Main Programs:

Employment: Centreville Labor Resource Center: (CLRC)is open from 6 am until noon (summer hours), Monday to Saturday. Workers looking for a job for the day or a few days are matched with individuals wanting to hire someone with their skills. 75% of those who hire are homeowners in need of help on their property. From 2019 to 2021, a total of 6,160 jobs were arranged through the center.

Skills training: Since opening, the CLRC has offered training opportunities for workers that include techniques for painting and patching dry wall, electrical safety workshops, landscaping, carpentry (including power-saw safety) and painting concrete floors. These classes boost knowledge necessary improve, learn, and grow for better employment opportunities and financial stability.

Language classes: English conversation groups led by volunteers are offered most mornings while workers wait for jobs; these informal classes build job-related vocabulary and provide practical conversational skills in a small group (fewer than six people). These classes follow weekly themes that aim to build confidence. An evening ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class supplements the daytime classes, using a structured format so participants can measure their progress. We also partner with great groups such as Grace Covenant Church to match members with other formal classes in the area!

Wage Theft Prevention & Recovery: addresses the problem of wage theft both through helping individuals recover wages and by working for systemic change. The group assists individuals by sending letters and making phone calls on their behalf. They have accompanied some workers to Small Claims Court, and won judgments in their favor. In addition to assisting with individual cases, the group is working with the Interfaith Center for Public Policy and other allies around the Commonwealth to identify flaws in the system that allow wage theft to occur and introduce legislation to address them.

Immigrant Rights: CIF recognizes that immigrant rights and worker rights are tied. Often exploitations and barriers to sustainability stem from inequities due to status, language, or other factors. CIF engages in this work through advocacy efforts, and systems change with partners and organizations through the commonwealth.  We provide resources, updates and information to our members to build systems of support, learning and understanding that focus on community building that leads to stronger more united communities.

  • CIF does not have an attorney on staff, and does not provide legal services. CIF provides information, resources, and makes referrals to reputable attorneys and non-profit legal services for members with legal questions.