Friends of Farmworkers

924 Cherry Street, 4^th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
phone: (215) 733-0878 toll free: (800) 729-1607 fax: (215) 733-0876
Contact:	Karen Detamore or Arthur Read Send e-mail

Program Mission

To improve the living and working conditions of indigent farmworkers, mushroom workers, food processing workers, and workers from immigrant and migrant communities.

Intake Process

Programs referring clients should call on their behalf. Clients are seen by appointment in Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Reading and other locations. Phone and fax intake with cooperating programs and agencies is possible and encouraged. Co-counseling is available. Seasonal outreach to farm labor housing

Client Eligibility

Income guidelines: generally 125% of poverty.

Geographic guidelines: PA residents or migrant workers who have been employed in PA.

Other guidelines: Priority in representation for migrant farmworkers, mushroom workers, and food processing workers who have employment related claims or claims related to the client's status as a farmworker. Other farmworkers, mushroom workers, and food processing workers with employment related problems may qualify for representation. Workers from immigrant and migrant communities with significant migrant and seasonal farmworker populations who are not employed in agriculture may under certain circumstances qualify for FOF representation.

Special note: Friends of Farmworkers has declined Legal Services Corporation funding restricting representation of undocumented workers, legislative and administrative advocacy, and class actions. Undocumented persons not eligible for Legal Services Corporation funded representation are eligible for representation by FOF. Representation may also be available for organizations whose members are eligible clients.

Areas of State Covered by Program

All of Pennsylvania

Legal Services Provided

Will FOF accept direct referrals of cases?

Yes

Will FOF co-counsel with local programs?

Yes

Will FOF consult with local programs on cases?

Yes

Will FOF provide training to local programs?

Yes

Will FOF conduct community education?

Yes

Will FOF assist with policy development?

Yes

Will FOF handle class action lawsuits?

Yes

Will FOF work with clients on legislative and administrative matters?

Yes

Programs

Direct legal services to farmworkers, mushroom workers and food processing workers in PA and to migrant farmworkers who have been employed in PA and have claims arising out of their employment in PA. Direct legal services to organizations whose members are client eligible workers and their families.

Community education on legal rights of farmworkers, mushroom workers and food processing workers. This includes outreach to farm labor camps, community groups, and to students and families in schools with students whose families do farm work.

Substantive FOF priorities for employment related claims of eligible workers and claims related to a client's status as a farmworker, including: minimum wage and wage payment problems; unsafe or unhealthy work conditions; substandard housing for groups of workers; employment or housing discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, disability or familial status; retaliation for exercising legal rights; establishment of eligibility rights to public benefits; and limited representation related to immigrant status.