When Desserray Tevis of Chico needed help getting services for her husband, an injured Army veteran, UDW stepped up to help.

Read her story in this issue (page 3), and learn more about the resources UDW has for members like you!

Whether you need help getting certified in first aid, are looking for ways to reduce the stress that comes with being a homecare worker, or need dental coverage for your family, there’s a UDW member benefit for you.

Our UDW Member Benefits Center is also here to answer your questions – Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm at 1-800-621-5016. Learn more at www.udwa.org/member-benefits.

4855 Seminole Drive San Diego, CA 92115800-621-5016

facebook.com/UDW

Stay updated with the latest news at www.udwa.org!

UDW recently helped a veteran in Butte County – and we can help you, too!

UDW offers many

MemberBenefits!

3

Working for our veterans

My husband is my hero. Ian is an Army veteran who suffered a debilitating injury to his upper leg while stationed in Fort Knox, KY. While he was on inactive reserve he was called to Ground Zero in New York City after September 11. He was one of many charged with the search and rescue of the victims, including a six-year-old girl who died in his arms.

And although what he saw in that time was traumatic, he performed his job courageously and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Our veterans are heroes, but they don’t always get the hero’s welcome they deserve when they return to their communities. We’ve been working tirelessly with the help of the Butte County government to get my husband the veteran’s benefits he’s earned, but it hasn’t been an easy process. That’s why we were excited when we heard about IHSS.

We applied and were approved for IHSS about a year ago. I help Ian with bathing, his medications, at-home physical therapy, monitoring his pain, as well as household chores like laundry and cooking that he’s unable to do on his own. As long as I’m able to take care of my husband, he’s staying right here in our home.

Unfortunately, despite all the hours of care I provide Ian, he was initially approved for just 35 IHSS hours each month. We called our social worker to try and get Ian’s hours reassessed, but had no luck. After weeks with no change, we took a chance and

called our local UDW office in Butte County. The Advocacy Council immediately jumped into action, and even called our social worker on our behalf.

After just a few weeks, Ian’s hours were increased to 98 for August, and 78 for each month after – without a reassessment! The help of the UDW Advocacy Council has been life-changing. We’re able to pay bills that we previously could not, and we might be able to take a vacation for the first time in seven years!

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there for us after so many struggles to ensure my husband receives what he earned as a soldier for this country.

And it was exciting to learn that the Advocacy Councils are just one of many of our UDW member

benefits. We also have access to free trainings and classes that will help us become better caregivers, a low-cost dental plan, mobile phone discounts, and more. Thank you, UDW.

UDW helped my husband get more IHSS hours – and they can help you, too!By Desserray Tevis, caregiver, Butte CountyIan Tevis, Army veteran and IHSS client

Working for our veterans

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there

for us after so many struggles to

ensure my husband receives what he

earned as a soldier for this country.

Lidia Rodriguez is an IHSS provider in Stanislaus County.

Honoring those who care, today and everyday

42 3 EVERYDAY HEROES Caregivers go above and beyond for our communities

HELPING THOSE WHO CARE UDW advocates for IHSS clients and providers

WORKING FOR OUR VETS We helped a veteran in need – and can help you, too!

Almost 40 years ago, our union UDW was formed to win justice for those who care for the most important people in our lives: homecare providers. It was the 1970s – a time when social consciousness was growing, including the right for seniors and people with disabilities to live at home rather than in institutions.Here in California, the IHSS program was created to preserve this basic right. Since then UDW has united IHSS providers, and worked with allies in the senior and disability rights community to protect homecare. With a strong union membership, we have been able to defeat many attacks on IHSS and make strides for providers.But our work is far from over. From securing $15 an hour to permanently ending cuts to IHSS, we are coming together in 2016 and beyond to win the improvements our families and clients deserve.

MORE IHSS HOURS On July 1, 2015, our lobbying efforts paid off when lawmakers finally ended a 7% cut to IHSS hours. Now, we are keeping the pressure up during the legislative special session to make sure this restoration is permanent and does not go back into effect next year.

We are helping providers win more IHSS hours for clients on a case-by-case basis, too. Read more in this issue about how we helped a Butte County veteran get the services he needed (see “Working for our veterans” on page 3).

PAY RAISESIncreasing pay and benefits is a top priority for UDW. That’s why we have joined the nationwide movement to secure at least $15 an hour for homecare providers, which will be a key part of our upcoming bargaining campaign for providers in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.

