Legal Aid of Marin

Project Summary

In 2009, Legal Aid of Marin launched the Marin Opportunity Centers in collaboration with Canal Alliance and The Ritter Center. This was a special program designed for Marin's temporary workers in need of greater skills and access to jobs.

In 2011, the leadership and direction of the program was transferred to Canal Alliance. Legal Aid of Marin continues to support and provide advice regarding this important project.

Background

The project is comprised of two inter-related components designed to help individuals and families integrate into the community and increase self-sufficiency: (1) two service referral sites called Opportunity Centers and (2) a Virtual Hiring  Hall called MarinHelpers.com.

The benefits of the project include advancing the dignity of workers, humane treatment, access to information and services, educating the underserved and creating systemic change.  The initiative creates equity by preventing exploitation, establishing a mechanism to receive current and accurate information,providing a place of dignity, including restrooms, and encouraging workers to share and exchange ideas and concerns.

The project offers several benefits to the community including the integration of this population to the Marin society, mainly through immigrant and non-immigrant temporary worker advocacy, acquisition of the English language and access to community services.

The project began as a collaboration with several nonprofit agencies in Marin County with the following lead agencies

• Legal Aid of Marin
• Canal Alliance
• Ritter Center

• Parent Services Project
• Marin Link
• Canal Welcome Center
• Novato Human Needs
• All Saints Lutheran Church
• Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
• Marin Interfaith Council