Welcome back to VOCES! This issue we are dedicating to Monument Impact’s Day Labor Program. For nearly 20 years, our Day Labor members show up at our center six days a week, rain or shine, eagerly waiting for their work day to start.
Hard work and big hearts exemplify our Day Labor program, which fosters professional growth by offering vocational ESL classes, trade skills, leadership and financial literacy workshops. Located on Monument Boulevard, our Day Labor Center has become a trusted place for members and employers to form job connections at fair wages. “Employers feel comfortable coming into our Center and hiring one of our Day Laborers because they know exactly who will be working for them” said Cristina Guerrero, Monument Impact’s Community Engagement Coordinator.
“I hired a Day Laborer to hang our Christmas lights,” said long-time Concord resident Bruce McManus. “Cristina sent Romeo Amaya to do the job, but he did so much more. He cleaned my gutters and raked a month’s worth of leaves from my front and back lawns. Since that first great experience, we have also used a Day Laborer for housecleaning.”
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Most of our Day Labor members are immigrants who joined the program to create a better life with more opportunities for their families. They work hard to achieve their goals, whether it’s to secure a permanent job, learn English, become a citizen, attain more education and educate their children, or start a business. In spite of many hardships and obstacles, they don’t give up.
What our members really want is the opportunity to show you how talented they are. We invite you to hire a Day Laborer for any upcoming project you may have. With the holidays approaching, you might need your gutters cleared, lawns raked and mowed, Christmas lights hung or house cleaned. Our Day Labor members are ready to work!
As always, thank you for your support.
In gratitude,
Debra Ballinger
Executive Director
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Day Labor Member Spotlight
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"A lot of us come here with very little formal education. If I could change one thing in this world, it would be to give everyone equal opportunity to get an education regardless of race or status. We need this opportunity to build an equitable future.”
--Victor Perez
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Meet Victor Perez
Victor Perez came to the U.S. from Mexico 24 years ago. He joined Monument Impact’s Day Labor program in 2001 after being member of a similar program in Los Angeles. Due to lack of funding, the L.A. program was shut down leaving many without jobs. Victor packed his belongings and made his way to Concord.
Like many, Victor had to work hard to achieve his goal of securing a job. “One of the biggest challenges for me was not being able to speak the English language to be able to communicate with employers. But with the help of Monument Impact, I was able to overcome this barrier,” said Victor.
Last year, our Day Labor program connected our members to a total of 11,300 daily job placements. “Monument Impact has provided us with various opportunities and given us the confidence to go out and do our work. There’s a lot of talent among the Day Laborers. We have a range of skilled workers, like gardeners, painters, carpenters and more,” he noted.
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General Labor, Skilled Labor, Hauling, Moving, Sprinklers and more. For pricing and details please contact us:
*Reservations are not required but highly encouraged during busy season
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Winter and Holiday Services available including
Gutter Cleaning andChristmas Light installation.
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Welcome Our New Staff Members
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Samira Saboor
Job Readiness Case Manager
Originally from Afghanastan, Samira brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as an HR professional in her home country. As an intern over the last six months, Samira has been the driving force for our pilot digital literacy classes in Farsi!
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Karen Hernandez
Community Organizer for Stand Together Contra Costa.
As a longtime resident of the Monument Community, Karen was an intern with Monument Impact in our Summer Institute in 2018. As an intern, she showed compassion and courage in standing up for immigrant-run businesses in the Monument Community.
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