De La Salle Collegiate Science teacher Mary Balamucki spent time in Florida during July 2023 at the La Salle Education Center in Homestead. 

However, she wasn’t learning about the latest trends in teaching that she might use in her Advanced Placement or Anatomy and Physiology classes.

Balamucki, along with 11 other Lasallians in North America, attended the 2023 Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) in Homestead, FL. 

The program focused on the migrant farm worker experience. 

READ MORE: LSJI Embraces the Migrant Farm Worker Story

The group heard stories about the migrants and their struggles, and also had personal encounters with families living in the area.

At the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, participants saw the struggles that immigrants and asylum seekers face, such as legal and language barriers. 

“We saw hundreds of people waiting, and they had no shade, and no water,” Balamucki said. “We actually went to an immigration court and met with a lawyer from Catholic legal aid who explained the process for someone trying to cross the border.”

Balamucki said the experience was intense, and some participants dropped out. 

“It was emotionally difficult and physically uncomfortable,” she said.

The group stayed at the Homestead Center, sleeping on air mattresses, and also helped with the local food share program.

The LSJI group also toured the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, and met with Father Jose Espino who shared his story of coming to the United States.