Where Dreams Come to Work
Written and Designed by Bronwyn Thomas
This book is dedicated to all of the workers who haven’t given up on their dreams, and who inspire me to follow mine.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through every step of this process, and always encouraging me to share my ideas and take risks. Sofia, for helping with all of my technical struggles and reassuring me when I doubted myself. All of my Freestyle teachers for giving me the tools and confidence to take on this project. Especially Mr. Greco, for trusting me and teaching me to trust myself, even when I felt completely lost. Hiba for being the best partner I could have asked for. I definitely could not have handled all of this without you. And to Maria, thank you for making the Day Worker Center what it is today. You have touched so many peoples’ lives and I will always be inspired by you. Thank you so much for trusting me to feature the Center, and making me feel so welcome.
Table of Contents Foreword....................................................................................6-7 Introduction...............................................................................8-9 Chapter 1: The Center....................................................12-15 Chapter 2: The People.................................................16-19 Chapter 3: The Misconceptions................................22-25 Conclusion.....................................................................................26 Works Cited.................................................................................29
Foreword
My mother is a garden designer, and has always been planting, building, and designing our back and front yards. She does most of the work herself, however, there have been several occasions when a task is just too big for her to handle alone. So she has been hiring workers from the Day Worker Center of Mountain View for as long as I can remember. Somehow after almost a decade, I still didn’t know very much about the Center nor the workers, which is exactly why I thought the Center would be a perfect subject for my documentary. After realizing this I understood that I was a perfect example of why I was a first-hand example of why the Center’s story needed to be told. I wasn’t exactly sure what I would learn, but I decided not to build up certain expectations. I worried that the workers wouldn’t feel comfortable being interviewed and photographed. After seeing how excited and comfortable Maria, the director, was with the project, I decided to just go for it and have faith. After first stepping into the Center and seeing what it was really all about, I knew that I had made the right decision. Seeing walls filled with Yelp reviews really hit me. It not only showed me how employers are obviously satisfied, but how there really is a loving community at the center. The fact that so many people care about all aspects of the Center prove it’s value to this community, and the impact that it has on people of all different backgrounds. Immediately after seeing this, I knew it was only a matter of time until I had my own Yelp worthy moment with the people of the Day Worker Center. Interviewing members of this community was really rewarding and made all of the tedious research worth it, since I was prepared to discuss the topics that mattered. Meeting workers, volunteers, and staff at the center was quite amazing, because everyone has different backgrounds and goals, but they all come together to keep this Center running. Creating a research paper, film, and book about this Center has been an honor. This process has been challenging for several reasons, and I have learned a lot about myself and what kind of person I want to be. I will never forget the advice given to me by Richard, the marine engineer who hopes to one day be the captain of his own ship. After my interview with him, when the camera had already been turned off, he said to “Continue to follow your dreams and change the world like you are right now. There are plenty of stars in the sky, but only a few people that can reach high enough to get them”. I’d like to thank everyone who I met and was inspired by during this process, and I hope you never give up on your dreams.
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Introduction
For 400 years, people have been coming to the US in search of a better life. They have been hoping to live the American Dream: freedom, success, and leaving a legacy. But what have they given to this land, and what has it given back to them? What do immigrants need in order to reach the American Dream? Stability. So what must a person do in order to gain stability in America, and how? It’s simple: get a job. However, this is something 8
that is easier said than done. Why? According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are currently 38.5 million immigrants in the US, making up 15.9% of the American civilian workforce. Santa Clara County has the ninth highest immigrant population in the US, which is why the subject requires
more attention (Batalova). That is why in the heart of Mountain View, the Day Worker Center is changing lives. After 18 years, this Center has helped thousands of people find jobs and get help with jobs.
Open six days a week and run by three staff, tens of volunteers, and multiple donors, the Center is able to offer several free beneficial programs to any and all workers that register. With multiple programs offering help with employment, education, and health, the Center reaches out to hundreds of struggling workers of different backgrounds every year. Also, it often has special presentations given to the workers by local business owners, officers, and motivational speakers. It provides an environment where learning can take place, but also friendships can be made. Everyone
involved with the Center considers it like a family, which makes it an even more valuable place. “Now coming here it’s really nice, like a family, because I have no family here in the States so coming here is like a part of another life even though we are far from home.”
workers to grow as people to reach their goals. It is no wonder that the Center’s slogan is
“We are realizing our dreams here.”
