Organization helps valley residents become legal citizens

People learned how to apply to become a U.S. citizen Saturday at Training Occupational Development Educating Communities’ free workshop.

The workshop goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Workforce Conference Center in Indio. Participants got free application assistance, screenings and learn if they qualify for citizenship. Organizers say this is their way of empowering their community.

“We have a great turnout. We help at our office Monday through Saturday. We’re helping community members everyday at no cost. When we have events, there’s a huge turnout as well. So we do see the immigrant community mobilizing to become U.S. citizens,” said Luz Gallegos, the community programs director.

If you missed Saturday’s workshop, you can still get help from TODEC. Their office is located at 1482 Sixth St., Coachella, California, and their phone number is 760-698-8787. Their office is open Monday through Saturday.