Episcopal Farmworker Ministry

The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFWM) is a joint endeavor of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern North Carolina and North Carolina established in 1982. Their main offices are located in Dunn, NC and the majority of those they serve live in Duplin, Harnett, Johnston, Lenoir, and Sampson counties. Their work supports agricultural workers (farmworkers, meat processing plant workers, and workers from nurseries, packing houses, or livestock farms) as well immigrant families in Eastern North Carolina through coordination of direct services, leadership programs, community education programs, and advocacy support. Their mission is to respond to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of farmworkers and support opportunities for them to become self-directive. This work stems from the understanding that despite the essential role farmworkers serve in our local communities and economy, they are often subjected to substandard housing, pesticide exposure, dangerous work, inadequate pay, intimidation, and language/educational barriers.

Some examples of the work EFWM does includes:

• An Annual Farmworker Festival
• Monthly gatherings to celebrate and build community
• English as Second Language (ESL) classes
• Disaster relief aid and preparedness classes
• Mental Health Services
• Food Distribution events
• And so much more!

EFWM receives funding from a myriad of sources: churches, individuals, foundations, and corporations. St. James has supported EFWM for many years both financially and with our time and talents. Our annual backpack drive is in full swing, helping to support 1,000 children of farmworkers prepare for school. Please visit the landing page on our website to sign up to supply a backpack or provide a donation so our team can purchase a backpack and supplies on your behalf. And as always, you can lend your support to EFWM through prayer: for the mission of this organization and for the agricultural workers they serve.

For more information on EFWM, please visit their website: https://episcopalfarmworkerministry.org/.