Business Details
26 Years
experience
Connecting Day Laborers with Employment Opportunities
Established in 2000, Shirlington Employment & Edu (SEEC) has dedicated itself to empowering day laborers and immigrant communities in Arlington County. Our mission focuses on connecting workers with dignified employment opportunities while providing essential support services. Through free job-matching programs, bilingual staff assistance, and targeted training initiatives, we address the unique challenges faced by low-wage workers. Our organization operates from the Arlington Mill Community Center, offering a safe, climate-controlled environment for both workers and employers. Over two decades of service, we've expanded our impact through partnerships with local foundations, faith groups, and social service organizations.Our bilingual team facilitates critical connections between employers and workers across construction, landscaping, and domestic services. We provide specialized training programs in green cleaning, entrepreneurship, and driver education to enhance employment prospects. Our commitment to fair wages and worker rights is demonstrated through wage collection assistance and legal referrals. With support from the Arlington Community Foundation and other partners, we distribute food assistance and winter supplies to vulnerable workers. Our transparent operations and community-focused approach have earned trust from both employers and laborers throughout Northern Virginia.
Services
Employment services
Job training
Life skills education
Legal referrals
Food assistance
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Free job-matching services for employers and workers
- Bilingual staff with 24 years of community experience
- Specialized training in green cleaning and entrepreneurship
- Partnerships with 15+ local faith and community organizations
- Proven track record placing 250+ workers annually
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Services
Employment services
We connect day laborers with temporary employment opportunities through our free walk-in service. Employers can request workers for various tasks, and we match them based on availability and skills. Our bilingual staff facilitates communication between employers and workers while ensuring fair practices.
Job training
Our training programs enhance employment prospects through practical education. We offer courses in green cleaning methods, small business development, and Virginia driver education. These programs equip workers with marketable skills that increase earning potential and job opportunities.
Life skills education
We provide essential digital skills training to help workers navigate modern job markets. Participants learn to complete online applications, access government services, and develop basic computer proficiency. This training includes access to tablets for practical learning experiences.
Legal referrals
We offer critical support for workers facing employment issues through legal referrals. Our services include connecting workers with Legal Aid for wage collection and providing immigration assistance through weekend clinics. This support helps protect workers' rights and ensure fair treatment.
Food assistance
We distribute over 2,200 meals annually through our brown bag program and winter hot meal initiative. This essential service addresses food insecurity among day laborers while connecting them with additional social services through our community partnerships.
People
Andres Tobar
Executive Director
Retired U.S. Department of Education official with 24 years leading SEEC. Former National Association of Hispanic Publications director. Holds master's in Social Science. Community activist focused on immigrant rights and education access.
Rosalia Fajardo
Womens Business Development Training Coordinator
Business development coordinator since 2014. Trained over 400 Latinas in entrepreneurship. Facilitates small business start-up programs that have helped participants establish successful ventures in Northern Virginia.
Marco Lirio
Office Manager
Office manager since May 2024 with extensive computer skills. Previously served as outreach coordinator. Provides technical expertise to support SEEC's operations and digital initiatives for worker training programs.
David Benavides Jr.
Outreach Coordinator
Part-time outreach coordinator with military service background. Former office manager with 17 years of experience. Focuses on weekend operations and community engagement to connect workers with SEEC's services.
Juan M. Rostran Valle
Driver Education Instructor
Bilingual driver education instructor contracted by SEEC. Fairfax County Public Schools teacher who provides Virginia driver education program in Spanish to help workers obtain necessary certifications for employment.
Questions
How do I hire a day laborer through SEEC?
Contact our office at 703-933-1101 during business hours (8am-12pm daily) to request workers for your specific job needs.
Are donations to SEEC tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations to SEEC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
What types of job training programs do you offer?
We provide green cleaning certification, small business development workshops, and Virginia driver education programs in Spanish.
How can workers access your services?
Workers can visit our Arlington Mill Community Center location daily from 8am-12pm to sign up for job opportunities.
Do you provide emergency assistance to workers?
Yes, we distribute food assistance and winter supplies through our programs and partner organizations during critical seasons.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Arlington County, Virginia, with a focus on connecting local employers with day laborers in the community.
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