“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.”