Agricultural & Foreign Labor Services July News and Highlights

The Bienvenidos Event, held on July 28, celebrated its 7th anniversary with a record-breaking turnout. With more than 30 agencies, generous sponsors and countless volunteers, the event provided returning agricultural workers and their families with vital resources and appreciation.

Organized by the Agricultural Employment Services team, the event offered employment support, health access and community services all in one place. Families received backpacks, groceries, work gear, gas cards, and free haircuts, making it easier to navigate the season ahead.

State Monitor Advocate Gerardo Aranda met with several farmworker families at this year’s event, noting that many of the families that used to migrate from Texas, Florida and North Carolina have now settled in the southwest part of the state. Many of those families have teenage children that attend local high schools and are planning to continue their education after graduating from high school.

More than just a celebration, the event underscored the importance of accessible, community-based support for the workers who power Michigan’s agricultural success.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated volunteers and supporting organizations whose efforts ensured the day ran smoothly and meaningfully engaged participants. Their commitment was vital to the event’s success.

The Bienvenido’s Event not only provided critical support and resources to agricultural workers and their families, but it also served as a powerful reminder of the gratitude Michigan holds for their hard work and sacrifice. It was a celebration of community, resilience and the collective commitment to honoring and uplifting those who contribute so much to our society.

Together, we look forward to continuing this vital work in the years to come.

I met Don Chuy during this year’s Bienvenidos Event, and his story left a lasting impression on me. Don Chuy, who learned about the event from one of the Agricultural Employment Liaisons (AELs) while he was getting registered for services, looks forward to visiting Michigan each year. He appreciates the connection to essential services while he completes the Michigan harvest.

For more than 30 years, he has followed the strawberry migration path, starting each season in Florida, then traveling to New Jersey, and eventually arriving here in Michigan to harvest blueberries and apples. Don Chuy is a familiar face in the fields; his work ethic, experience and gentle spirit have earned him respect as he returns year after year.

As he spoke about his journey, Don Chuy shared that while he loves coming to Michigan, calling it his “second home”, this work has come at a cost. His daughter lives in Oaxaca, Mexico, and his beloved wife passed away during covid while he was working in the U.S. His sacrifice, like that of many farmworkers, is heavy; but his strength and commitment to providing for his family remain unwavering.

Hearing his story reminded me of my own grandparents and Michigan summers, of long days in the fields, community gatherings and the pride that comes from being part of agriculture. Don Chuy’s story is not only a testament to resilience but also a reflection of the legacy and labor that connect so many of us to this land.

Intercare plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of the agricultural labor force, delivering care to areas in west and southwest Michigan that are heavily populated with farmworkers. Their commitment to accessible, culturally competent healthcare aligns closely with AFLS’ mission to protect and empower agricultural workers and support agriculture employers.

Through this collaboration, AFLS and Intercare work together to expand outreach, improve service delivery and connect workers with the care they need – right where they are. InterCare’s mobile medical teams are bilingual, and their on-site services at farms and housing sites remove traditional barriers like transportation, language and access. This partnership also supports agricultural employers in maintaining compliance with labor standards, while helping workers stay informed about their rights, safety and available health services.

As Michigan’s agricultural industry continues to grow and evolve, so does the need for strong, coordinated partnerships like this one. AFLS is proud to work alongside InterCare to promote a healthier, safer and more resilient agricultural workforce across the state. Together, we are creating pathways to better health, safer workplaces and stronger communities.

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We are delighted to welcome Cristo García as the new Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator for the National Farmworkers Jobs Program (NFJP). Cristo brings more than three years of experience in workforce development, with a strong emphasis on education and mentorship. His work has focused on equipping farmworkers with the resources and skills necessary for both professional growth and personal advancement.

Before joining NFJP, Cristo served as the Outreach Recruitment Coordinator and Interim Associate Director for the Michigan State University High School Equivalency Program (MSU HEP). His deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by farmworker communities has driven his continued commitment to expanding access to meaningful opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and long-term success.

Cristo holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University, with a minor in Race and Ethnicity and a concentration in Race and Crime.

A passionate advocate for community collaboration and economic empowerment, Cristo is excited to strengthen partnerships and build networks that uplift the communities we serve.

Visiting farmworkers where they live, work and gather allows Agricultural Employment Liaisons (AEL) to inform Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) of the many employment and training services available at local Michigan Works! Service Centers across the state.

As the end of the program year approaches, AELs have contacted 23,581 MSFWs – that’s an average of 2,300 individuals for each AEL!