November 1, 2018
Having finished her second season picking grapes at a local winery, Deb Draper was ready for a change. Having spent her entire life in or around agriculture, she had come to the conclusion that as much as she loved the work, a better paying opportunity was out there. With the amount of time spent in farmwork, Deb faced a challenge in how to proceed in finding a new career. While attending a career fair in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Deb came across a Proteus booth. Here she learned about assistance options offered through the National Farmworker Jobs Program.
October 1, 2018
From a very young age, Jacob Cole knew what he wanted to do with his life. Growing up he was interested in cars and motorcycles and he wanted to become a motorcycle technician. During high school, Jacob learned some basic mechanical skills, but he knew the only way to pursue a successful career would be to attend community college.
September 29, 2018
Annual Farmworker Appreciation Film Event Join us October 25 for a free showing of “After I Pick the Fruit.” Social hour – 6:00 p.m. | Film – 7:00 p.m. The Fleur Cinema and Cafe – 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa After I Pick the Fruit follows the lives of five immigrant farmworker women over […]
September 1, 2018
Elvia was introduced to the WNIT internship program by Proteus case manager Jesusa Rivera. When they met, Elvia expressed an interest in mechanical engineering and said she likes to fix things and learn how they work. With that knowledge, Jesusa reached out to the senior producer at WNIT, Michiana Access TV, to discuss the possibility of Elvia entering the production internship program and she was accepted.
August 1, 2018
Maps, the paper kind that can be spread out, are so great! They’re fun to look at, study, imagine a wonderful adventure, and plot the starting point to your final destination. You can even add a detour that will bring a new adventure that will have an impact and even change the course.
July 1, 2018
Proteus was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund that will be used to educate Iowa farmworkers about healthier dietary options. With these funds, Proteus staff will to provide information on selecting proper food options at the grocery store, while giving instructions on how fresh and wholesome food choices are not only better, but also an easy option when shopping.
June 1, 2018
Dakota Valentine had always had an interest in mechanics. He also knew that to be successful in this field he would need to pursue a degree. He had some experience working in a local grocery store and had spent several years as a farmworker caring for cattle, baling hay and detasseling corn. This work was always done in the hottest times of the year and he knew it was not the long-term career he was looking for.
May 1, 2018
Luis Lopez, from Norfolk, Nebraska, was recruited as a Proteus client in January, 2017 by former Proteus Case Manager, Anna Santos. When Anna moved, Maria Schinstock took over managing Luis’ journey, which will come to an end when he graduates from the welding program at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska
April 1, 2018
Working on a seasonal basis for a local dairy farmer near Postville, Iowa, was not going to provide Hector Galvan with the future he wanted. Knowing he needed to obtain skills in a school setting, he looked into enrolling at Northeast Iowa Community College’s mechanic program. At orientation, Hector was disheartened to learn that there was no financial support due to his DACA status.
March 1, 2018
National Farmworker Awareness Week (NFAW) is a week of action for students and community members to raise awareness about farmworker issues on our campuses and in our communities. In 2018 we celebrate the 18th Annual National Farmworker Awareness Week to raise awareness about farmworker conditions and to honor their important contributions to us every day!
by Flying Hippo