Providing Justice for Agricultural Workers

Migrant Legal Aid has been making quite an impact this past year. Not only have they represented more than 485 people (accounting for more than 670 families), they are acclimating to a new location. They also just held their First Annual Harvest of Justice luncheon.
 

Founded in 1973, the organization provides access to justice. But justice means different things to different people. To the migrant community, it means their right to safe housing and working conditions and their right to earn a fair wage. It also means the struggle to maintain basic human dignity, and to not suffer a lack of bathroom facilities, dangers posed by pesticides or discrimination. Because of poverty, transitory lifestyle and language difficulties, migrants often face issues others never will on a daily basis. 
 

“Migrant Legal Aid has been the voice for my family and many migrant families that come to Michigan every year,” says Rene Rodriguez. 
 

Rodriguez now owns his own business, Studio One Creative, and continues to work with Migrant Legal Aid to bring awareness to the issues those in the agricultural industry face.
 

“With language barriers, it is often difficult to connect with civil legal services,” Rodriguez continues. “Fortunately, Migrant Legal Aid has a strong bilingual staff that can help communicate effectively and help many migrant families get the help they need. Maybe more importantly, their staff has always treated families with dignity, respect and genuine care.”
 

Now located at 1104 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, the agency is in a much more convenient location for its clients. It was confusing and frustrating for those who spoke English as a second language to travel and locate the office in its previous location in downtown Grand Rapids.
 

At the very first Harvest of Justice luncheon held on Sept. 21, the nonprofit agency presented an award to local agriculturist Wayne Kiel of Blueberry Heritage Farms for his exemplary service to the migrant population that assists him with the harvest each and every year.
 

“I think there are concerns in the agricultural industry that we all have to address,” explained Kiel as he accepted the award. 
 

Thankfully, Migrant Legal Aid is leading the way along with Kiel. And you can too. Help put the good back in do-gooder with Michigan Migrant Legal Aid. Here is how you can help:
 

• “Like” them on facebook

• Learn more about the organization 

• Find out about upcoming events 

• Call 616.454.5055 to refer a client to Migrant Legal Aid
 

Source: Rene Rodriguez, Studio One Creative; Wayne Kiel, Blueberry Heritage Farms

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor