Farm workers are a critical component of the 22 million dollar fruit production sector of Mesa County. However, they face unique challenges, when they arrive and during their integration to our community. CMS empowers their skills and strengthens their community connectedness. Help us meet our goal!
To provide and coordinate community services for migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families in Mesa County-so that they may live and work with dignity in our community.
In 1954, a small group of Palisade peach growers' wives, moved by poor living and working conditions of local migrant farmworkers, met around a kitchen table and agreed that they needed to take action.
Their efforts mobilized community resources to provide food, clothing, medical services, childcare and more to seasonal workers and their families in Palisade and throughout Mesa county. Their work lives on today and is known as Child and Migrant Services, Inc. (CMS).
Through its Hospitality Center in Palisade, CMS continues to help farm workers and their families year-round. Workers and family members receive basic needs assistance and linkage to community resources, including health care providers. CMS prepares and serves hearty, home-style meals from spring into autumn and provides a food pantry throughout the year. Its social and educational activities help to increase skills and promote well-being and a sense of belonging. The Hospitality Center is a place where workers and their families know they will be greeted and treated with respect. It is an oasis and a place to build community.
"El centro es una verdadera familia. Su personal es tan compasivo y asistente, y así son sus voluntarios. Ver la felicidad de los clientes y personal de interactuar es conmovedora." Translation: The Hospitality Center is a true family. The staff members are compassionate and attentive, as are its volunteers. Seeing the happiness of the clients and staff as they interact is moving.
"Nosotros que trabajamos en el campo salimos al trabajo tarde, cansados. Gracias ustedes que ofrecen comida gratis" Translation: We who work in farm labor get off from work late (and we are) tired. Thank you all who offer this free food.
"Por el gran servicio al imigrante muchas gracias por su gran apoyo." Translation: For the great service to the immigrant, thank you so much for your great support.
"Me fue de mucha utilidad por la informaction que brindan." Translation: The information they provided to me was very useful.