Currently, IHSS providers in California negotiate pay raises county-by-county which has resulted in different wages across the state and stalled progress in areas with unfriendly lawmakers. We are working to change this so that all providers can see pay raises like the one we just won in San Luis Obispo – IHSS providers in that county are getting a wage increase to $11.85 starting next year.

2

UDW is an advocate for the improvements providers and clients deserve.

Helping those who careIn November and December, UDW holds provider appreciation events across the state to honor caregivers in our community. Call your local UDW office or 1-800-621-5016 to RSVP for an event near you!To read the full president’s report, go to www.udwa.org.

Come to one of UDW’s Provider Appreciation Events

You’re Invited

Cynthia Wilson courageously jumped into action when a friend of hers from Madera County told her that unless they found a homecare provider, they’d have to move into a convalescent home. “I was living in Arizona at the time, but I put all my belongings in storage, and moved to California to become my friend’s caregiver,” she said.

Part of her friend’s condition caused unexpected fainting, so Cynthia provided 24/7 care to keep them safe. She helped with cleaning, medications, accompanied her client to doctors’ appointments, and a lot more. Now, because of Cynthia’s care, her friend is healthier and able to live alone. When heroic caregivers like Cynthia are able to keep clients at home, they give families peace of mind, and save money by keeping our loved ones out of costly nursing facilities.

“This program keeps people in their own homes safely,” Cynthia said. “I am so blessed I can help people in this way.”

After serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years, Gregory Barney is definitely one of America’s heroes. “When I was in the military, I liked getting involved in community programs, and helping people in the neighborhoods where we were stationed,” he said.

Today, Gregory’s heroism shines through in his care and devotion to maintaining the independence and dignity of his two homecare recipients. One of Gregory’s clients is a retired fireman who is immobile. He relies on Gregory’s in-home care to help him get around, monitor and prepare his medications, prepare meals, and clean. With Gregory’s help he stays healthy and safe.

“I’ve always tried to help people who are in need,” Gregory explained. “It’s what I enjoy.”

CYNTHIA WILSONMadera County

GREGORY BARNEYMerced County

November is Homecare Provider Appreciation Month, a time to honor the caregivers who go above and beyond for our clients and communities.

It takes a special kind of person to become a caregiver. Although our work often goes unnoticed, the care we provide allows seniors and people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. At the same time, we save the government billions of dollars a year by preventing more costly care in nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions.

Thank you caregivers – you are everyday heroes!UDW Executive Director Doug Moore

When Lidia Rodriguez’s son Isaac was 18, he was the victim of a violent crime that left him paralyzed. Lidia became his homecare provider, and helped him through both his physical and emotional pain. After seeing the positive impact in-home care had on her own son’s life, Lidia took on the work of caring for two senior women in her community.

Lidia’s clients rely on her to help them with cleaning, cooking, monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels, and so much more. And Lidia does all of this while continuing to care for her son. Like any good hero, Lidia works to keep her clients safe and happy at home, not for the recognition, but because she wants the best for people.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” Lidia said. “I like to see my clients happy. It makes me happy.”

UDW statewide president Editha Adams (right) at a provider appreciation event

in Santa Barbara County.

PROVIDER APPRECIATION EVENTS

LIDIA RODRIGUEZStanislaus County

By Doug Moore, UDW Executive Director

El Dorado CountyFriday, November 6

5 – 7:30pmPlacerville Town Hall

549 Main St., Placerville

Imperial County Thursday, November

125 – 10pm

Imperial Valley Expo “Casa de Mañana”

200 E. 2nd St., Imperial

Tri-Counties Area (Nevada, Plumas &

Sierra)Thursday, November

125 – 7pm

Seaman’s Lodge432 Nimrod St.,

Nevada City

Merced CountyFriday, November 13

6 – 9pmUDW Merced Office2935 Business Park

Way, Merced

Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo

CountiesFriday, November 13

6 – 8pmUDW Santa Maria Hall402 S. Miller St., Santa

Maria

San Diego County Saturday, November

1410am – 12pm

373 Park Way, Chula Vista

Butte CountySaturday, November

14 10am – 12pm

City Light Church 3015 Cohasset Rd.,

Chico

Sutter CountyMonday, November

16 6 – 8pm

Boy Scout Center2670 Myrtle St., Live

Oak

Stanislaus CountyTuesday, November

173 – 6pm

Ceres Community Center

2701 4th St., Ceres

Madera CountyWednesday,

November 1812:30 – 2:30pm

Rotary Park910 N. Gateway Drive,

Madera

Tuolumne CountyThursday, November

1912 – 3pm

Opera Hall250 S. Washington St.,

Sonora

Riverside CountyFriday, November 20

*Please call 1-866-417-7300 for more

information.

