Pathways to Work

The area surrounding the Morristown Train Station has long been a place for day laborers to congregate in an effort to find work.  In January of 2009, Pathways to Work was established with a goal to bring workers and employers together in ways that protect and benefit both.  PTW was initially funded by the Community Foundation of New Jersey and currently receives funding from several local organizations, including The Presbyterian Church in Morristown.

PTW is under the direction of Rosa Chilquillo, Community Organizer and Project Manager, and is headquartered at Neighborhood House.  As of October 2010, there are 264 men and 116 women registered PTW day laborers, illustrating a need for this service as well as the recent downturn in our economy.  Rosa continues to offer training and job fairs to expand the kind of work available to her registered workers, including OSHA workshops on job safety.   

Transportation continues to be an issue for PTW workers.  For example, anyone hired by UPS must be able to travel to Parsippany.  One of Rosa's long-term goals is to purchase a van, which could be used for transportation as well as many other purposes.  The yellow caps provided to all PTW workers are an ongoing problem.  Many workers prefer not to wear them, and Rosa asks that they do wear them to identify themselves as registered PTW workers. 

One of  PTW's goals was to ensure fair payment to registered workers.  Rosa was happy to report that there have been no incidents of employers failing to pay PTW workers when the job arrangements have been through her office.  However, this continues to be a problem when employment is privately arranged.

Rosa has also organized a soccer league that plays each weekend and is very successful.  It offers recreation to the workers at a time when loneliness and the possibility of wrong choices is the greatest.  Henry Gomez, a member of our congregation is one of the leaders.

Please contact Rosa for information about PTW and how you can help.