History

By the early 2000s an open-air labor market had developed in Jupiter along Center Street and the surrounding areas. Hundreds of day laborers, primarily Mayan immigrants from Guatemala and southern Mexico, would congregate daily in an unorganized outdoor market where employers picked them up for work. Neighbors complained to town officials about traffic safety, loitering, and a perceived drop in real estate values. Laborers were subject to wage theft, unsafe work environments, and abuse. As tensions escalated, a group of residents, immigrants, faith-based groups, and university and town officials came together to address the problem. In 2006, grassroots, public/private coalition created a 501(c)3 nonprofit- El Sol, Jupiter’s Neighborhood Resource Center to improve the quality of life for the residents of Jupiter and surrounding communities by providing services primarily to day laborers, their children and families. Initially, El Sol focused on providing a safe and organized labor center where workers were protected from abuses and employers could hire day laborers in a safe and controlled environment. Over the years, El Sol has grown to meet the needs of the community by providing services in seven different program areas: Labor, Adult Education, Health, Community Life, Legal, Food and Nutrition, and Youth Development.

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Mission Statement

Improve the quality of life for the residents of Jupiter by providing services primarily to day laborers, their children and families.

Vision

El Sol envisions a harmonious integrated community in which all people can reach their highest potential. We seek for Jupiter to be a model for other communities serving day laborers and their families.