Kern CountyFriday, November 20

12 – 3pm*Please call 1-800-851-7272 to RSVP.

Orange CountySaturday, November

2111am – 1pm

*Please call 1-877-483-9937 to RSVP.

Placer CountyTuesday, December 1

6 – 9pmMaidu Community

Center1550 Maidu Dr.,

Roseville

Mariposa CountyThe time and date for

this event are to be determined. Please

call 209-742-6780 for more information.

Caregivers are Everyday Heroes!

OVERTIME PAYWe won the latest court battle – in early October, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denied a request by greedy for-profit homecare agencies to delay implementation of overtime pay for homecare providers. Homecare agencies are still trying to stop the new rules from going into effect but this decision means that overtime pay and other protections for IHSS providers will be implemented in the near future. For more details, visit udwa.org.

When Desserray Tevis of Chico needed help getting services for her husband, an injured Army veteran, UDW stepped up to help.

Read her story in this issue (page 3), and learn more about the resources UDW has for members like you!

Whether you need help getting certified in first aid, are looking for ways to reduce the stress that comes with being a homecare worker, or need dental coverage for your family, there’s a UDW member benefit for you.

Our UDW Member Benefits Center is also here to answer your questions – Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm at 1-800-621-5016. Learn more at www.udwa.org/member-benefits.

4855 Seminole Drive San Diego, CA 92115800-621-5016

facebook.com/UDW

Stay updated with the latest news at www.udwa.org!

UDW recently helped a veteran in Butte County – and we can help you, too!

UDW offers many

MemberBenefits!

3

Working for our veterans

My husband is my hero. Ian is an Army veteran who suffered a debilitating injury to his upper leg while stationed in Fort Knox, KY. While he was on inactive reserve he was called to Ground Zero in New York City after September 11. He was one of many charged with the search and rescue of the victims, including a six-year-old girl who died in his arms.

And although what he saw in that time was traumatic, he performed his job courageously and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Our veterans are heroes, but they don’t always get the hero’s welcome they deserve when they return to their communities. We’ve been working tirelessly with the help of the Butte County government to get my husband the veteran’s benefits he’s earned, but it hasn’t been an easy process. That’s why we were excited when we heard about IHSS.

We applied and were approved for IHSS about a year ago. I help Ian with bathing, his medications, at-home physical therapy, monitoring his pain, as well as household chores like laundry and cooking that he’s unable to do on his own. As long as I’m able to take care of my husband, he’s staying right here in our home.

Unfortunately, despite all the hours of care I provide Ian, he was initially approved for just 35 IHSS hours each month. We called our social worker to try and get Ian’s hours reassessed, but had no luck. After weeks with no change, we took a chance and

called our local UDW office in Butte County. The Advocacy Council immediately jumped into action, and even called our social worker on our behalf.

After just a few weeks, Ian’s hours were increased to 98 for August, and 78 for each month after – without a reassessment! The help of the UDW Advocacy Council has been life-changing. We’re able to pay bills that we previously could not, and we might be able to take a vacation for the first time in seven years!

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there for us after so many struggles to ensure my husband receives what he earned as a soldier for this country.

And it was exciting to learn that the Advocacy Councils are just one of many of our UDW member

benefits. We also have access to free trainings and classes that will help us become better caregivers, a low-cost dental plan, mobile phone discounts, and more. Thank you, UDW.

UDW helped my husband get more IHSS hours – and they can help you, too!By Desserray Tevis, caregiver, Butte CountyIan Tevis, Army veteran and IHSS client

Working for our veterans

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there

for us after so many struggles to

ensure my husband receives what he

earned as a soldier for this country.

Lidia Rodriguez is an IHSS provider in Stanislaus County.

