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In March, Farmworker Foundation is offering three free financial literacy workshops on Zoom. To sign up, please visit our event calendar or register through the links below.
Common Workplace Calculations
March 7 | 7:00-8:00am | Zoom Join Professor Guillermo Gonzalez and practice solving common computations that require multiplication and division such as number of vines per acre, acres completed, vines completed per hour, and how many work hours were spent on each acre. Farm Operations Budgeting and Future Projections March 14 | 7:00-8:00am | Zoom Factors that determine if a wine program is profitable include not only the cost of production but also a cost unique to agriculture; cost per acre. Join Rolando Sanchez of Walsh Vineyards Management to work through three simple scenarios in which a wine program is making money, breaking even, or losing money, and how farming costs relate to the bottom line. Tax Preparation Support Resources March 21 | 3:00-3:30pm | Zoom Join us for this 30 minute online workshop with UpValley Family Centers to find out where to go and what to bring for free tax filing assistance for qualifying individuals and families in Napa County.
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 Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has established the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship Fund, which will make its first scholarship awards this year and memorializes Robert Alexander Scott (Alex). The scholarship is made possible by contributions of the family of Mr. Scott and those of his colleagues at Scott Laboratories. The Petaluma-based Scott Laboratories is a major supplier of goods and services to the North American wine industry.
The scholarship awards will support entry-level or non-supervisory vineyard and winery workers seeking to advance their careers, regardless of county residency. Scholarships support study toward a certificate or an associate degree in viticulture or enology at one of the following colleges: Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College. Children and spouses/partners of eligible employees may also apply. “Alex worked at Scott Laboratories from 2005 until his death in 2021. During his career, Alex developed a concern that the industry should commit itself to the welfare of those who work in it. In particular, he wanted to help people to help themselves move up the ladder,” noted his father, Bruce Scott. Obtaining some formal education is key to advancing your career, explained Gustavo Avina, “Receiving my viticulture certification from Napa Valley College was an important step in my career. When I began, I was a regular vineyard worker and now I am the Viticulture Director for Pine Ridge Vineyards. Education is very important if you want a better position at work.” Ellen Drayton, who oversees scholarships at Napa Valley Community Foundation, added, “We are very excited about the opportunities that the Robert Alexander Scott scholarship affords our hardworking wine industry employees. Our scholarship portfolio, which is the largest in the Valley, is growing each year to include more vocational training opportunities to boost our local workforce.” The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is assisting NVCF with its efforts to get the scholarship in front of as many eligible workers as possible. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation was founded on the principle that education is fundamental to success: it is limitless; provides a high return on investment; and once attained, can never be taken away. The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship puts opportunity within reach for farmworkers and their families.” said Sonya DeLuca, Farmworker Foundation Interim Executive Director. The deadline to apply for the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship is March 6, 2023, apply at https://bit.ly/ScottScholarship. An Expert Display of Technique and Speed at the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation's Pruning Contest2/6/2023 By Nick Otto, Napa Valley Register Scenes from the 21st annual Napa County Pruning Contest, which took place at Beringer Vineyards' Gamble Ranch near Yountville on Saturday. An Expert Display of Technique and Speed at the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation's Pruning Contest2/6/2023  Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s 21st annual Napa County Pruning Contest first place finishers, Alejandra Mendoza of Trefethen Family Vineyards (left) and Rene Alejo of FARM Napa Valley (right). Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) celebrated its 21st Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard on Saturday, February 4. It was a perfect day as 106 contestants displayed speed and technique in what is considered the most prestigious competition for Napa Valley’s vineyard professionals.
