The following story was contributed by DCA Executive Director, Leonila Vega
Many of us know of someone who is unemployed, underemployed or fully employed but struggling to make ends meet in these difficult economic times. For the direct care workers who perform one of the hardest and most important jobs in America-providing care and assistance to vulnerable, frail elders and persons living with disabilities-this struggle is magnified due to low wages and little or no access to benefits. With many direct care workers already living on the verge of bankruptcy or in poverty, even the smallest increase in goods such gasoline or groceries can have a tremendous impact on their family’s financial security.
Like American’s in other industries, direct care workers yearn for better lives and have dedicated themselves to back-breaking work in order to achieve it. Although most of these dedicated and compassionate souls work hard and do their best to provide better opportunities for their children, the unfortunate fact is that this dream will remain elusive for many no matter how noble and diligent their efforts might be, due to the current “rules of the game”. The pursuit of the American dream, however, is not lost on direct care workers. They are a resilient and inspiring group of people that deserve our attention and assistance for their selfless contributions to our society.