Honoring those who care, today and everyday

42 3 EVERYDAY HEROES Caregivers go above and beyond for our communities

HELPING THOSE WHO CARE UDW advocates for IHSS clients and providers

WORKING FOR OUR VETS We helped a veteran in need – and can help you, too!

Almost 40 years ago, our union UDW was formed to win justice for those who care for the most important people in our lives: homecare providers. It was the 1970s – a time when social consciousness was growing, including the right for seniors and people with disabilities to live at home rather than in institutions.Here in California, the IHSS program was created to preserve this basic right. Since then UDW has united IHSS providers, and worked with allies in the senior and disability rights community to protect homecare. With a strong union membership, we have been able to defeat many attacks on IHSS and make strides for providers.But our work is far from over. From securing $15 an hour to permanently ending cuts to IHSS, we are coming together in 2016 and beyond to win the improvements our families and clients deserve.

MORE IHSS HOURS On July 1, 2015, our lobbying efforts paid off when lawmakers finally ended a 7% cut to IHSS hours. Now, we are keeping the pressure up during the legislative special session to make sure this restoration is permanent and does not go back into effect next year.

We are helping providers win more IHSS hours for clients on a case-by-case basis, too. Read more in this issue about how we helped a Butte County veteran get the services he needed (see “Working for our veterans” on page 3).

PAY RAISESIncreasing pay and benefits is a top priority for UDW. That’s why we have joined the nationwide movement to secure at least $15 an hour for homecare providers, which will be a key part of our upcoming bargaining campaign for providers in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.

Currently, IHSS providers in California negotiate pay raises county-by-county which has resulted in different wages across the state and stalled progress in areas with unfriendly lawmakers. We are working to change this so that all providers can see pay raises like the one we just won in San Luis Obispo – IHSS providers in that county are getting a wage increase to $11.85 starting next year.

2

UDW is an advocate for the improvements providers and clients deserve.

Helping those who careIn November and December, UDW holds provider appreciation events across the state to honor caregivers in our community. Call your local UDW office or 1-800-621-5016 to RSVP for an event near you!To read the full president’s report, go to www.udwa.org.

Come to one of UDW’s Provider Appreciation Events

You’re Invited

Cynthia Wilson courageously jumped into action when a friend of hers from Madera County told her that unless they found a homecare provider, they’d have to move into a convalescent home. “I was living in Arizona at the time, but I put all my belongings in storage, and moved to California to become my friend’s caregiver,” she said.

Part of her friend’s condition caused unexpected fainting, so Cynthia provided 24/7 care to keep them safe. She helped with cleaning, medications, accompanied her client to doctors’ appointments, and a lot more. Now, because of Cynthia’s care, her friend is healthier and able to live alone. When heroic caregivers like Cynthia are able to keep clients at home, they give families peace of mind, and save money by keeping our loved ones out of costly nursing facilities.

“This program keeps people in their own homes safely,” Cynthia said. “I am so blessed I can help people in this way.”

After serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years, Gregory Barney is definitely one of America’s heroes. “When I was in the military, I liked getting involved in community programs, and helping people in the neighborhoods where we were stationed,” he said.

Today, Gregory’s heroism shines through in his care and devotion to maintaining the independence and dignity of his two homecare recipients. One of Gregory’s clients is a retired fireman who is immobile. He relies on Gregory’s in-home care to help him get around, monitor and prepare his medications, prepare meals, and clean. With Gregory’s help he stays healthy and safe.

“I’ve always tried to help people who are in need,” Gregory explained. “It’s what I enjoy.”

CYNTHIA WILSONMadera County

GREGORY BARNEYMerced County

November is Homecare Provider Appreciation Month, a time to honor the caregivers who go above and beyond for our clients and communities.

It takes a special kind of person to become a caregiver. Although our work often goes unnoticed, the care we provide allows seniors and people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. At the same time, we save the government billions of dollars a year by preventing more costly care in nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions.

Thank you caregivers – you are everyday heroes!UDW Executive Director Doug Moore

When Lidia Rodriguez’s son Isaac was 18, he was the victim of a violent crime that left him paralyzed. Lidia became his homecare provider, and helped him through both his physical and emotional pain. After seeing the positive impact in-home care had on her own son’s life, Lidia took on the work of caring for two senior women in her community.

