MIGRANT FARM WORKERS OUTREACH

Migrant farm workers are not easily recognized in many communities, and they have been recognized as essential workers for their role in bringing food to our plates.  According to the National Center on Farm Worker Health, migrant farm workers are among the poorest families in the United States. The intersection of factors such as poverty, lack of access to resources, and often limited English leave migrant farm workers at increased risk for sexual violence, stress, mental health challenges, and labor exploitation. Migrant farm workers often live in abject poverty with limited access (or no access) to resources for basic human needs.

What we Do

MESA (formerly part of the CARe Initiative) began work with farm worker families to prevent child sexual abuse and sexual violence. That work continues. To address other challenges, MESA initiated drives to collect donations of gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and furniture to distribute to the migrant farm worker families. These drives expand as needs evolve. MESA now hosts several drives ever year, including back-to-school and holiday assistance drives. In all our efforts, we strive to honor the idea of MESA, and make sure the communities we help have a place at the table and a voice in the work we do.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)
Contact Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez about partnering with MESA’s Migrant Farm Worker Outreach

MESA is a member of the Indiana Migrant/Seasonal Farm Worker Coalition and a member organization of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, a national advocacy network of farm worker service provider organizations.