This Worker Wednesday is dedicated to all the staff of every community based non-profit center throughout the urban and rural communities that have made an impact for those they have effected with their dedication and sincerity. These groups fill the gaps that our government falls short in or overlooks. We are reflective of the society we wish to challenge and transform for a better world and sometimes we have our own struggles to resolve and rectify. The Filipino people are not above this contradiction. But here’s a glimpse of where we’ve come from and where we are trying to go. #repost @farmerjohneric “Do you own the building?” They all asked. “Technically, with other board members I’m liable for it but I’m just a caretaker for the next generation.” I reply. “This building on Temple Street between Vendome and Robinson has been a place that allowed kids like me to be kids like you guys. I learned to dance Filipino dances, participated in leadership skills development trainings, organized art shows and hosted political events. Eventually I worked here doing after school activities for youth like the Temple Gateway Basketball League, youth art media projects, and the annual Halloween Haunted House and Christmas Toy Drive. After that, I came back to do small business counseling to help us work on a business plan to start The Park’s Finest. Now this new building is going to be housing for those that need a place to stay and the offices downstairs will be used for programming. We will even have a kitchen for the community to cook together, teach classes, and host guest chefs who are visiting out of town and want to do a pop-up. It’s important for you guys to learn what was here before and what we need to build for the future. I won’t be on hood patrol forever and who’s gonna look out for the Lolas on the block? It’s gonna be up to you guys to get smarter and stronger to help where you can.” #🇵🇭 #🇺🇸 #💗