The Canal Alliance Opportunity Center project primarily serves both men and women in Marin's immigrant temporary work force. The project asks workers to become members of the project and to live out the Center’s principles which are to make a commitment to Self, the Center and the Community. Members have priority access to classes, computers, services and jobs through the Marinhelpers.com website. Members agree to uphold the principles by doing things such as making a personal success plan, participating in community activities and supporting the center’s marketing efforts. Members attend a weekly meeting to discuss and vote on the activities at the center and to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.
“If this place wasn’t here, people wouldn’t know where to go for help, to learn things, to learn English and to move ahead.” -Jenry Palacios
“The food that we get here helps. The bathroom helps a lot. I can’t go all the way home to use the bathroom. Here, I can just walk in and ask for the key with confidence. It helps a lot.” -Miguel Angel Lemus
“If this center wasn’t here, where would we go?” -Julio Cenobio Victoria
A Canal Alliance staff member takes requests from residential employers who need help with general labor, moving, hauling, gardening, cleaning and painting just to name a few of the categories prospective that can requested. Employer requests can be made through www.MarinHelpers.com or by calling (415) 721-7777. The website contains helpful information on how the hiring process works.
The project was launched in 2009 by Legal Aid of Marin and now in 2011 Canal Alliance is leading the project. Legal Aid of Marin and Ritter Center will continue to be key project partners as we move forward.
