In this newsletter: Victory for immigrant workers in Maryland, Edgar—a CATA immigrant worker organizer—shares a story of heat and hope, Bridgeton’s garden is feeling the heat—see what you can do.
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CATA Monthly News

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Victory for Immigrant Workers in Maryland! 

Thanks to the courage of 56 immigrant poultry workers—and the tireless efforts of CATA organizers and our incredible partners—over $650,000 in unpaid wages will be returned to workers who were exploited in Salisbury, MD. 

What started as one brave conversation in our Maryland office turned into a powerful movement for justice. With support from CATA’s Jean-Frandy Philogene and Leila Borrero Krouse, these workers stood up against abuse and WON.

This win is more than a paycheck. It’s proof that when workers organize and communities unite, real change is possible.

But the fight isn’t over. We’re continuing to support workers exposed to toxic pesticides and unsafe conditions. This work needs your voice and support.

“Even when a situation seems too big, too risky, or too difficult—there is always a path forward,” says Frandy. “But you have to take that first step—and trust that people will walk with you.”

Sí se puede. Yes, we can.

We lost critical federal funding this year. To complete the work we’ve planned in Maryland, we need to raise $20,000. Thanks to generous supporters, we’ve already raised $15,000.
 
We’re just $5,000 away—donate today so CATA can keep showing up. Donate here: https://buff.ly/UXPby1E
Read the full story here
Diary of an Organizer: Stories of Heat, Hope, and Resistance

What does it really mean to organize for justice when you used to be the one in the fields?

In this heartfelt and powerful blog, Edgar Aquino-Huerta—former farmworker and now organizer with CATA—opens up about a year full of struggle, connection, and unexpected joy.

He shares what it was like to:

  • Testify before the NJ Senate to demand protections from extreme heat
  • Visit labor camps to explain workers’ rights—because knowing your rights is power
  • Notarize documents right in the fields, so workers can get a license without being overcharged
  • Talk with workers about anxiety and depression, because mental health matters too
  • And reunite with his mother after 14 years apart—during what he thought was just another interview

Edgar’s story reminds us that behind every right we fight for, there are real lives, real families, and real dreams.

And this work is only possible because people like you support it.

Help us keep fighting for dignity and justice:

  • Donate to support our organizing work
  • Volunteer to walk alongside immigrant workers in your community
Read the full blog now and take action
 Our Garden Is Feeling the Heat—Literally

This season has been one of the hardest yet. Unpredictable rain, extreme heat, and a surge of weeds have made it nearly impossible for our crops to thrive. Our peaches rotted on the trees. Our spinach bolted before it could grow. And daily tasks like weeding have become battles against the climate. 

We’re living through the realities of climate change, and it’s directly impacting our ability to grow healthy, local food.

We’re doing our best to adapt, but we can’t do it alone. We need more hands, more hearts, and more voices.

✊🏽 Join us at an upcoming community workday—because together, we can still grow something beautiful.

Learn what’s happening in the garden and how to help

CATA - The Farmworker Support Committee

4 S. Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028

Phone 856-881-2507

DONATE TO CATA TODAY!


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