first language is English or Spanish.
Ecumenical: Yes
Contact: The Rev.
Katherine Tate
7313 Merchant Court
Sarasota, FL 34240
(941)
556-0315 Ext. 203
Web Site: www.episcopalswfl.org