“The Napa County Pruning Contest continues to get better every year. Participants are passionate about improving their skills and competing against their peers,” said Rolando Sanchez, General Manager for Walsh Vineyards Management, and member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Education Committee, “The Pruning Contest is an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality, Napa Valley grape growing.” The FWF’s Napa County Pruning Contest is a community event with activities and giveaways for competitors and their families. At this year’s event, FWF handed out warm beanies and long-sleeved shirts, Bombas contributed socks of all sizes, and Copperfield’s Books donated children’s books. During the main event, each of the contestants pruned five vines in the day’s preliminary competition. Those with the highest scores went on to the final round, which produced the winners: 4 in the women’s division and 4 in the men’s division. The winners took home a generous bucket of gifts, which included cash, pruning tools, clothing, Napa Valley wine, gift cards and other prizes; a handmade silver belt buckle from Max Lang Belt and Buckles and first-ever champions jacket from FELCO was given to the 1st place winners. Employers typically match the cash prize winnings, so the day was highly rewarding for the top 8 finalists. All contestants enjoyed lunch catered by Tacos El Muchacho Alegre between competition rounds. Past Napa County Pruning Contest champions judged the competition this year, which was an opportunity to inspire competitors. “As a past winner, now judging, I’m proud and happy to be helping and hope to encourage competitors to win,” said Celia Perez of V. Sattui Winery and the first women’s division champion in 2014, “People think that the Pruning Contest is only for men, but I am here to prove it’s for everyone, and that anyone can win.” Competitors are Napa County farmworkers and full-time employees. All farmworkers who work in Napa County are eligible to compete. Winners received: 1st Place: $1,675 in cash and gifts cards plus a custom trophy belt buckle; FELCO champions jacket and vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine 2nd Place: $1,075 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine 3rd Place: $800 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine 4th Place: $550 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO Swiss Knife; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine Women’s Division Winners: 1st Place: Alejandra Mendoza, Trefethen Family Vineyards 2nd Place: Reyna Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management 3rd Place: Ana Mejia, Trefethen Family Vineyards 4th Place: Irene Escoto, Trefethen Family Vineyards Men’s Division Winners: 1st Place: Rene Alejo, FARM Napa Valley 2nd Place: Jesús Alejandro Contreras, Pearls Farm Labor 3rd Place: Lorenzo Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management 4th Place: Sergio Melgoza, Rocca Family Wines Support for this event was provided by sponsors Nemerever Vineyards, Pulido~Walker, Silicon Valley Bank, Martinez Orchards, Central Valley Ag Supplies, FELCO, Duarte Trees & Vines, Sunbelt Rentals, Ag Health Benefits Alliance, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, Crocker & Starr, Brotemarkle Davis & Co, H&E Equipment Services, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, Novavine, Pearls Farm Labor, Renteria Vineyard Management, Silver Oak, John Derr Farming, Grow West, Sunridge Nurseries, Taddei Vineyards, Gonzalez Vineyard Management, V. Sattui Winery, A&J Vineyard Supply, Larkmead Vineyards, Green Valley Tractor, and our partner in health, OLE Health. Thank you to the Napa Valley community members who served on the Napa County Pruning Contest Committee: Macy Stubstad, Co-Chair, Lawrence Wine Estates; Kendall Smith, Co-Chair, Grace Family Vineyards; Garrett Buckland, Premiere Viticultural Services; Brianna Beighle, Bryant Wines; Pam Bond, Allied Grape Growers; Chad Clark, Allied Grape Growers; Gustavo Avina, Pine Ridge; Blake Wood, Beckstoffer Vineyards; and Hayden Schmidter, Moulds Family Vineyard.  Meet Casimiro Zaragoza, from Joseph Phelps Vineyards and 2022 Men’s Division champion. When asked what advice he would give others who want to compete, and win — he tells it's important to have a positive attitude, and to grab the sheers without fear and focus on cutting. Stay tuned on Saturday February 4th when we announce the top four winners in each division Read full interview with Casimiro here.  In partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is offering Copperfield's Books gift cards to children of farmworkers. Copperfield's is a great local business filled with holiday treasures for children of all ages.
Program Details
Heritage Housing & Valle Verde - an 88-unit Affordable Housing project – is under construction, after 7 years in the making. The project is a mix of supportive housing, and includes 27 units that will be set-aside for Agricultural Labor/Farmworkers through state funding. Applications will be open closer to the completion of construction, but interest can be indicated by filling out a short form on the Burbank Housing website now. Learn more. Heritage Housing & Valle Verde - un proyecto de 88 unidades de vivienda accesible - está en construcción, después de 7 años en desarrollo. El proyecto es una mezcla de viviendas de apoyo, e incluye 27 unidades que serán reservados para los trabajadores del campo / Agricultura a través de la financiación estatal. Las solicitudes se abrirán más cerca de la finalización de la construcción, pero se puede indicar el interés rellenando un breve formulario en el sitio web de Burbank Housing ahora. Lea el folleto para trabajadores del campo
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is honored to announce an exciting partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation and would like to thank them for their generous financial commitment to two important 2022 programs.
We are grateful for this opportunity and for Wells Fargo’s historic support of our organization and the Napa Valley farmworker community.  Napa, CA (May 6, 2022) – The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, in partnership with Napa Valley Adult Education and their Workplace Training Institute, proudly announce the graduation of 27 students from the 2022 English Literacy Program. Now celebrating its 9th graduating class, the success of the 13-week English Literacy Program is in part due to the curriculum, which assists farmworkers with English and communication skills for the workplace. The program offers a beginner and intermediate track, helping students to develop and improve everything from listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to grammar and pronunciation – all using workplace vocabulary; since the launch of the program, 778 students have participated.
Take advantage of these valuable Spanish presentations from leaders in our industry Improve your understanding of vineyard budgets:
Build personal financial skills:
Other recordings in the personal financial skill series include Personal Budgeting, Assessing Credit, and Navigating the American Retirement System. The Farmworker Foundation Financial Literacy Series is made possible by a USDA 2501 Grant
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