EDD Farmworker Outreach Representative is Passionate About Helping Local Laborers

Being both the daughter of a current farm worker and a former seasonal farm worker herself, Fatima Vargas takes great pride in being able to provide assistance to farmworkers in the greater Merced area. Never had this been more critical than after storm flooding in January 2023 threatened the small agricultural town of Planada, just east of Merced.

“Many were farmworkers and were not able to work for weeks during the rain and many were also evacuated during this time,” said Vargas. “They were left behind on rent, bills and some still don’t have anywhere to live.”

Vargas, along with fellow EDD Farmworker Outreach Program worker Elisa Ramirez, worked at an area resource fair to provide information about EDD services available through the Merced America’s Job Center of California and the Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker outreach program in Merced County.

Vargas recalls a farmworker named Julia who approached their booth and inquired about a grant that allowed farmworkers who worked through the COVID pandemic to apply for, and possibly obtain, $600 in benefits.

“While at the resource fair Julia approached our booth and inquired about a grant that allowed farm workers who worked during COVID to apply for and possibly obtain $600,” said Vargas. “Through close networking, our office was aware of this grant being processed by the community business organization, Central Valley Opportunity Center.”

“I directed Julie (Julia) to the Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC) booth location and once she finished her application, she came by our booth to thank us,” explained Vargas. “I followed up with Julia a month after the resource fair and she stated that while she is still waiting for the check, CVOC has been great in providing her updates on the status of her application and she recently was notified that she was approved. Being able to follow up with clients and hear about their gratitude offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that can only come from working with the public.”

Thanks to the daily efforts of EDD farmworker outreach staff members like Vargas and Ramirez, and other agricultural industry workers in Merced County individuals can easily find the support and assistance they need. It’s help that the pair are always happy to provide.