Cesar Chavez Day at CHD

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 vigorously through his non-violent methods to advocate for improving pay and working conditions for farmworkers in the 1960s and 1970s. He empowered future generations of farmworkers and promoted equity. Today, his work is seen as a pivotal part of the Civil Rights Era. His dedication, compassion, and courage are all embodiments of hope and the courage to advocate for change.

This past March, CHD’s Community Impact Team delivered care packages to the Farmworkers in our Napa, Calistoga, and St. Helena Farm Labor Centers. CHD’s Farm Labor Centers are a part of our Affordable Housing Division. We house thirty to forty Farmworkers in each complex. The centers feature thirty bedrooms housing two residents each. They each have bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, payphones, and offer various recreational activities. Meals are served every day except for Sundays. These Farm Labor Centers are essential services that we provide for qualified farmworkers.

We wanted to ensure the farmworkers in our Farm Labor Centers felt appreciated and seen on Cesar Chavez Day. CHD was able to distribute over one hundred and fifty care packages to these farmworkers that included an insulated lunch pail, workers gloves, UV protection safety glasses, cooling towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and gift cards for grocery stores. In addition to these items, CHD staff also wrote letters to the farmworkers to thank them for their hard work that supports our local economy. In the coming years, we hope to grow this tradition of giving back to these individuals we have the privilege of serving.