The majority of migrant-eligible families served in the Shenandoah Valley are considered "formerly migrant" meaning that sometime within the past 3 years they have exited the migrant circuit and begun settling into a community. Two-parent families with children are the norm for these settling-out families, often hosting single brothers or cousins. Extended families or persons from the same hometown are commonly found in proximity and provide valuable mutual support.  Nearly all local migrant eligible clients are Latino with most representing Mexico, although there is also a substantial number from Honduras, Puerto Rico and a few from other Latin American countries as well.  A significant number of families are from an indigenous background and may speak Mixteco, Chatino, Otomí or Mam as their first language. Many of the children of migrant families were born in the United States.

It is important to note that not all migrants are Latinos, just as not all Latinos are migrants or immigrants. There exists great diversity of ethnic origin, education, and customs among Latinos. The uniqueness and sense of unity with people from their home state/region is highly prized.  Latino migrants share and contribute to our shared community a strong sense of family, a love of celebration, a desire for success in education and employment and a tradition of cherishing their roots while embracing opportunities for the future.

Migrant Education offers year-round advocacy and supplemental instructional services for preschool and school-aged eligible students as well as young adults under the age of twenty-two, targeting the students who are most at risk due to their high mobility and/or limited proficiency in English.  In service to educators, Migrant Ed. is able to:

• Assist local schools and preschool programs with registering and placing students

• Provide training for classroom teachers and administration in the areas of second language acquisition and ESL strategies

• Provide tutors for students who need supplemental academic help

• Mentor youth through completion of high school and establishment of future educational and career goals

• Encourage parent involvement through home visits and assistance with parent-teacher conferences and parent meetings

• Arrange, transport to and interpret for appointments which directly affect a child’s education or well being

• Offer family literacy through home visits to families with preschool-aged children