(Alama)
Santa Clara County is place where different cultures from all over the world come together, and the Day Worker Center reflects that. Most of the workers are immigrants, and even though most have a Latin ancestry, every part of the world is represented at the Center. The Center provides a small, safe community for 9
Chapter 1: The Center
Connecting day workers with employers in a safe, fair, and dignified environment is its main purpose. Though strictly professional, the entire center is run by volunteers and donors, making its services completely free. Employers have the ability to hire skilled workers for whatever jobs they need, and all the pay goes directly to the worker. Maria Marroquin is the Executive Director of the center, and teams up with its Board of Directors as well as numerous organizations and businesses in the area to keep the center running. She is also the President of the Board of Directors
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for the National Day Labor Organizing Network. The moment you walk through the doors, evidence of her power in this community is hard to miss. With multiple walls completely covered in plaques of recognition awarded to Maria, it becomes clear that the Center truly is making a large impact on this community. Having been a worker using the services of the center in the past, Maria understands the real problems that day workers face, and how to solve them. But what are the problems? Most laborers lack something: an education, legal work papers, language skills. It is different for everyone, but in general there is a pattern. It seems like a simple place, but there is so much more. Not only does the center connect workers so that they have immediate jobs day-today, but it also is constantly holding classes, offering special programs,
and giving back to the community, all for the workers’ benefits. A survey given to employers at Microsoft, the BBC, Target Jobs, Prospects, and other large companies resulted in a list of skills that employers look for and value the most in their workers. This list included skills like verbal communication, computing skills, creativity, leadership, and personal motivation (Top Ten Skills). The Day Worker Center has programs that help the workers to meet each of these requirements, which is why the number of workers leaving the center with successful careers continues to grow. Connecting employers with successful careers continues to grow. Connecting employers with workers is the main purpose of the center, and has the most immediate benefits for everyone. Most people come to the center looking for jobs because they are not qualified for more permanent jobs, do not have legal working papers yet, or need the flexibility of day jobs.
Having the experience of working with new people everyday, and using different skills gives them the experience and confidence needed to conquer the workforce. The workers always get “glowing reviews” from their employers, according to Robin Goka, the Center’s job coordinator, and has hundreds of positive recommendations on the website, Yelp. Christine Chatwell, a volunteer at the center says that
“People don’t realize that they were professionals many times in their own jobs in other countries. And they are excellent at what they do.”
The variety of skills offered by workers at the center is huge. From gardening and housekeeping, to
plumbing, tailoring, and even carpentry, employers always find the help that they are looking for, and workers always have the opportunity to use their valuable skills. Some of the lesser known programs at the center are actually the most beneficial. ESL (English as a Second Language) is offered several times a week to anyone at the center. This class is mostly taken by immigrant workers, which make up about 80% of the center’s population. This covers the basics of English, and emphasizes words and phrases that workers will likely need to use while on the job. This also will
help their careers in the future since speaking English is such an important skill to have. English is the default language of the business world, traveling lifestyle, and global culture (Why English is Important). 52% of American immigrants have LEP, or Limited English Proficiency (Batalova). This means that they are unable to communicate effectively on their own, and often need a translator to help them as they are not fluent in the language (Limited English Proficiency). This obviously makes finding jobs much harder to do, but the classes help them to pass LEP limits immensely. Eventually by taking the classes they gain the most important skill to have in America: fluency. Being located in the Silicon Valley means there is no excuse for day workers to not learn how to use computers, either. With a small computer lab available during all open hours, classes once a week, and the occasional presentation about computers, the workers have the ability to expand their knowledge. This brings a set of skills that become more valuable everyday in a world of growing technology, however it is also just nice for personal use. Many of the workers are able to 13
use the computers to stay in contact with families back home, class assignments, and research about careers they are interested in. After just a bit of exposure, most computer users have a general understanding of the technology and can easily gain more advanced skills in the future. But of course, the workers need an outlet that allows them to express themselves and release any negative feelings in a healthy way. That’s where art comes in. With classes once a week, workers are able to express themselves through painting and other creative works. Christine Chatwell teaches the art class often and says that
“The workers are very creative, and they don’t want to be given exact examples of what to paint. It comes out from inside them, it comes from their hearts...and a lot of times it’s places where they’ve lived…”
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The center stays involved with the Mountain View Center for the Arts, and encourages all workers to take classes simply for fun. The value of artistic outlets is huge, because “The arts enhance the process of learning. The systems they nourish, which include our integrated sensory, attentional, cognitive, emotional, and motor capacities, are, in fact, the driving forces behind all other learning” (Bryant). These art classes are offered at the Center for the same reasons that they are offered in schools: extra brain, development, therapeutic activity, and to have a fun time while waiting for jobs. One of the most remarkable things that center does is give the workers opportunities to volunteer in the community. Whether its helping elderly down the street, helping with park projects, or beautifying the neighborhood, they are constantly given the opportunity to give their time to others. Even though many of them are struggling on their own, they always embrace the chance to help others.
