Spotlight

  February 3rd, Napa Valley was not just a witness to the resilience against the rainy backdrop but also to the celebration of the human spirit and dedication at the 22nd Annual Pruning Contest. Hosted with pride by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, this event brought to light the skill, determination, and hard work of […]

On Saturday, August 5, 2023, Farmworker Services celebrated a momentous occasion—the first graduation at the Woodland ASET Center for the truck driving and welding classes of PY 22. But the festivities didn’t end there. A few weeks later, on August 26, 2023, the Stockton ASET Center joined in with its own graduation ceremony for the […]

At California Human Development (CHD), we are thrilled to share the remarkable journey of Maria Pinon Reyes, an individual who defied the odds and transformed her life through our partnership with the Anthony Soto Educational Training (ASET) Center. Maria’s story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and support that can enable individuals […]

Adrian, a determined 24-year-old, found himself at the Galt Center after a referral from his co-worker at a packing shed. He had recently completed his studies in the Criminal Justice Field at Delta College but lacked industry experience. Seeking guidance and opportunities, Adrian arrived at the Center eager to explore the available programs. His eligibility […]

Maria Espinza’s family consists of six members, and until recently, they had been struggling to find a suitable home. However, California Human Development provided them with a beautiful place to call their own in Mahal Plaza, and they couldn’t be happier. “We were moved into the unit within two weeks of applying, and the Mahal […]

California Human Development (CHD) recently visited Capitol Hill to meet with various members of Congress, such as Representatives Matsui, La Malfa, Harder, Garamendi, Thompson, and Huffman. The purpose of their trip was to attend the AFOP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. and advocate for California’s farmworkers. As farmworkers make up a significant portion of the […]

California Human Development (CHD) has recently completed renovations on the Fulton Day Labor Center in Santa Rosa. The center provides a safe and dignified space for day laborers to meet with employers, as well as offering resources such as emergency care, English language classes, and job skills training to help workers improve their lives and […]

Regina’s life was filled with hardship from a young age. Growing up in Guatemala, she suffered from neglect and abuse, and when she became pregnant at the age of 20, she knew that she needed to make a better life for both herself and her son. Despite the pain of leaving her four-year-old son behind, […]

CHD Perspectives: Sarah Sameer Sarah Sameer is the newest member of our Immigration & Citizenship Program team to become an Accredited Representative certified by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP). This greatly increases the ability for Sarah to assist Immigration & Citizenship Program clients with broader levels of support. […]

CHD would like to give our condolences to the Flores family. One of the CHD Founders, Louis Fernando Flores, passed away on September 13, 2022, surrounded by his family. Louis had a lifelong passion for justice and advocacy for farmworkers, their families, and others in need. Louis, along with others, founded North Bay Human Development […]

Earlier this year, Mary Potts became our Farmworker Services Division Director. She has spent many years with CHD and contributed to the Farmworker Services Division and the clients we serve. We asked her to take to some time to write about her story with CHD and what the work she does means to her. Please […]

Check out what we have planned for August! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.    

“I am thankful that CHDC recognized my hard work over these past 17+ years and I am eager to demonstrate my capability in my new role. I am able to work with more sites and interact with more people. I really enjoy speaking with tenants at all the sites as well. It is such a […]

CHD’s Affordable Housing makes it possible for families to have a place to call home better their lives. The Gutierrez family were former residents of our Affordable Housing Complex, Mahal Plaza. Alma and her family moved into Mahal Plaza in November 2016 and moved out in April 2019. During their stay, they lived a very […]

Rene sought assistance from our CHD Immigration and Citizenship Lodi office back in June of 2017. He made a consultation with our Senior Case Manager, Sharon Gillies, and discussed his options to bring his wife, Natjuree to the United States of America. Sharon assisted Rene with filing the I-129 Fiancé Visa application and completing the […]

Hermila Ferreyra Heredia is a resident at Mahal Plaza. Hermila is extremely thankful to the staff at Mahal Plaza for providing an opportunity for her and her daughter when they needed it the most. Hermila is a farmworker and thanks to CHD’s Affordable Housing she can have a place to call home. Hermila is thankful […]

Alma Núñez has been a camper with Camp Núñez since 2018. Alma was a shy student when her mom heard about Camp Nuñez. Alma’s mom thought that attending camp would help Alma with her self-esteem. During camp, Alma was able to meet new friends, and learn new skills. Alma returned to camp in 2019 and […]

