Real Consquences

May 1, 2017

“Losing IHSS would be emotionally devastating — and it could also uproot our lives,” said Wanda Quinones, a caregiver in Kern County for her son Josue, who lives with cerebral palsy.

“We may have to move to Puerto Rico.We don’t have health care there, but it may be easier to get by financially than staying here.”

Wanda chose home care for Josue because she wanted him to feel safe and comfortable. “I bathe him, cut his hair, prepare his meals, take him to all his appointments, and every other daily task,” she said.  “I don’t feel comfortable leaving him with someone else. I’ve heard horror stories about these care centers, and I couldn’t risk doing that to my son.”

Still, threats to IHSS and possible cuts to her son’s care hang over her like a black cloud. “It’s very scary,” she said.

“But I’m not giving up. I believe in the work UDW and others are doing to protect our care. And I’ll never give up on my son.”

More News

UDW in Action!

This Labor Day, UDW members from Riverside and Orange Counties rallied alongside union siblings from across Southern California to demand safe staffing at Kaiser Permanente hospitals.

AFSCME ‘Staff the Front Lines’ Tour Stops in San Diego

UDW members and leaders joined our parent union, AFSCME, for a stop in San Diego… Read More

‘Historic’ California child care deal slashes ‘family fees,’ promises rate overhaul. Here’s what it means for families and providers

Families of four with incomes of up to $96,300 are eligible for subsidized… Read More