Robin Goka, the job coordinator at the Center, says that what is amazing about the workers volunteering is that
“Even though the guys are here, struggling, trying to make rent, trying to get groceries for their families, they go out and do things for the community. It just feels good to be giving back...They do so much for the community, it’s great.”
By volunteering and helping others the workers get a sense of leadership that boosts their confidence all around because it makes them feel valued. This obviously translates over to their work ethic, and improves their performance. It also helps to educate workers about local issues like pollution, extreme poverty, and lack of attention for elders. The services provided at the Center truly do help prepare workers futures as well as adjust to the present.
Chapter 2: The People
Everything that goes on at the Day Worker Center reflects the diversity of Mountain View, bringing together people of all different backgrounds. There is a friendly atmosphere which makes that hard to believe, because everyone seems like long-time friends. The people at the Center are all very welcoming and friendly, which is part of what makes it such a unique place. Instead of just being a building where people find jobs and take classes, it is a home to many of them. “It’s really a microcosm of what I wish society was like because we have people here from all different cultures, and different countries, and they all get along really well and they learn from each other”(Chatwell). The happy environment in16
fluences how the people work and learn, which is part of what keeps everyone coming back. Workers continue to come back and use the services for years because it truly does help them in every way. Richard Alama, a 27 year old worker, ended up in America by accident a few years back. Coming from New Zealand with a degree and strong background in marine engineering and safety, he has big plans for himself here in America. Richard has a long term goal of being on the seas again serving America, and then becoming the Captain of his own ship. In order to reach this goal he must first “...stable myself first to secure myself so when the time comes I have my family, I can support, I have the job and get whatever I
wanted.” He knows that this will be difficult to achieve, but the Day Worker Center is helping him get by while he waits for legal papers to go through before he can take the next step towards navy service. The Center’s programs are acting as a way for him to move on to his next chapter in life, and has helped foster a growth mindset in him. “I’m a person that aims high, as best as I can.” Ernesto Navarro immigrated to America from Lima, Peru and has been going to the Day Worker Center for several years. Being an older worker, his skill set is different from Richard’s, as well as his aspirations. He considers himself an all-around handyman, and worked professionally on construction sites managing blueprints in Peru. Here in
from them, knowing they can improve. All of this affects a person’s work ethic, as well as their relationships, health, and overall happiness. A mindset is something that is easily influenced by environment and can be changed (Dweck). The Day Worker Center has created an environment that does just that. By offering jobs and security, the Center forms a bond of trust with workers and never fails to help
to open one’s problems and ask for help from others. Even though workers have friends in other environments and parts of their lives, the bonds made at the Day Worker Center have a big influence because everyone understands each other’s struggles. This is important because friends are used as ways to reassure ourselves, which help found growth mindsets (Dweck). By acting as second home for many, the Center helps workers
According to Carol Dweck, the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, a person’s mindset has an immense impact on how they succeed in life. There two types of mindsets. The first is the fixed mindset, which means that the person bases all of their future action on how they have performed in the past. So if someone with a fixed mindset fails a math test, they just assume they are bad at math and give up on trying in the future. them meet their challenges and But a growth mindset allows a accomplish their goals. The safety person to accept failures and learn of the environment makes it easier
gain encouragement, boosting their confidence in themselves. Employers are also loyal
America he struggles due to his limited English, but he is taking classes at the Center and improving quickly. He always gets great reviews from employers, and proves that honest, hard work pays off. The Day Worker Center is providing him with all of the resources he needs in order to make a living and accomplish his goals:
“I am 60 years old. I want to work with dignity. Retire as a fulfilled man with dignity. That’s not unreasonable.”