Miguel came into our Healdsburg Day Labor Center back in October 2019 after arriving in the United States. He settled with family and friends in the Town of Windsor. He came seeking a better opportunity in life to support his wife and children in Mexico. After months of searching for work, a family friend informed […]

One year ago, I arrived at CHD and the first person I encountered was Debbie Guerrero, Receptionist at SRHQ, who gave me a very gracious and warm welcome. That memory will stay with me. I felt recognized. I felt welcome. Now an HR Assistant, Debbie and Paula Boris, HR Representative, provide that same daily warm […]

Our name – California Human Development – encompasses who we are and what we do for our community. The Immigration and Citizenship Lodi office was presented with another opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who had no one to turn to. Through the assistance of our case managers, Faryal was able […]

At California Human Development (CHD), we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to have pathways created and doors opened. Our employee, Rosalina Montanez, is an excellent example of what new possibilities are in reach due to these created opportunities. Rosalina Montanez came to the United States in 1985 during the Reagan Administration in search […]

disABILITY Services like many others had to adjust and adapt to the changes that were incurred due to the pandemic. Virtual support was offered through multiple daily classes on Zoom. Adjusting to an online platform made it challenging to provide community integration for our participants. We worked tirelessly to provide a curriculum and supportive services […]

Cesar Chavez and his commitment to advocating for the farmworker is something that’s intertwined heavily with California Human Development’s (CHD) history. CHD has its roots based in supporting Cesar Chavez’s movement so much so that in fact, our founders marched with him on the frontlines of activism during the Civil Rights Era. Cesar Chavez fought […]

This past April, the women of Athena House had the opportunity to venture off the grounds of their residential community to get together in nature for a camping trip. The women of Athena House are experiencing the transformational journey of substance recovery and the outdoors and can dramatically enrich that process. Throughout Athena House’s history, […]

There is officially less than a week until California Human Development’s public hearings via zoom on May 26th and 27th! As a reminder, the Public Hearings are important for us to better understand current issues and to meet the needs of our community. It’s vital we hear the experiences, needs, and concerns of our community. […]

What’s new with Parkway Plaza? Every month Parkway Plaza sends out a monthly newsletter to our seniors and their family members about important and resourceful information. Parkway Plaza is designed for low-income seniors, 62 years of age or older, and seniors with disabilities age 62 years old or older. We are honored to be able to […]

Here is some of what California Human Development will be doing this March! For more information please don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff listed.

Hello California Human Development, My name is Martin Molina Álvarez, I am the son of Narciso Molina and María Rita Álvarez, I have 8 siblings, 4 sisters, and 4 brothers, I am the sixth child in the family. I was born on a ranch called Tiriran in Michoacán, Mexico. Before I was born, my father […]

A Note From the Community Impact Team:   October came and went for California Human Development. This past month we were able to spend time celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). To honor the month, we decided to speak to some of the fantastic individuals we serve in our disABILITY services program and hear […]

Over the last few months, CHD has been searching for a new Chief Executive Officer with the passion and resolve to take on the challenge of leading our diversified programs across 31 Northern California counties. Today, CHD is extremely pleased to announce that after reviewing over 100 eligible and qualified individuals the Board of Directors […]

Things have been moving and shaking here at CHD but we want to ensure you we’re still here and doing our best to serve our community. We are happy to reconnect with you and share some updates in regards to what California Human Development has been doing in the past month. CHD Response to COVID-19 […]

This spring across northern California, CHD’s Farmworker Services staff met face-to-face with those in our communities who struggle most to survive, asking what it is they need to break the cycle of poverty. CHD hosted 10 public hearings in accordance with its Community Services Block Grant. The hearings offered a powerful reminder of why we […]

A new Senate bill calls for an earned legalization program for undocumented farmworkers. The majority of California farmworkers are undocumented and the state produces much of the nation’s food supply, making the proposed legislation critically important. “We salute California Senators Diane Feinstein and Kamala Harris for introducing the Agricultural Worker Program act of 2017. In this era of immigration fear […]

Ortiz Plaza Affordable Housing for Farmworker Families in Santa Rosa! 5360 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa CA 95403 Amenities Each 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom home offers refrigerator,stove/microwave, dishwasher and central heat. Onsite facilities include: laundry room, playground, community room and BBQ area. Close to shopping, schools and transportation, friendly office staff with onsite manager. […]

