Delivering on A Promise of Justice

On behalf of the entire team of the Migrant Farmworker Justice Project of Florida Legal Services, I am deeply honored to be selected to receive the White House Champions of Change Award.

Over thirty-five years ago as a law student at Harvard Law School, I, like so many others, was inspired by the example of Cesar Chavez to pursue a career as a farm worker legal services lawyer. Over the years, I have been privileged to work with many fine attorneys and support staff who heeded the same call. In isolated rural communities across this nation, these often unsung “champions of change” have fought for the rights of the most vulnerable workers in our society.

Today as in the past, the majority of farm workers in the United States live in poverty, endure poor working conditions and receive little or no government assistance. At least 50% and probably closer to 2/3 of the farm workers are not legally present in the United States and do not have work authorization. These conditions lead to an unstable labor market which requires constant replenishment with new workers from abroad. Real change requires diverting the costs of instability from the farm workers back to the employers, taxpayers, and consumers who benefit from their work.

A Heart for the Homeless

I humbly receive this recognition from the White House, Cesar Chavez “Champion of Change.” My experience as a “Champion of Change" began at an early age. I grew up as the daughter of migrant farm workers, which prepared me for a life driven to serve low-income families, especially families of farm workers. My father was a World War II Veteran who had 17 children and worked the fields to provide for our family. I experienced hunger and poverty first hand and realized I had to do something to change that lifestyle and mindset. I grew up knowing that God’s hand of blessing was upon my life and that’s why I am passionate about my commitment to serving the hungry, the homeless, and the hopeless.

The Bible states in Psalms 41:1, 2: “Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.” Consequently, I established a non-profit organization called Help 4 Kidz in memory of my son Frankie, who lost his battle to a malignant brain tumor at the age of 15. Frankie’s dream was change one community at a time by feeding hungry children, keeping a roof over their heads, and bringing hope to the hopeless. His dream is being achieved through Help 4 Kidz’s partnership with USDA and our SNAP satellite office. Help 4 Kidz also has an office, for our HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, which provides free pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure Prevention, loan modification, first time homebuyer workshops, renter’s assistance, and more to the consumers in our community.

Canine Compassion

Mackinzie Klima. (Photo Courtesy of HelloGiggles)

Here at the White House, there are few faces more loved than that of Bo, the First Family’s Portuguese water dog. Really, how can anyone resist an adorable animal, particularly when sporting some seasonal accessories? The First Dog has been a well-loved part of First Family history, dating back even to George Washington himself. And while Bo is one of the most-well known dogs in the nation, he is lucky to have a loving family to look after him. One compassionate young woman is working hard to help less fortunate dogs find great homes of their own.

This edition of “Women Working to Do Good” highlights Mackinzie Klima, a professional caregiver and animal rescue extraordinaire who opened a dog rescue clinic in North Carolina. Mackinzie and her team dedicate their time to fostering 13 rescued dogs and educating her community on vaccines, behavior, and proper dog care. The author writes,