Financial help is urgently needed! An educational center servicing the Latino community is in danger of closing! The center, La Casa Comunal, opened in October 2003 after two attempts to open shape-up sites for day laborers were thwarted by strong opposition from community residents.

Since 1999, Farmingdale Citizens for Viable Solutions (FCVS) has been actively involved in seeking ways to address the day labor problem. Because of the site setbacks, FCVS had to reshape its plan. With the cooperation of HOLA and Work Place Project, La Casa Comunal evolved. HOLA and FCVS volunteers operate all programs at the center. We have initiated the following:

* ESL classes two nights a week

* Soup supper and weekly meeting for the area day laborers

* Two weekly AA meetings

* Cafe y Pan for morning workers waiting for contractors

* Used men's clothing and bicycles for those in need.

Overall, there are 75 participants who take part in one or more of the programs on a regular basis. La Casa Comunal is successfully addressing the issues of concern that are consistently raised by fellow residents.

Unfortunately, our funding is about to end. We have been awarded money from another funder but it is contingent upon receiving government aid. We have worked persistently to obtain such funds but to no avail. Mayor George Graf has told us that he "cannot bless what we do" and is unable to financially support our efforts with money received from government grants. He explained that this government money was awarded to the Village for the needs of its residents, only. Seventy five percent of our program participants are village residents.

With no possibility of government help, we were forced to launch a grass roots pledge appeal. In late July, we mailed 500 letters to residents and businesses in this area asking for a monthly pledge of ten dollars for a year. To date, our pledges total a little over $1,000 per month. Only two local small businesses have contributed.

Meanwhile, the funder who originally required the contingency of government support has agreed to release the funds if we are able to meet the rent expense for the next year. We need $500 more in monthly pledges to satisfy that requirement. It seems attainable. We only have two more weeks to accomplish this.

Consider your pledge an investment in your community. If possible, double the power of your donation with a matching grant from your employer. Please help us! All donations are confidential.

FCVS is a non profit 501(c) 3 organization. Send your request for a pledge application to:

Farmingdale Citizens for Viable Solutions, Inc

150 South Front Street

Farmingdale, NY 11735

Janet Liotta, President

John Hagmeyer, Vice President