Essential Workers

The CSI partners with 805 Undocufund and the Department of Chicana/o Studies to serve Central Coast Essential Workers.

Professor Ines Casillas has expanded her volunteer service efforts to collaborate with Beatriz Basurto, 805 Undocufund Associate, in the creation of a student internship program aimed at serving essential workers during this time of critical need.

805 UndocuFund

A collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families who are excluded from federally funded safety net programs; that have been economically impacted by the loss of their homes, wages, and/or employment due to disasters in our community like wildfires, mudslides, and the coronavirus.

UndocuFund Website

Student interns are committing two to five hours a week to provide translation services to community members who would benefit from it. Because the work goes far beyond language translation, 805 Undocufund provides training and a toolkit so that students can connect virtually to those who have requested assistance.

During Spring Quarter - and some into the Summer - student Interns check in weekly with Professor Casillas to discuss the work and earn course credit through the CSI and the Department of Chicana/o Studies. As attested by current interns, the value of the collaboration goes far beyond standard educational measures.

805 Undocufund has taught me so much and given me an opportunity to grow as both a Spanish speaker and as a human being.
Nicole Olmedo, CSI + 805 Undocufund Intern