The month of May brings an influx of Hispanic and migrant workers into Ahoskie, N.C. and into surrounding Hertford, Gates, and Bertie Counties. They join many workers who have taken up permanent residence in the area.

In response to the needs discovered by Pam Boyette, members of St.Thomas have responded to these concerns by providing furniture, clothes and food as requested, and by offering medical and other professional skills at the annual medical and dental mission for Hispanic and migrant workers. The mission will be held this year on August 23, 24 in Ahoskie, N.C. and on August 26, 2004 in Scotland Neck N.C. The mission involves many community volunteers. The Hertford-Gates Health Department, Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, county school systems, employers of Hispanic and migrant workers, physicians, dentists, nurses, hygienists, dental assistants, interpreters, attorneys, Drug-Co, Mizelle Pharmacy, and churches work together to provide about 100 medical exams.

The ministry has expanded to offer conversational Spanish courses, and English as a second language at St. Thomas under the direction of Carlos Moreno, instructor for the Bertie County School System. Both the medical and dental mission and the ESL program at St. Thomas are funded through a grant given to Pam Boyette from the self-denial fund of the Daughters of the King for Hispanic and migrant ministry.