EMPOWERING FARMWORKERS
Since 1979, Proteus, Inc. has been serving agricultural workers and their families by meeting them where they are and connecting them to the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency.
Proteus, Inc. is committed to providing employees members with training and meaningful dialogue racism within our organization and where tems and structures. We aspire to be anti-racist ture of belonging within our organization and clients. Proteus will listen, learn, and move with action and accountability.
employees and board dialogue to dismantle where possible, across sysanti-racist and create a culand for our patients and move beyond statements accountability.
National Farmworker Jobs Program
Meet Connor
FYLD & Financial Empowerment
Agricultural Health Program
PASO & Care For Yourself
Meet Jose Jesus & Maria
Health & Safety Training
Water For Farmworkers
Long-Sleeve Shirt Donations
Presents from Proteus
Annual Fundraiser
Thank You Donors
LEADERSHIP TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Zinnel, EdD
Chief Financial Officer
Carla Beste
Director of Operations
Patrick Taggart
Director of Health Programs
Lindsey Murphy
Director of Development
Emily Mendez
Central Iowa Regional Director
Carlos Garcia Rodriguez
Western Iowa Regional Director Matt Winkel
Eastern Iowa Regional Director Diana Moncada
Indiana Regional Director
Randall Collins, MSM
Eastern Nebraska Regional Director
Jennifer Lewis
Western Nebraska Regional Director
Jody Stutzman, MBA
Kristin Hoffman, JD Chair
Sarah Nash, PhD Vice Chair
Rebecca Prescott Immediate Past Chair
John Van Ginkel, CPA Treasurer
Juan Ayala-Roman, CPA
Hijinio Carreon, DO
Norma Guerrero
Erika Villegas
Cecilia L. Monterrosa, JD
Friends & Supporters,
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication that has propelled Proteus, Inc. to new heights. 2023 has been a year of significant growth and transformation, despite the challenges we faced.
We proudly launched several new initiatives aimed at empowering farmworker families. The Farmworker Youth Leadership Development (FYLD) Program provides mentorship and leadership training to nurture future leaders. The PASO Project addresses food insecurity by delivering fresh produce to farmworkers in food deserts, improving access to healthy food and supporting those with chronic health conditions. Additionally, our Financial Empowerment Program offers vital financial education and tools to help farmworkers build wealth and secure a stable future.
Our fundraising efforts this year included the successful “I’m Thankful for Farmworkers Dinner” and the “Indiana Farmworker Recognition Breakfast,” both of which celebrated our mission and raised essential funds. We also secured several grants, sponsorships, and individual donations, which have been crucial in supporting our programs and services.
As we approach our 45th anniversary in 2024, we look back with pride and for-
have been crucial in supporting our programs and services.
As we approach our 45th anniversary in 2024, we look back with pride and forward with excitement. Our commitment remains steadfast in innovating and adapting our programs, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing our community engagement to better serve farmworker families.
I am immensely proud of our staff, whose exceptional dedication has been the driving force behind our achievements. Their tireless work in organizing events, securing funding, and delivering services has made a meaningful difference.
Our success would not be possible without the generous support of our donors, sponsors, grantors, and volunteers. Your belief in our mission and ongoing support are vital to our work. We invite you to stay engaged through our social media, newsletters, and blog, and consider becoming a recurring donor or attending our events.
Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering commitment to our cause. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Daniel Zinnel, EdD
MEET CONNOR
Seeing the impact of NJFP on the ground.
I grew up on a family grain farm, tending to nearly 1,000 acres of corn and beans each year, with the occasional wheat harvest thrown in. Being part of 4H, we also raised livestock. Plus, I worked for several other farmers, doing everything from reeling discs for planting to running the combine during harvest season.
I first heard about Proteus during my freshman year, through a flyer. Intrigued, I decided to ask about it, and I was blown away by the wealth of knowledge Proteus had and what they could offer. With the help of my baseball coach, I managed to secure an appointment with Proteus, and that decision has shaped where I am today.
I needed Proteus to guide me through my future plans and mentor me into becoming a respected man who excels in his work. Jesusa, Senior Career Coach, has been instrumental in this journey.
Proteus and NFJP has been a lifeline for me. With their support, I’ve been able to focus on my education without worrying about hurdles. Jesusa has also been invaluable in helping me chart my educational and career path, offering insights into how I can excel in my chosen field.
Currently, I’m studying Agribusiness and will be earning my associates degree in the spring of 2024. Next year, I plan to switch my major to supply chain management, aiming to deepen my understanding of the business and supply aspects. I’ll be pursuing my bachelor’s degree in this field while leveraging a baseball scholarship at Cleary University in Michigan.
