The Similkameen Seasonal Workers Program supports migrant agricultural workers living and working in the Similkameen Valley. The program provides outreach, navigation, safety information, and community connection to help workers access services, understand their rights, and feel supported throughout the season.

We work directly with workers on farms and in the community, offering culturally responsive, multilingual support tailored to real‑time needs.

Who We Serve

The program supports migrant agricultural workers, including workers from Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, and other participating countries who contribute significantly to the local agricultural economy and food system.

What We Do

Early‑Season Welcome and Safety (April–June)
At the beginning of the season, staff visit farms to welcome workers shortly after arrival. This includes sharing information about worker rights, health care access, emergency preparedness (including wildfire safety), and local transportation, as well as distributing multilingual welcome and resource packages.

Ongoing Support and Navigation (April–September)
Throughout the season, workers can access one‑to‑one support to help with health and dental care, legal or employment concerns, housing issues, documentation, and navigating services. Support is provided in person and through ongoing WhatsApp communication.

Transportation and Mobility Supports
The program helps reduce transportation barriers by supporting access to bicycles, bike repairs, and transportation to medical and essential appointments, including out‑of‑town services when needed.

Community Connection and Well‑Being
Inclusive community events, recreation activities, and social gatherings help reduce isolation and build connection between workers and the broader community. These activities support well‑being and belonging, especially for workers living in rural or isolated locations.

Program Funding and Partners

The Similkameen Seasonal Workers Program is funded through two complementary funding partners, each supporting a distinct part of the program:

MOSAIC
MOSAIC funding supports early‑season welcoming, learning, and prevention‑focused outreach. This includes initial farm visits, welcome packages, worker rights education, safety information, and early‑season workshops delivered shortly after workers arrive in the region.

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (CARE Program)
DIVERSEcity funding supports ongoing, needs‑driven services after arrival. This includes case management and referrals, health and dental navigation, legal and emergency supports, mental‑health‑informed check‑ins, transportation assistance, community events, recreation, and mobility supports such as bicycles and bike repair resources.

Together, these funding partners ensure workers receive both early‑season orientation and ongoing, responsive support throughout their time in the Similkameen.

Emergency & Extreme Weather Response

We provide emergency and urgent support during extreme weather events such as heat waves, wildfire smoke, evacuations, and other situations that affect workers’ safety or well‑being, including help accessing medical care, information, transportation, and community resources.