Catholic Charities Providing help. Creating hope.

Catholic Charities program director receives
award from farm worker support group

By Judy Bokorney
Web Site Editor 

Sarasota—The Sarasota/Manatee Farmworker Supporters recently held their annual Cesar Chavez Memorial Dinner at the Golden Apple Dinner Theater and recognized a few local citizens for their contribution to the betterment of farm workers.

Sister Ann DeNicolo, program director of Catholic Charities of DeSoto County, was honored for many years of service to the migrant community especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Charley.

“One of the best parts of this annual event is that we get to pay tribute to people for the work they have done under the radar for the farm workers,” said Attorney/Advocate Greg Schell and member of the farm worker support group.

“We were all inconvenienced by the hurricanes these past few seasons but the farm workers were especially affected because they lost their homes, which typically are not in good shape to begin with, and their jobs due to crop damage,” Schell said. “Hurricane Charley brought to the forefront a person who has been helping the farm workers for years. Sister Ann DeNicolo.”

Schell said Sister DeNicolo’s “behind the scenes” efforts have generated attention to the migrant farm workers in Arcadia and surrounding areas. “She has fought fearlessly and consistently for DeSoto County farm workers,” he said.

Schell said many farm workers were afraid to “come out of the shadows for help” during the weeks following Hurricane Charley because of the presence of governmental agencies such as FEMA. “Sister Ann found a way to get them the help they needed despite their fears and convinced them to come to Catholic Charities,” he said.

Catholic Charities still is addressing the long-term recovery issues for the farm workers in DeSoto County especially housing, Schell said. “Catholic Charities is offering a better future for farm workers by building affordable homes that are safer than the ones that were destroyed by the storm.”

Sister DeNicolo accepted her award on behalf of Catholic Charities staff, donors and volunteers. “So many people have helped to do the work of Catholic Charities in DeSoto County,” she said.

“I feel honored and proud to have my name associated with Cesar Chavez,” Sister DeNicolo said. “He was an idol of mine in my youth.”

“My prayer is for the migrant workers, God’s little ones, that one day they will find their voices and be able to speak for themselves,” Sister DeNicolo concluded.

The Sarasota/Manatee Farmworker Supporters is non-profit organization that advocates for farm workers especially in the areas of improving working conditions and pay, and health care and living conditions. For more information visit www.smfws.com.

Catholic Charities of DeSoto County serves the community with programs such as direct assistance, immigration counseling, after-school tutoring, prescription assistance, parenting and English classes, and holiday programs. For more information about Catholic Charities of DeSoto County please call 863-494-1068.

Photo #1: Catholic Charities Program Director Sister Ann DeNicolo receives the Cesar Chavez Memorial Award for her work with farm workers in DeSoto County.

Photo #2: Sister Ann DeNicolo was recognized especially for her work with farm workers after Hurricane Charley struck Arcadia and surrounding communities.