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“I’m a person that aims high, as best as I can.” Richard Alama
partners of the Center. “People really appreciate because normally people come here to the center when they have a rock in a hard place…So they’re usually really glowing and they’re so happy and so thankful and they see how hard the guys work.”(Goka) By meeting workers and forming bonds with them over work, employers always come back in the future to hire, and often decide to start volunteering at the Center. This can involve teaching classes, cooking hot meals, helping to put on events, or advertising the Center. Bringing people together the way that the Center does has unexpected benefits that cannot be ignored. The Day Worker Center is a family in itself. Everyone, no
matter where they come from or what they need, benefits from the Center in some way. Workers get educated, paid and become experienced with different types of employers and jobs. Children get help with homework from other workers waiting for labor that day at the Center, while cooks get hot meals ready. Volunteers and employers connect with people from different worlds and see not only the power of what they do or teach, but what they learn. The entire community of the Center comes together to keep it running and growing, in order to reach out to more people all the time.
For some it is a short stop that will send them down the path to a new career or just help them finish their time of working entirely, and for others it is a place to simply get help surviving in America. But for everyone, The Day Worker Center is community where people can come together to help others and achieve their dreams.
“It’s really a microcosm of what I wish society was like because we have people here from all different cultures, and different countries, and they all get along really well and they learn from each other” Christine Chatwell
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Chapter 3: The Misconceptions
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Misconceptions are something that day workers and immigrants face every day, which get in the way of them finding success. People falsely accuse the situation of immigration laws and statuses in the US, which transfers to incorrect ideas about the Day Worker Center as well. Though none of them are true. Since the Day Worker Center has so many programs and events going on, it is difficult for someone who has never been to the Center to understand everything. People are often incorrect about what the Center does and what the workers are like. Maria mentions that “We have one worker who is teaching French and many people don’t know that...we have one worker who knows how to do tailoring
really remarkably well. So people probably have the idea that this is only for labor, but we have more people with more talents than people imagine.” The workers offer a wide range of skills, which include: gardening and outdoor labor, housekeeping, childcare, plumbing, utilities, carpentry cooking, and sewing and tailoring. Not only are there incorrect accusations about what the Center does, but also immigrants and day workers in general. Nowadays, the debate of immigration laws and regulations is a hot topic, with politicians constantly debating how to handle it, and news reports always keeping the subject on radar. Surprisingly though, most people aren’t actually getting the right information and are shutting themselves off from
the truth. This is creating misconceptions about immigrants and day workers alike, and is unfairly classifying them. However, an open mind can easily understand the true nature of this community and realize what the real problems are. America has always been known as a land of freedom, where people can come from all walks of life, and through hard work, can reach their dream life. But many people speculate that this is no longer true. It is actually quite difficult to become a legal citizen in America, which is why there are currently 11 million undocumented immigrants here today (Batalova). Large numbers of nativeborn Americans believe that all immigrants must be deported because they are hurting this
country’s economy. Common accusations include “They’re stealing our jobs” or “They don’t even pay taxes”, which have dubbed immigrants the title of “Takers”. However economists have discovered that in fact the immigrant population as a whole (legal and illegal) has a huge benefit on our economy. Immigrants bring in a huge benefit because of taxes. The Center for American Progress states that: Immigrants—even the undocumented—pay a significant amount of money in taxes each year. A 2011 study by the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy found that undocumented immigrants paid $11.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2010 alone, adding a significant amount of money to help state and local finances. It is important to note that immigrants—even legal immigrants—are barred from most social services, meaning that they pay to support benefits they cannot receive (Fitz). Professor Raúl HinojosaOjeda, a professor at UCLA, has
munity. False accusations have been made in the past about the Center, and the workers. Robin, the job coordinator, believes that even with misconceptions, the Center’s main service works hand-inhand with eliminating one of its biggest challenges. Regarding job services, she remarks: “I think that
it bridges a lot of gaps too because you might have, especially if you’re a first time done a study, proving that makemployer, you might have seen ing reforms to our legal immigrapeople soliciting jobs at Home tion system as well as passing the Depot or on El Camino and DREAM Act would add $1.5 you have an idea about what trillion to the American economy their lives are like. And then within a decade (Fitz). Which is the when you work side by side complete opposite of false accusawith them, you know it kind tions commonly made. of changes. So that is really The Day Worker Center of Moun- nice too, people having a different perspective of the world tain View constantly faces the and seeing people differently” challenge of changing minds and (Goka). proving it’s worth to the outer com-
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The move occurred in 2010, with lots of talk throughout the area opposing the business for the type of people it bring into the neighborhood. However, through workers doing community service “The greatest obstacle I can and truly reaching out to the area, the Center has become a beloved consider is the lack of location in Mountain View. This information to the community. center is proving its value to the The fear probably because outdoor community because,
This way of changing minds has transferred over to the neighborhood’s misconceptions as well. Maria Marroquin, the Executive Director, admits
neighbors [did not] like us because this is precisely residential zoning.”
