APIAHF

Project Goal

To improve Family Economic Security by decreasing systemic barriers through:
1. Improved language access policies
2. Increased oil spill recovery jobs for Vietnamese and African-Americans on restoration projects in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties.

Communities Served and Milestones

Community Served: Southeast Asians and African Americans, specifically Fisherfolk and Families
Milestones
* Come Fish Off My Boat commercial fishing trips
* Compilation of 170 comments from fishermen in hearings related to the coastalrestoration efforts
* Increased oil spill jobs

Implementation

Improve Language Access Policies
* Review Restore Act Policy which would include legal remedies around public comment and access around I/T requirements.
* Educate and outreach to 1) Asian American & African American, and 2) policymakers on the importance of advocating for better language I/T.
* Plan meeting with MDEQ, MDMR, and MDES regarding the law and addressing language access needs.
* Draft an MOU with State Agencies on how AA families meet Legal requirements.
Increase Oil Spill Jobs
* “Come Fish Off My Boat” Commercial Fishing Trips
* Initiate a discussion on oyster reef demo projects
* Set up a meeting with MDEQ and MDES to discuss procedures in place to implement the MS Jobs First Law.
* Conduct Community Education about jobs first and their opportunities
* Conduct Jobs First Registration Clinics to assist AA families with completing applications and registration

Impact

“The REI work has impacted our community(ies) by advocating for language access and materials at public meetings that are translated and accessible to community members who are not English proficient.”
—Mississippi, Roberta Avila