SIP Program - Diocese of SW Florida

The Southwest Florida Communities of Immokalee and Pine Island are home to a large number of farmworkers. These workers, who come primarily from Mexico, Guatemala and Haiti, as well as from other Central and South American countries, work in various agricultural industries in these communities. Underpaid and overworked, these workers and their families face many challenges, including affordable housing, medical care and access to other social services.

Type of Work

Immokalee:

Interns will be able to choose two agencies with whom they will work during their stay. These include: Catholic Social Services, Habitat for Humanity, Immokalee Friendship House (homeless shelter), programs for at-risk youth, and The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (a farm workers' advocacy organization).

Pine Island:

Pine Island interns will work with the Beacon of H.O.P.E. (a faith-based long-term relief agency) and the outreach ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church, helping with a variety of outreach programs designed to service farmworkers and their families. These include, but are not limited to, summerday-camp, ESL (English as a second language) classes and Saturday fun days (optional).

Housing:

Immokalee - Private room in a parishioner's home in Naples for the first four weeks. Second four weeks in shared accommodation located at a homeless shelter in Immokalee.
Pine Island - Private room in a parishioner's home.

* There is also an opportunity to spend time in a Spanish-speaking congregation in Tampa.

 Hours & Transportation:

40 hours a week with designated time for parish involvement, reflection and discernment.
Transportation provided for the intern. A car is helpful at both sites

Language:

Immokalee - English, Spanish, French and Creole.
Pine Island - This placement is appropriate for individuals whose first language is English or Spanish.

Contact: The Rev. Katherine Tate, Phone: 941-556-0315 Ext. 203.