Valley agency gave back to residents through 15th annual Farm-Worker Appreciation Day in Mendota

MENDOTA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Knowledge is power and employment agency Proteus is empowering workers in the Valley through the company's Farmworkers Appreciation event.

Chief Executive for Proteus, Robert Alcazar, said, "Some will take the information and work at it and, just like the American dream, they will try to better themselves and their lives."

Proteus has partnered with law enforcement, legal services, and other agencies to provide resources to agricultural families. Alcazar said this event shows farmworkers they matter.

"We take it for granted when we go to the table and start eating, but that labor is there in front of us every time we pick up a fork."

A goal of the event is to inform workers about their rights.

Nora Ramirez with California Rural Legal Assistance said they often see workers who are taken advantage of and even harassed by employers.

"A lot of employers tell them they are not entitled to take a break or a lunch break, so there is a lot of miscommunication out there."

The event also provides job opportunities, which is why Martha Parra attended.

"I worked before in the fields and that is a hard job and I want to be better."

This year, more than 200 people were helped through the event. The company said they will continue to uplift families for years to come.