Monthly Life and Wellness Training for Hispanic Farmworkers

Family Services Part I: Maintaining Family Bonds Across Borders

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development (CAWD) along with NY FarmNet, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), and Cornell Small Farms’ Futuro en Ag Program, are now in their fourth month of the new statewide initiative: VIDA Series. This once-a-month FREE program is designed to support the well-being, confidence, and long-term success of Hispanic farmworkers through short educational videos and interactive live discussions. The VIDA Series—named for the Spanish word “vida” (meaning “life”)—offers free, Spanish-language sessions focused on four key areas of growth:

I – Informar para crecer (Inform for Growth) – Strengthening personal financial knowledge, including banking, budgeting, and avoiding scams.

D – Desarrollar el futuro (Develop the Future) – Encouraging long-term planning, savings, and small business development both in the U.S. and abroad.

A – Activar la confianza (Activate Confidence) – Building communication and leadership skills to improve relationships at work and at home.

April:

• Format: Online pre-recorded videos and live monthly Zoom sessions
• Topic: Family Services Part I – Maintaining Family Bonds Across Borders
  Watch the video now.
• Session Schedule: Live sessions every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
• Languages: All content and discussions in Spanish
• Cost: Free of charge
• Registration: not required!
• Subscribe to Ag Workforce Journal to receive the free video emails and Zoom links.
  A compelling and heartfelt conversation on how families can stay connected despite physical distance. VIDA 2026 | Family Part I explores emotional challenges, practical strategies, and the power of communication in strengthening family bonds across separation. Through real-life insights and reflections with Psychologist Maria Hall, this video highlights that family connection is not defined by proximity, but by commitment, love, and the intentional ways we remain present in each other’s lives.

Monthly Topics: VIDA’s monthly topics for 2026 include:

• UP NEXT: April: Family Services Part I – Maintaining Family Bonds Across Borders with NY FarmNet – LIVE DISCUSSION APRIL 16, 7 PM EST
• May: Understanding and Preventing Addiction with Tito Chavez (NYCAMH)
• June: Communicating with the American Boss with María Bess Lewis (CAWD)
• July: Financial Basics Part II – Budgeting and Saving for the Future with NY FarmNet
• August: How to Start a Small Business Abroad with Mildred Alvarado (Cornell Small Farms)
• September: Family Services Part II – Family Stability and Growth While Apart with NY FarmNet
• October: Health Awareness Part II – Dental Care and Preventive Health with Anna Meyerhoff (NYCAMH)
• November: Financial Basics Part III – Credit and Financial Introduction with Mildred Alvarado (Cornell Small Farms)
• December: Special Guests and Personal Stories on Scams hosted by María Bess Lewis (CAWD)

About the VIDA Skills Series:

VIDA (Valorar, Informar, Desarrollar, Activar) was created to promote holistic growth and well-being among Hispanic agricultural employees. The program integrates health, financial literacy, and communication skills to help workers make informed decisions and pursue a more secure, confident future.

Partner Organizations:

The VIDA Skills Series is a collaboration between Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development, NY FarmNet, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), and Cornell Small Farms’ Futuro en Ag Program—organizations committed to strengthening New York’s agricultural workforce through education, outreach, and wellness initiatives.

For More Information:

To learn more about the VIDA Skills Series, please visit https://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/ or contact Mary Lewis at ml2656@cornell.edu