SMHA started adult basic education and job training with culturally adapted materials for plantation workers. A graduate went on to receive a masters in rural development from University of Massachusetts, become executive director of a community action agency, organize farm workers around legal issues, become housing director at SMHA, and be honored at the White House as one of two outstanding VISTAs in the country. SMHA started the first rural dental and medical clinic for farm workers. Over 10,000 farm worker visits were made in the first year alone.