Ministry Mission
To identify and organize our Church's participation in projects that support the farm worker and immigrant community via direct outreach as well as advocate for systemic change. There are so many ways to help this underserved and often neglected population – especially the families. We welcome your ideas and encourage your involvement in this very loving and meaningful work.
We are always looking for volunteers. Whether you want to donate your money or your time we would love to hear from you. Contact Karen at migrants@uustpete.org or call (727) 898-8038.
Outreach
Through generous participation from our congregation we are able to directly help farm worker and immigrant families in several ways.
Clothing For Children
We visit several camps in the Plant City area – bringing slightly used and new children’s clothing. Mothers and older children enjoy these “shopping” opportunities. Unable to make the trips? You can donate clothing or help sort it after church services.
Holiday Gift Distribution
This year will be our Congregation’s sixth year participating in this event in Plant City – providing new underwear and socks for 700 children. So many in the congregation, including our children, make this a very special day.
Food For Adopted Family
This single parent family with six children lives in St. Petersburg. Bi-monthly our children collect food during the service that gives this family a “helping hand.” We also have a special share-the-plate collection in August to help defray their back to school expenses.
Advocacy
Advocacy is an important part of what we do. Farmworkers are underpaid and work long hours in unsafe conditions. The number of undocumented immigrants continues to increase and they are exploited as our immigration system has become dysfunctional. These are issues that need to be addressed systemically. Join us, become informed and take action.
Fair Wages
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has been very effective in negotiating with companies such as Burger King, McDonalds, and YUM Foods to raise the price they pay per pound of tomatoes and to improve working conditions in the fields. We are proud to help in their demonstrations against unfair wages and slavery in the fields. We have also contributed with writing letter campaigns.
Effects Of Pesticides
We are only now learning the full effects pesticides have on the long-term health of farm workers and their children. Severe arthritis and birth defects are common. A very poignant example is the very public case of Francisca Herrera and her son, Carlitos, who was born without arms or legs due to pesticide misuse on the farm where Francisca was working.
Immigration
Via letter and phone campaigns we are seeking family friendly non-punitive immigration legislation. Current legislation and practices separate families and now house over 400,00 deportees.
Working Together
Whether supporting the National Farm Worker Ministry or building a relationship with the Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida we understand the importance of working with other organizations to achieve our goals.
Links For More Information
(727) 898-3294
(727) 823-8942
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