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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/18/2024
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Launches Notary Services to Support Vulnerable Communities
WIMAUMA, FL – Beth-El Farmworker Ministry is proud to announce the launch of its new notary services, responding to the growing community need for safe and accessible document notarization. With six registered notaries now available, Beth-El aims to protect families from notary fraud and provide essential support in handling documents related to immigration and civil matters.
“We recognize the urgent need for reliable notary services, especially among immigrant communities who are particularly vulnerable to fraud,” said Dr. Teresita Matos-Post, Executive Director of Beth-El Farmworker Ministry. “In many Latin American countries, notaries are highly trained legal professionals, including attorneys. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding leaves many immigrants exposed to exploitation in the U.S. Our goal is to provide a safe and trustworthy resource for notarizing essential documents.”
Beth-El’s notary services will assist the community with a variety of documentation needs, including:
– Parental and financial plans
– Marriage certificates and wedding ceremonies
– Birth certificate notarization
– Support for powers of attorney and deeds
Service Availability
Notary services will be available at Beth-El during the following hours:
– Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
– Second Saturday of the month: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Appointments can be scheduled by calling (813) 633-1548 or through the online booking system https://portal.soxbox.co/pantry/beth-el-mission
Commitment to Education and Fair Pricing
Beth-El will also launch an educational campaign to inform the community about the role of notaries, ensuring that individuals understand what services a notary can and cannot provide. It is important to note that notaries are not authorized to offer legal advice or submit immigration paperwork. Any immigration-related documentation will be referred to Beth-El’s trusted legal partners.
To ensure accessibility, the cost of notary services will be as follows:
– Free for farmworkers who can verify their employment and for individuals already registered for Beth-El services
– $5-$10 per notary stamp for community members based on a sliding scale
– $20-$30 for wedding ceremonies
Official Launch & Farmworker Awareness Week
The notary services program will officially launch on Thursday, March 27, in observance of Farmworker Awareness Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions and challenges of farmworkers in the U.S.
For more information, visit https://beth-el.org or contact us at (813) 633-1548.
About Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
Feeding the mind, spirit, and body of the farm-working community and our neighbors in need through opportunities for hunger relief, education, healthcare, and spiritual growth.
Since 1976, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc. has encouraged and assisted farmworkers, their families, and neighbors in South Hillsborough County by addressing food insecurity, providing access to education, career advancement, and spiritual care.
Our services include:
– A weekly food distribution on-site and at farms
– A monthly dental clinic
– A thrift store and community closet
– Direct emergency services
– A scholarship and mentoring program for youth and young adults
Nuevo Camino at Beth-El is our Hispanic/Latino Christian faith community, offering Reformed tradition services twice a week. We also work in partnership with Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) and Gulf Coast Legal Services.
Media Contact
Dr. Teresita Matos-Post
Executive Director
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
Phone: (813) 633-1548
Email: info@beth-el.org
Website: https://beth-el.org
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