Grant funded services for Lake and Mendocino counties Plans are underway to expand CHD immigration and citizenship services to Lake and Mendocino counties, two northern California regions where affordable assistance for immigrants is sparse and undocumented residents are considered most at risk. A new two-year, $250,000 grant from the state Department of Social Services will fuel […]

1. Renew DACA   2. Work/Save $$   3. Go to College   4. Get Married  5. Take care of sisters (?) When Andrik walked into the CHD office in Santa Rosa this morning, he had a pocket full of hard-earned cash and his mind set to take care of business fast! Andrik is a “Dreamer” […]

BE IT RESOLVED that  the  Board  of  Directors of California Human Development  hereby  supports  SB 54  the California Values Act which  would  prevent  the use of state and local public resources to aid federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents in deportation actions. SB 54 is consistent  with  our  values of  supporting  the millions  of […]

All fees paid for DACA immigration renewals As protections promised to “Dreamers” hang in limbo, California Human Development (CHD) is taking action to shield at least some of the young immigrants who may face deportation under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Today, the Sonoma County-based social service agency announces the formation of the philanthropically […]

Angels of the Fields bring cheer to the Delta’s most vulnerable kids Thirty donated bicycles, taiko drumming, carnival games, healthy food and goodies, pictures with Santa Claus, a Christmas stocking for every child and presents for all!  Volunteers with the charitable group Angels of the Fields are busy working miracles this week to prepare an all-out […]

Music, dancing, food and free health services to honor those who harvest Sonoma County’s bounty, November 5 As farmworkers throughout Sonoma County wake early and work late to complete the 2016 Harvest, California Human Development (CHD) is finalizing plans to celebrate!  CHD’s 37th Annual End of Harvest Fiesta is slated for November 5th from 10am to […]

Labor Secretary Applauds New California Overtime Law U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez is commending California Gov. Jerry Brown for signing into law Assembly Bill 1066. Perez said those who work on farms are some of California’s most vulnerable workers. “We all depend on their work to feed and care for our families, but far too often they can’t […]

Kevin Lindgren spent his young adulthood in prison. When he was released, he walked out with the clothes he was wearing, a few dollars and the strong will to build a good and upstanding life. “I did bad things, got into moving drugs, and that’s about all I knew how to do,” says Lindgren.  “I […]

“Creating Opportunities to End Poverty” California Human Development (CHD) is seeking an executive leader to fight poverty in Northern California. A non-profit social service agency with a 50 year history, CHD is based in Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country and has locations throughout Northern California serving 31 counties. The agency has a $15 million […]

Bonnie Bishop, a single mom, wakes early to get to the job site near Middletown. She works in the blazing sun to cut up and remove burned trees destroyed by the Valley Fire. It’s hard, hot, dirty work but she’s grateful for it beyond measure…because finally things are looking up. “This job means I can get […]

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court means U.S. born children will continue to live in fear of being separated from their parents or being forced to leave the only homes they’ve known. The decision upholds a lower court injunction against Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). “On […]

On Friday, April 29th, California Human Development celebrated a milestone accomplishment—40 years of Farmworker Services and Workforce Development in Northern California. Supporters and partners from every sector gathered in Stockton to mark the occasion and to savor, truly relish and enjoy, in the power of what people can do together when they join hands and […]

This video by Petaluma Pie Company shows why we insist on lowercasing the “dis” and augmenting the “ABILITY” in our disABILITY Services program. So proud of our clients and grateful to community-minded folks like Petaluma Pie for employing them and being committed to their success. Thank you!      

Expanded immigration assistance is underway for farmworkers, families, and others who live in California’s North Bay, North Coast, and Central Valley regions. California Human Development (CHD) has received a $136,600 grant from the Department of Social Services to provide increased immigration education and assistance in these areas. Extended help made possible through the new funding […]

A hearty congratulations to Placido Garcia— CHD’s Farmworker of the Year! We’re honored to recognize Placido for his decades of hard work and success. At age 20, Placido came to the U.S. and went to work picking fruits and vegetables across California. He wanted more for his life and sought help from CHD to improve […]

For seven days and nights, Tesfahiwet walked through the wilds of the notoriously dangerous Sudan—dodging authorities and wild animals alike. It was the beginning of a two-year journey, ultimately leading him to Northern California where he would be reunited with his fiancé and baby daughter.