In five years, I envision myself climbing the corporate ladder, possibly managing a fertilizer plant or specializing in seed sales to fellow farmers. Additionally, I hope to fulfill my lifelong dream of running my own farm.
To fellow young farmers, I’d say this: Seek out knowledge relentlessly. Organizations like Proteus can be invaluable allies as you navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and never underestimate the power of dreaming big. The agricultural world is evolving rapidly, and it’s up to us to adapt, innovate, and thrive.
- Cooner Boone
BROADENING SERVICE HORIZONS
Proteus, Inc. is delighted to welcome the Farmworker Youth Leadership Development (FYLD) Program. The FYLD Program is a 10-week program for 16 to 20-year-old students with the goal of growing students’ leadership skills.
Our program aims to empower young people from farmworker families to become leaders in their communities. Through a combination of educational workshops, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, we will nurture their leadership potential and help them build a strong foundation for their future.
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM FYLD PROGRAM
The Financial Empowerment Program to empower farm and meat processing workers to make informed decisions about their finances, improve their financial health, and to build wealth to achieve their dreams.
FARMWORKER HEALTH
CARE FOR YOURSELF
The Care For Yourself program at Proteus, Inc. began in 2021 in partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Care for Yourself program is part of a national initiative that helps reduce risks from breast/chest, cervical, and cardiovascular health issues through inclusive screenings and tests. During 2023, 207 women enrolled in the Care For Yourself program through Proteus, Inc. and recieving care at other Care For Yourself participating partners.*
*Many of these women were provided transportation and/ or interpretation services by Proteus team for their mammogram appointments.
PASO PROGRAM
Proteus, Inc. was awarded a $50,000 gift from Tito’s Handmade Vodka to support the launch of the PASO program aimed at providing fresh, produce directly to the doorsteps of rural, resource-constrained farmworkers living with chronic health conditions.
SELF-MEASURED BLOOD PRESSURE HYPERTENSION
Five new patients who were provided loaner blood pressure cuffs lowered their blood pressure.
HIV SCREENINGS
238 patients were provided free HIV screening in the Des Moines clinic.
The Health and Safety Training program is in collaboration with the Association of Farmworker Opportunities Programs (AFOP). This program provides farmworkers with life-saving information about pesticide exposure, heatstroke/heat stress prevention, and COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies.
Farmworkers spend hours working outside in the summer heat. They are typically at a higher risk for heat stress and heatstroke. To celebrate National Hydration Day in June, Proteus, Inc. raises funds for Hydro Flasks for farmworkers.
Hydro Flasks keep water ice cold, even after hours in the sun. They offer cool, refreshing water to keep farmworkers hydrated and healthy.
Hydro Flasks gifted to farmworkers
Donor support provided many farmworkers the ability to stay hydrated during the summer and year-round!
Long-sleeve shirts are crucial to protect farmworkers from the harsh sun, pesticides, insects, and more.
Every year, Proteus staff members join the Association of Farmworker Opportunites Programs National in asking the public for long-sleeve shirt donations during National Farmworker Awareness Week.
Proteus, Inc. distributes donated shirts to farmworkers at health and safety trainings throughout the spring and summer.
4,456 long-sleeve shirts were donated
PRESENTS
FROM PROTEUS
Presents from Proteus is a Christmas event that provides children and their families in the Des Moines metro with holiday gifts and food pantry items.
In partnership with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, Proteus, Inc. delivered holiday presents and food items to over 53 families including 174 children in 2023.
86K$ RAISED
The annual I’m Thankful for Farmworkers Dinner raised $86,600 for farmworkers and Proteus, Inc. programs.
Funds rasied support the Proteus, Inc. mission as we continue to provide agricultural workers and their families with affordable healthcare, education assistance, and job training.
The event included a program honoring farmworkers and partner agencies, a wine & whiskey pull, a live auction, the premier of videos about farmworkers from our collabration with ArtForce Iowa, and much more.
Davida D. Williams read a meaningful peom written by Suzanna De Baca titled, “For Those Who Feed Us “. Honoring fallen farmworkers who have been injured or killed on the job.
Congratulations to our 2023 Award Recipients!
Farmworkers of the Year:
Yaroslav Ziabkin
Luisa Castro Santiago
Partner of the Year: Active Endeavors
Thank you to all who made the 2023 I’m Thankful for Farmworkers Dinner possible, including our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and supporters.
THANK YOU, DONORS!
Every contribution propels us closer to our mission of delivering affordable health care, education assistance, and job training to the hardworking agricultural families we serve. With deep gratitude, we extend special recognition to our corporate and individual donors listed below, whose generous gifts were made during 2023 have made a profound impact. Thank you, dear donors, for your unwavering support and belief in our cause!
