We Build Strong Communities
FHDC works with families to build a sense of unity and belonging to a distinctive community; to strengthen families through education and economic development programs, to instill a sense of pride, and to overcome a long history of prejudice and discrimination against farmworkers.
Among the programs FHDC has offered or is currently offering at one or both of our major housing sites in Salem and Woodburn are the following:
- Adult computer classes
- English as a Second Language
- Home buyer counseling and financial assistance with housing purchase costs
- Individual Development Accounts
- Financial literacy training
- Child Care Provider Training
- Head Start for farmworker children
- After school programs, including tutoring and mentoring in math and reading.
- Summer activities programs for youth, including arts, dance, music, Jr. Master Gardeners, science, math, reading, participation in Latino summer Olympics, and summer camp. These programs help keep the youth engaged in the summer when both parents are often working long hours in the fields.
- Spanish and English literacy for youth and their parents
- Programs to bring together school staff and parents
- Introduction to mural painting and an opportunity to participate in the completion of murals at Colonia Libertad and Nuevo Amanecer
- Health education, nutrition, and disease prevention programs, including immunizations for children
- Annual Health Fairs where families receive information on prevention of disease, tests for specific conditions, vision tests, and dental assessments and care.
As one important measure of our educational programs and opportunities for youth, we have less than a 3% drop-out rate at all sites. We have a zero tolerance policy for drug use or gang involvement. For at least the past two years we have had a 0% drop-out rate; none of our children is involved in gangs.