Collaboration across programs helps farmworker return home safely
For more than 25 years, Eva has traveled from Weslaco, Texas, to Michigan to support this work. She spent many seasons at Burma Farms and, for the past five years, has returned to Traverse City for the cherry harvest.
After losing her husband, Eva relies on seasonal farm labor to support herself through the winter, making each paycheck critical.
As this year’s cherry harvest ended, Eva discovered her vehicle needed new tires before making the long drive back to Texas. This is where collaboration made all the difference.
Through coordination between Kalamazoo and Traverse City Agricultural Employment Liaisons (AELs), National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) staff, and Michigan Works! partners, Eva quickly received the help she needed. After learning of Eva’s situation, AELs Elizbia Capula‑Xaxni and Kevin Benson connected Eva with resources and referred her to the NFJP program. Once enrolled, Michigan Works! case manager Joana Zuniga expedited assistance. Within days, Eva had safe new tires and the confidence to begin her journey home.
One team, one mission.
Eva’s story highlights the power of partnership between AELs, NFJP and Michigan Works!. Effective service doesn’t stop at programmatic or geographic boundaries. One conversation can lead to a referral, a referral to collaboration, and collaboration to removing a barrier that ensures a farmworker can get home safely and return next season.
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