Alice and Jerry Foltz with their Visionary Award trophies. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
If two people ever deserved the Centreville Immigration Forum’s (CIF) first-ever Visionary Award, it’s Alice and Jerry Foltz, who founded this nonprofit to provide jobs for and improve the lives of local immigrants. And they received it at CIF’s annual banquet, Sept. 27, at the International Country Club in Chantilly.
“Their unwavering commitment to equity and justice has had a profound impact on our community,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, who presented their award. “This award isn’t just an acknowledgment of achievements, it’s a celebration of the power of human imagination, dedication and the relentless pursuit of a better future.”
The honor came as a surprise to the couple; and after event attendees gave the Foltzes a standing ovation, McKay continued. “Through their limitless dream, they’ve challenged conventional wisdom and dared to ask, ‘What if?’” he said. “They saw an increase in immigrants looking for work in their neighborhood and asked, ‘How can the community make them feel welcome?’
“They founded CIF, embracing each challenge and opportunities for growth. And in its 12 years, CIF has served as an example of what’s possible when a community comes together. Through the Foltzes’ dedication to making the world a better place, they’ve challenged ideas and systems and ignited the spark of inspiration in countless others.”
Not only could they picture a brighter future for Centreville’s immigrant population, but they devoted themselves to making it happen as soon as possible. “They’ve inspired us all to think bigger and to strive for greatness,” said McKay. “Jerry and Alice serve as a beacon of hope – a testament to the incredible potential of the human spirit. Their story reminds people that no idea is too big. We can all strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Alice Foltz then thanked everyone who’s been part of the work they’ve been doing together at CIF since its inception. “It’s been an amazing joy for us to be part of this community,” she said. “That includes people who are immigrants and those people and organizations who speak up for the rights of all of us to live and work together. Thanks for working for the kind of open and welcoming community we need to be a strong county and a strong nation.”
With the theme, “Celebrating a Community United for Justice,” the event began with Jerry Foltz, CIF’s Board of Directors chairman, recognizing three honored guests who also make positive differences by advocating for justice for immigrants in the U.S.:
* Annabel Park is a Korean American documentary filmmaker, political activist and community organizer. She shined light on the struggles of immigrants in America via her documentary, “9500 Liberty,” in which viewers participated. It highlighted the struggles in Manassas and Prince William County in 2008-2009, when leaders passed laws to make life difficult for immigrants there. And it included clips of Herndon’s opposition to a day-labor center in its town.
Park’s story of building community in the face of bigotry inspired Centreville to organize in the years following. She later co-produced the “Story of America” documentary series about political division and voting rights in the U.S.
* Hassan Ahmad founded the HMA Law Firm. He’s fluent or proficient in eight languages besides English, giving his clients comfort when telling their stories. His perspective on immigration as a means to prosperity is borne from his belief in unity in diversity, advising nationals of 117 countries around the world for nearly 20 years.
He's a strong voice for justice, writes about immigrants’ rights and the importance of advocating for them outside the courtroom. Ahmad speaks fearlessly against laws and policies limiting immigrants’ lives, and about one-third of his practice is devoted to asylum cases. And he refuses to allow negative stereotypes, bigotry and racism to thwart his work.
* Monica Sarmiento is the founder/executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights (VACIR), dedicated to the defense of dignity, power and quality of life for all immigrant and refugee communities. A Salvadoran American, she built VACIR into a coalition of immigrant-rights groups with a respected voice in the Virginia General Assembly.
During the past nine years, her work helped lead to driver-privilege cards for immigrants, increased language access to public information, plus in-state tuition for all high-school graduates. Through VACIR’s efforts, she said, “Laws have taken effect that have changed the lives of over half a million Virginians. For example, CIF members’ testimony helped us fight against the citizenship question in the 2020 census [and obtain] the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in the reapportionment process for Congress.”
The CIF operates the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC), and its program manager, Vania Torres, noted that “Once primarily serving day laborers who were mostly men, we now serve more women and families. Our programs are focused on promoting financial stability, skills development and advocacy. We connect our members to employment, train them in various skills and offer ESL classes. And we partner with experts to make sure workers’ rights are upheld and their wages are paid.”
Next, CIF Outreach Coordinator Claudia Álvarez said joining CIF made her feel at home – part of a family and a team wanting to help immigrants. She also stressed that it contains people from Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Belize, Mexico, Peru, the U.S., and Guatemala – comprising more than 60 percent of the members.
“They’re all special to us and are here to help their families or to have better living conditions,” said Álvarez. She then honored 12 members with plaques for their exceptional work, dedication, leadership and support of those in need. Recognized were: Cristina Urbina, Elvira Gomez, Heidi Hernandez, Jany Escobar, Rosa Cedillo, Blanca Janampa, Pedro Brito, Ilson Gomez, Douglas Mogollon, Pedro Serrano, Javier Vazquez and Eli Ortega.
Afterward, two people shared their personal stories with the attendees. Introducing herself as a wife, mother and CLRC member, Heidi Hernandez said she came here from El Salvador to work and to help her family she had to leave behind. And she spoke about barriers, labor exploitation, opportunities and education.
Calling language a cultural shock, she said, “It’s a great challenge for an indigenous person to learn to speak a second language, Spanish, and a third, English. It was difficult for me to find work; I could barely make enough money to help my family back home – and I’m not the only one. Many of us are exploited in our pay. Employers take advantage of us, violate labor norms and security, and many don’t even allow lunch breaks.”
“I went through this before I came to Centreville,” continued Hernandez. “I didn’t have anyone to guide me, and I went through a tunnel of obstacles. We’re all vulnerable, but God uses these obstacles to make us strong and brave and give us the persistence to keep going. And I learned we have the right to say no when we go through labor abuse.
“At the CLRC, I found good programs, services and an opportunity to serve. I love volunteering and helping others. I also found a multicultural community with people who support us and feel like family. They empower us and give us training and opportunities for work. The center also educates us; my favorite classes are ESL and computer programming.”
CIF Board of Directors member Erick Martinez asked attendees to imagine what’s going on inside the head of a 6-year-old child who’s “lost and doesn’t know where he is or where to go. That’s what I felt when I came to this country. I felt vulnerable, small and intimidated. It was a completely different culture; I couldn’t communicate. I felt alone, even though I came with my family. It was very difficult.”
But as an adult, he learned he could go to the CLRC to get work. “I went and volunteered,” said Martinez. “I was looking for a job and I found a hug. Today, I work legally. I have a stable job, a work permit, Social Security number and a car – simple things people are born with. But for immigrants, it’s the world. My family and I are happy about this, and I’ve changed the way I see the world and want to replicate that for other people. That’s why I’m on the CIF Board.”
* To contact the CLRC to hire a worker for jobs such as painting, landscaping, moving, drywall work, housecleaning, general labor, etc., call 703-543-6272/73 or 703-459-0331 or email contact@thecifva.org.
About the Centreville Immigration Forum
* The Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) operates the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC), which provides a safe space for employers and workers to meet to negotiate fair terms of employment. At 5944 Centreville Crest Lane, it also provides job training so workers will have the specific skills required for their jobs.
* CIF’s mission is to implement sustainable programs that provide immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community. It also seeks to improve communication and cooperation among all groups serving immigrants, as well as build community recognition that there’s strength in diversity.
* CIF’s vision is a community that accepts and provides opportunities for all immigrants. It includes members in leadership positions, including on its Board of Directors. CIF undertakes the work of organizing, building community power, supporting self-sufficiency, and making strong partnerships to advocate for immigrants and advance systemic change.
For more information, go to www.centrevilleimmigrationforum.org.