Who We Are And Who We Serve

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Migrant Farmworkers Project (MFP) is a project of Legal Aid of Western Missouri and is based in Kansas City. MFP has been serving and empowering Missouri's farmworkers -specifically those in Lafayette County and the southeast "Bootheel" region of Missouri - since 1984.  MFP's staff meet with migrant farmworkers when they first arrive at the orchards in late summer to determine their eligibility for public benefits, for medical and dental services, and to complete school enrollment forms.  From then until workers migrate elsewhere, MFP seeks to meet critical needs and assist with a variety of health and other issues.  For   those families that settle in the area, ongoing assistance is provided.

Objectives


  • Help farmworkers meet emergency material needs.
  • Provide health education, healthcare, advocacy, and individual medical and dental case management.
  • Provide free and accurate legal advice and/or representation.
  • Promote personal and communal growth and development through educational opportunities and leadership training.
  • Raise community awareness about migrant farmworkers' lives and the challenges they face.

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Update

MFP is honored and excited to be one of 8 organizations selected nationwide in a groundbreaking national initiative, Setting the Table: Fighting Hunger in Rural and Remote Communities.  MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger recently launched this capacity-building initiative to help rural hunger organizations develop and sustain high-impact programs, build strategies for resiliency and effectiveness, and flourish in efforts to create hunger-free communities. The project recognizes that rural communities face unique challenges in their ability to address food insecurity and healthy food access and that hunger and poverty are more prevalent in rural America.  MFP hosted two representatives from MAZON in October, during the fall apple season.  Suzanne Gladney and Bob McGill, MFP staff, will join with the MAZON board and staff and representatives from the other partner organizations in mid-January for the first training session.

Feinstein Challenge

Between March 1 and April 30, 2013, make a contribution by cash or check or in the form of non-perishable food to the Migrant Farmworkers Project.  Use this form; for food donations, please call to arrange a delivery time.

Your donation will be matched by a portion of $1million given away by the Feinstein Foundation* to U.S. non-profit agencies with anti-hunger programs. Please share this great opportunity with your friends and co-workers by forwarding the link to this website today.

 

Mission and Vision


No human being is illegal.  Migrant farmworkers, like others, have fundamental rights to healthcare, education, and meaningful participation in society.  MFP serves, accompanies, and advocates for these unique and often marginalized people.

Recent News: Suzanne Gladney Honored on KCPT's THE LOCAL SHOW

In conjunction with the airing of its special documentary, MAKERS: Women Who Make America, KCPT invited the public to nominate groundbreaking women who have sparked change in our own local community. THE LOCAL SHOW, Producer Pam James introduced viewers to the three inspiring women, including Suzanne, who were chosen through the votes, and looked at the difference they have made to our metropolitan area. Suzanne was recognized for her over 30 years of work with migrant farmworkers and immigrants in the KC region. Please watch the show here.

Take Note!

MFP would like to thank everyone who came to shop at 10,000 Villages during their annual shopping day to benefit MFP. We raised $689.00, which was 15% of the sales from that afternoon. We also want to say a special thank you to our host and benefactor, 10,000 Villages!