TESTIMONIALS

How successful has the Day Labor Research Institute been at solving the day labor  problem?

Here are statements from citizens, business owners, police officers, City officials,  and day laborers with whom we have worked:

"One can only appreciate the beauty after experiencing the blight.  The day laborer center has changed the blight into a very productive and positive image for both the workers at the program and the community of El Monte." 
John Wolsdorf, El Monte resident since 1953


"I've watched this project from the day it first started…. It has been one of Glendale's best kept secrets…. The job placement rate is so good.  It's both addressing a community problem and meeting individual needs…. Decent jobs at a decent wage." 
Glendale Mayor Eileen Givens


"The police are our allies now"
Alberto Mejia, day laborer in Glendale
 

"These cities [with worker designed centers] chose this model to solve their day laborer problem because they saw that it works in Glendale.  They saw that there are no day laborers left on the streets in Glendale--they are all working out of the Center.  We are running the program ourselves and are paying for it ourselves through dues that we voted in."
Alejo Oliveros, day laborer in Glendale
 

"This is the most intelligent moves a City could make.  It solves the problem of casual labor in a manner good for all.  An example of how a regulation can  be productive instead of prohibitive." 
Glendale home owner
 

"Wonderful idea.  Good for all concerned.  The most intelligent solution to a problem I have seen in many years."
Glendale home owner


"Takes the fear out of hiring day workers" 
Los Angeles contractor

 
"I was very  impressed.  I commend Glendale.  In all my years in this field I have never seen this type of program and control." 
Glendale contractor

 
"It's something we are very proud of….  A key partner is this whole program were the workers themselves and they played an absolutely critical role in helping not  only design and implement the center but also in its daily operation…. What was perhaps a bit of an adversarial [relationship] many years ago is now a true partnership.  The men work with the officers on a daily basis in a  very effective manner…. On the day of the funeral of Officer Chuck Lazaretto, the workers voted to close the center and they took a donation out of their own pockets…. They collected close to $100 and they bought a very nice big wreath.  They actually walked to the adjoining city where the funeral services were held and were present there, gave the wreath and the donation to the family and I tell you, that left a significant impact on all of  the officers."
Glendale Police Captain Ron Depompa

 
"This was  something that could have been troublesome for the whole community, and issue that was in many ways divisive.  The day workers along with the private sector, the City of Glendale, and the community accepted this center.   This is an exemplary idea of how you can bring together all the entities that are effected." 
Glendale Councilman Larry Zarian


"It's really been amazing how successful it has been!" 
Glendale Councilman Dave Weaver


"Something that made sense!  A problem that has existed in this community for a long time, a deep seated  problem, was turned around virtually overnight by a tremendously successful program." 
Glendale Councilman Sheldon Baker