On March 3rd, the Fulton Day Labor Center in Fulton, CA had its grand reopening after recently completing renovations. California Human Development (CHD) spearheaded the project, which aimed to provide a safe and dignified space for day laborers to meet with employers while offering resources such as emergency care, English language classes, and job skills training.

Funding for the renovations came from a mini-grant of $2,500 from the City of Santa Rosa Community Advisory Boards Community Improvement Grant Program, as well as leveraged funding from the Press Democrat Celebrate Community Grant Program, totaling $10,000. With the help of CHD staff and four contracted day labor participants, the renovations were completed in 45 days, which included the installation of a deck, patio awning, shed, sink, benches, and new signage.

The reopening was a significant event for the community, as clients, stakeholders, and community partners were invited to attend. During the reopening ceremony, CHD dedicated a plaque to thank the City of Santa Rosa and the Press Democrat Celebrate Community Program for their contributions to the center. Attendees were also given a tour of the renovated space and learned about the services and resources that the center now provides.

In addition to the grand reopening of the Fulton Day Labor Center, there were some exciting highlights during the event. State Senator Mike McGuire attended the ceremony and gave a speech to the audience, emphasizing the importance of supporting day laborers in the community and the positive impact that the center has on their lives.

Furthermore, the reopening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting event, which was a symbolic gesture to mark the completion of the renovations and the official reopening of the center. The ribbon cutting was conducted by CHD staff, day labor participants, and community leaders, and it was a joyous moment for everyone in attendance.

The presence of State Senator Mike McGuire and the ribbon-cutting event added to the celebratory atmosphere of the reopening ceremony. The support and recognition from community leaders demonstrate the positive impact that the Fulton Day Labor Center has on the community and the importance of providing resources and support to day laborers.

Overall, the renovations have helped to transform the Fulton Day Labor Center into a more welcoming and supportive space for day laborers. The improvements have not only made the center more visually appealing, but they have also increased the functionality and resources available to workers. With the support of the community, CHD hopes to continue making positive changes that improve the lives and employability of day laborers in Sonoma County and beyond.

Olga was born in El Salvador and began her journey to the United States at the age of 18. Her motivation to leave her country of birth was driven by her desire for independence and a better life. Being fearless, she entered the United States without inspection and successfully completed her trek without any issues. She arrived in Sonoma County and lived with an aunt who gave her the opportunity to babysit and attend school at the College of Marin, where she studied English as a second language. She knew she had to let go of her insecurities with English and persevered by successfully completing her courses.

After two years of living with her aunt, she began a new chapter in her life with a young man who eventually became the father of her two children. Over the years, she became a single mother but still found time to continue her education. At the age of 34, while working at a school center, she earned her Early Childhood Education teaching credential. She eventually changed course and became a nanny for a couple who worked as attorneys. Her children were now 4 and 19 years old, and the couple financed her opportunity to take law classes for six months at Dominican College. During this time, Olga’s son graduated from college as a mechanical engineer.

From the moment Olga arrived in the United States, her dream was to become a United States citizen. She had the discipline to study online for her citizenship test, and although she was very nervous on the day of her interview, she successfully answered all the questions correctly and was granted citizenship. Olga is now 52 years old and is elated that she has come this far since she first arrived in the United States 34 years ago. She has accomplished so much and now feels a weight lifted from her because she knows that her new status will allow her to reap many more benefits. She can vote, travel without restrictions, and apply for jobs that require United States citizenship. Olga has already taken two trips, one to Mexico and one to Hawaii.

When Olga first wanted to apply for citizenship, she was apprehensive because she heard so many horror stories from friends about the cost of hiring an immigration attorney and the disappointment they experienced from paying attorneys and not receiving the benefit. A friend told her to come to California Human Development because they are an agency that helps low-income applicants. Olga is grateful to CHD for preparing her citizenship application at no cost and allowing her to fulfill her dream of becoming a citizen. She shares her positive experience with all her friends and encourages them to take the risk and come to CHD for a citizenship consultation.