“Even with that back and forth fight, now people really cherish us, you know? They really want to have this resource” Robin Goka
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Conclusion The Day Worker Center truly is a
provided. That is what the center is doing. Making sure that everyone vital part of our community. With has a fair chance at success and all of the benefits offered to both happiness. employers, workers, and volunteers, it’s hard to find someone who In the wise words of Maria Marrodoesn’t owe something to the cen- quin, the Executive Director of the ter. Multiple programs all designed Center, to help struggling workers focus on economic, health, and social issues that need to be met. Because of the huge benefit that immigrants provide for America’s economy, it is vital that these immigrants be The idea of the Center is simple, yet educated and employed. keeping it running is not easy task. America is known as the land Multiple volunteers and donors where dreams are made and met, are called upon constantly, as well which is why it brings in such a as the workers’ best efforts to keep large population of immigrants, larger than any other country. Im- their second home in its best shape. It is also a home for many. People migrants are just as much apart of all different cultures and backof our society as natives, which is why equal opportunities need to be grounds come together in this cen-
“We are part of the solution, not the problem.”
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ter everyday and help each other. Whether they teach each other new skills, languages, provide information about the area, or just have a nice conversation, many of them consider other workers at the center to be their family. So awareness of the center and how it is benefiting the entire community is extremely important, it must not go ignored. With hundreds of working depending upon it for different reasons, it has become a huge part of our community. All of the workers have inspiring stories, big dreams, huge amounts of determination, and glowing personalities. As a place that is truly changing lives for a better future, everyone should keep this center on their contact list.
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Alamo, Richard. Personal Interview. 15 March. 2014.
Works Cited
Batalova, Jeanne, and Terrazas, Aaron. “Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States.” Migrationpolicy.org. Migration Policy Institute, Dec. 2009. Web. Jan.-Feb. 2014. Bryant, Bob. “Katy Independent School District.” The Importance of Fine Arts Education. Kay Independent School District, n.d. Web. Feb.Mar. 2014. Chatwell, Christine. Personal Interview. 18 February. 2014. Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House, 2006. Print. Fitz, Marshall, Philip E. Wolgin, and Patrick Oakford. “Immigrants Are Makers, Not Takers.” Center For American Progress. N.p., 28 Jan. 2013. Web. Feb. 2014. “ImmigrationProf Blog.” ImmigrationProf Blog. Law Professors Network, 6 Feb. 2014. Web. Jan.-Feb. 2014. Kugler, Adriana, and Patrick Oakford. “Immigration Helps American Workers’ Wages and Job Opportunities.” Center for American Progress. N.p., 29 Aug. 2013. Web. Jan. 2014. “Limited English Proficiency (LEP).” Limited English Proficiency (LEP). US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. Jan.-Feb. 2014. Marroquin, Maria. Personal Interview. 1 February. 2014. Navarro, Ernesto. Personal Interview. 18 February. 2014 Rong, Xue L., and Judith Preissle. “Immigration and US Schools.” Educating Immigrant Students in the 21st Century. 2nd ed. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print Ruark, Eric A., and Matthew Graham. “Immigration Is Increasing Poverty in the United States.” Poverty. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from “Immigration, Poverty and Low-Wage Earners: The Harmful Effect of Unskilled Immigrants on American Workers.” FairUS.org. 2011. 3-17. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. Semple, Kirk. “Immigrant Struggles Compounded by Old Age.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 July 2013. Web. Jan. 2014 “What Are the Top Ten Skills That Employers Want?” Top Ten Employability Skills. University of Kent, n.d. Web. Jan.-Feb. 2014.
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Bronwyn Thomas
everyday graces Freestyle Academy with her sassy prescence. She has danced her whole life, and is currently a member of a competitive dance team. She also is a member of the Broken Box Theater Company, ODFL, and Girl Scouts. She dreams of traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, all while documenting her adventures and sharing them with others, hence her interest in media and technology. In her free time, she speeds around Los Altos in her blue Audi stick shift, but don’t worry, she always comes to full stops at stop signs. Bronwyn also hopes to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives, however that may be.
Where Dreams Come to Work
Bronwyn Thomas is 17 years old and
Where Dreams Come to Work
Written and Designed by Bronwyn Thomas