Foundation provides money for farmworkers

The Ventura County Community Foundation has announced the distribution of $41,000 in the first four grants from the "Freeze Fund" through the Community Disaster Fund.

The special fund was established by the foundation and United Way of Ventura County.

The grants are to assist farmworkers who are struggling with the aftereffects of recent crop freezes and losses.

Other contributions have been made by local citizens and community leaders, and more are expected from area businesses and individuals, as well as several statewide foundations.

Initial grants will go to St. John's Health Ministries, $3,587; Catholic Charities, $13,632; Lutheran Social Services in partnership with Catholic Charities, $11,480; and FOOD Share, $12,300. Each of these charities will use the funds to provide assistance to farmworkers.

"We are pleased to work with these nonprofits to get assistance quickly to those who need it the most," said Hugh Ralston, foundation president.

"Thanks to an extraordinary level of cooperation and focus from the community nonprofits to work together to get aid quickly to those who are in need, we were able to get the first cycle of funds distributed within one week of the fund being established," he said.

Discussions among the nonprofit community and growers indicate that as many as 15,000 workers and their families may have immediate needs. While these are pressing, longterm impacts of the freeze will affect local farmers, packing houses and distribution centers as well as those working directly in area farming businesses.

As other contributions are received, the foundation will distribute grants to area nonprofits that provide farmworkers' freezerelated assistance.

Those seeking assistance should call 211. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should make the check payable to VCCF/ Freeze Fund. Contributions are being accepted at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 150, Camarillo, CA 93010 and at the United Way of Ventura County, 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 100, Camarillo, CA 93010. For more information, visit www.vccf.org and www.vcunitedway.org.