Anonymous
Johnny Alcívar & Molly Hanson
American Online Giving Foundation
Rebecca Anderson
Athene
Laura Atkins
Juan Ayala-Roman
Ena Babic Barnes
Maureen Bauer
Bayer
Rona Berinobis
Carla Beste
Kailey Blazek
Bobcat of Michiana
Nancy Bosle
Claire Bostelman
Vilma Bramasco
Scott Brewer
Mark Brohman
Sara Brown
Willie Brown
Michie Burmester
Anthony & Shannon Camodeca
Dr. Hijinio & Shanda Carreon
Casa de Amistad
Mercedes Castillo
Carlos Cervantes
Stephanie Chin
Maria Clark
Alicia Claypool
Clif Family Foundation
Blake Cylde
Randall Wayne Collins
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Melissa Copper
Julia Cordova-Gurule
Libby Crimmings
Marisela Delgado
Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation
Sean Dengler
Dentons Davis Brown
Des Moines Metro Credit Union
Des Moines University
DM & Family LLC Careers and Employment
Erik Dominguez
Andrew Doria
Linda Dorsey
Juliana Dreyer
Kimberly Dukes
Jacqueline Easley
James Erwin & Jessica Taylor
Kyle Erwin
Joy Esposito
Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families
Louis Fountain
Four Winds Casinos
Angela Franklin
Janet Garcia Hobbs
Melissa Garcia
Tyler Gates
Tracy Ging
Benjamin Godar
Naura Godar
Joe Gonzalez
Greater Iowa Credit Union
Jeff Green
Deb Greene
Francis Gruba
Juan Guerrero
Erin Gutierrez
Jamie Guzman
Darcy Hall
Dan & Mary Beth Hamann
Adam Haselhuhn
Gary Hemann
Gloria Henriquez
Chenue Her
Jackie Hernandez-Wells
Willie & Dixie Hoekemann
Kristin Hoffman
Hola Iowa
Hy-Vee
I.B.E.W. Local Union 153
Reyna Immerfall
Reyna Immerfall
- State Farm Insurance
Indiana Legal Services
Indiana Tech
Infinite Resources
Iowa Credit Union Foundation
Iowa Pork Producers Association
Iowa Total Care
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival
Ivy Tech
Darren Jirsa, DDS
Adriana Johnson
Crystal Johnson
Heather Jones-Brown
Danny Ketchum
Kamaura Kim
Ted Kirkpatrick
Edina Koco
Robin & Ann Koozer
Krause Group
Dustin Lambert & Kate Hightshoe
Lynne Lange
Leadership South Bend Michiana
Deanna Lehl
Krystal Levi
Alexandra Limón
Lincoln Savings Bank
Tanya List
Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce
Cecilia Lopez
April Lu
Jessica Luna
Linda Lynch
Ellen Maahs
Ryan Maiers
Bret Markowski
Adrian Martinez
Cindy McCraner
Pat & Julie McGonegle
Terri Meek
Carol Mendez
Miguel & Emily Mendez
MercyOne
Heather Meyer Schlipp
Ann Meyer
Michael Foods
Tom & Melody Miller
Gloria Montiel
Monterrosa Law Group, LLC
Robert Morgan
Lindsey Murphy
Nancy Mwirotsi
Nationwide Insurance
Dao Ngo
David & Sheila Niezgodski
Megan Norberg
Beth North
Christopher Noth
Kayla Oborny
PathStone
Manisha Paudel
People’s Bank
Fr. Ryan Pietrocarlo
Pilo’s Body Shop
Blanca Plascencia
Plymouth Congregational Church
Elizabeth Rangel
Rich and Judy Reimer
Helen Retleff
Oscar Reynaga
Brady Rhodes
Erin Riker
Cristina Rodriguez
Alexander Romeo
Emily Salinas
Salyards Household
Dallas Sanders
Sandy Sandoval
Juanita Saucedo
Michael Schmitt
Securitas Security Services, USA
Salas Household
Matthew Sitzmann
Clint Sloss
Scott Smith
Jeremy Spillman
Samantha Stoddard
Jody Stutzman
Theresa Taylor
Carlos Tenesaca
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
The Bruggen Foundation
Think Photo Lab
THK Law Group, LLC
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Nora Tobin
Bruce & Jean Townsend
Virginia Traxler
Josh & Lacey Trygstad
UAW, Local 5
UnityPoint Health Des Moines
Daniel Valencia
Veridian Credit Union
Vermeer Corporation
Gloria Vermie
Walgreens
Ivan T Webber
Wells Fargo Foundation
Peg Wesselink
Whitfield and Eddy Law
Timothy Widup
Robert Wieneke
Kirsten Wilcox
Paxton Williams
Emily Williams-Bouska
Julie Willse
John Windheuser
Stephen Wood
Penny Yenter
Shekinah Young
Daniel Zinnel
