SOUTH BEND, Ind. (March 23rd, 2026) Proteus, Inc. hosted the Indiana Farmworker Recognition Breakfast on March 23, 2026 at Four Winds Casino South Bend, recognizing farmworkers and raising funds to support services for agricultural workers and their families.
The event was held ahead of National Farmworker Awareness Week, scheduled for March 25 through March 31. South Bend Mayor James Mueller and Indiana State Rep. Maureen Bauer delivered proclamations recognizing the week, according to the release.
José Padilla, former president of Valparaiso University and former president and general counsel at DePaul University, delivered the keynote address and spoke about his personal connection to farmwork.
Organizers presented Cultivating Futures Technology Awards to 23 farmworkers and students participating in the National Farmworker Jobs Program. Recipients receive education assistance, career coaching, and social service support through Proteus, Inc., and each was awarded a laptop.
Gisselle Hernandez was named Youth Farmworker of the Year and Danika Lemus was named Farmworker of the Year. Sam Erwin of Indiana Berry & Plant Co. received Farmer of the Year honors, and Dandy Garcia of the American Cancer Society was named Partner of the Year.
Proteus, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides agricultural workers and their families with healthcare access, education assistance, and job training.
Redress Wire
Redress Wire is the news service of Redress South Bend, focused on document-based reporting, public records, public meetings, legal filings, and official statements in South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. Wire briefs are prepared from primary source materials and government records.
