A job training and farming nonprofit has changed its annual César Chávez day of service in March to a Farmworker Appreciation Day, held over the weekend.
The Homeless Garden Project provides job training and support for people experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz.
Amber Delatorre is among 20 trainees are currently in the year-long program. She says the program has changed her life.
"It's given me the opportunity to see a project from start to end," she said. "To be a participant in every step along the way, and to know that my care and nurturing have gone into each of those steps to make this final product that's only gonna go and help other people."
She and a few others gave speeches on the 3-acre farm. Volunteer coordinator Pranav Parekh says the August event may become annual, but the organization is waiting to see what happens to the March 31 state holiday.
"There's a movement to rename the César Chávez Day to Farmworker Appreciation Day," he said.
The fruits, herbs and vegetables grown at the Homeless Garden Project go to a farmstand and CSA subscription box and to local nonprofits.
