La Colmena is a community-based organization in Staten Island that plays a vital role in supporting immigrant workers, particularly those engaged in hospitality, tourism, and related service industries. With a mission to empower day laborers, domestic workers, and other low-wage immigrant workers, La Colmena offers job readiness training, English language classes, and workforce development programs tailored to the hospitality sector. The organization also operates a Worker Center that connects trained individuals with fair employment opportunities in cleaning services, food service, and event staffing—jobs commonly found in the hospitality industry.
Through culturally competent programming and collaboration with local businesses, La Colmena boosts economic opportunities for immigrant workers while advancing fair labor practices. Their initiatives also include community-building events and leadership development workshops, which help participants navigate employment within the hospitality landscape. Uniquely positioned as both a workforce resource and social hub, La Colmena contributes meaningfully to the local economy and community cohesion. The organization is known for its advocacy on behalf of workers’ rights and for fostering connections between laborers and ethical employers. Beyond job placement, La Colmena promotes dignity and equity within the hospitality workforce.
Website: http://lacolmenanyc.org/
Key Services:
– Job matching and referrals for hospitality and tourism-related work
– Workforce development training (especially in cleaning, food service, and event staffing)
– English as a Second Language (ESL) classes tailored to workplace communication
– Worker Center offering employment resources and skills development
– Community engagement and cultural events promoting immigrant inclusion
– Leadership and advocacy training for hospitality sector workers
– Legal and labor rights education specific to service industry employment
– Partnerships with ethical employers in the local hospitality and service sectors