Lidia’s clients rely on her to help them with cleaning, cooking, monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels, and so much more. And Lidia does all of this while continuing to care for her son. Like any good hero, Lidia works to keep her clients safe and happy at home, not for the recognition, but because she wants the best for people.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” Lidia said. “I like to see my clients happy. It makes me happy.”

UDW statewide president Editha Adams (right) at a provider appreciation event

in Santa Barbara County.

PROVIDER APPRECIATION EVENTS

LIDIA RODRIGUEZStanislaus County

By Doug Moore, UDW Executive Director

El Dorado CountyFriday, November 6

5 – 7:30pmPlacerville Town Hall

549 Main St., Placerville

Imperial County Thursday, November

125 – 10pm

Imperial Valley Expo “Casa de Mañana”

200 E. 2nd St., Imperial

Tri-Counties Area (Nevada, Plumas &

Sierra)Thursday, November

125 – 7pm

Seaman’s Lodge432 Nimrod St.,

Nevada City

Merced CountyFriday, November 13

6 – 9pmUDW Merced Office2935 Business Park

Way, Merced

Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo

CountiesFriday, November 13

6 – 8pmUDW Santa Maria Hall402 S. Miller St., Santa

Maria

San Diego County Saturday, November

1410am – 12pm

373 Park Way, Chula Vista

Butte CountySaturday, November

14 10am – 12pm

City Light Church 3015 Cohasset Rd.,

Chico

Sutter CountyMonday, November

16 6 – 8pm

Boy Scout Center2670 Myrtle St., Live

Oak

Stanislaus CountyTuesday, November

173 – 6pm

Ceres Community Center

2701 4th St., Ceres

Madera CountyWednesday,

November 1812:30 – 2:30pm

Rotary Park910 N. Gateway Drive,

Madera

Tuolumne CountyThursday, November

1912 – 3pm

Opera Hall250 S. Washington St.,

Sonora

Riverside CountyFriday, November 20

*Please call 1-866-417-7300 for more

information.

Kern CountyFriday, November 20

12 – 3pm*Please call 1-800-851-7272 to RSVP.

Orange CountySaturday, November

2111am – 1pm

*Please call 1-877-483-9937 to RSVP.

Placer CountyTuesday, December 1

6 – 9pmMaidu Community

Center1550 Maidu Dr.,

Roseville

Mariposa CountyThe time and date for

this event are to be determined. Please

call 209-742-6780 for more information.

Caregivers are Everyday Heroes!

OVERTIME PAYWe won the latest court battle – in early October, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denied a request by greedy for-profit homecare agencies to delay implementation of overtime pay for homecare providers. Homecare agencies are still trying to stop the new rules from going into effect but this decision means that overtime pay and other protections for IHSS providers will be implemented in the near future. For more details, visit udwa.org.

Almost 40 years ago, our union UDW was formed to win justice for those who care for the most important people in our lives: homecare providers. It was the 1970s – a time when social consciousness was growing, including the right for seniors and people with disabilities to live at home rather than in institutions.Here in California, the IHSS program was created to preserve this basic right. Since then UDW has united IHSS providers, and worked with allies in the senior and disability rights community to protect homecare. With a strong union membership, we have been able to defeat many attacks on IHSS and make strides for providers.But our work is far from over. From securing $15 an hour to permanently ending cuts to IHSS, we are coming together in 2016 and beyond to win the improvements our families and clients deserve.

MORE IHSS HOURS On July 1, 2015, our lobbying efforts paid off when lawmakers finally ended a 7% cut to IHSS hours. Now, we are keeping the pressure up during the legislative special session to make sure this restoration is permanent and does not go back into effect next year.

We are helping providers win more IHSS hours for clients on a case-by-case basis, too. Read more in this issue about how we helped a Butte County veteran get the services he needed (see “Working for our veterans” on page 3).

PAY RAISESIncreasing pay and benefits is a top priority for UDW. That’s why we have joined the nationwide movement to secure at least $15 an hour for homecare providers, which will be a key part of our upcoming bargaining campaign for providers in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.

Currently, IHSS providers in California negotiate pay raises county-by-county which has resulted in different wages across the state and stalled progress in areas with unfriendly lawmakers. We are working to change this so that all providers can see pay raises like the one we just won in San Luis Obispo – IHSS providers in that county are getting a wage increase to $11.85 starting next year.

2

UDW is an advocate for the improvements providers and clients deserve.

Helping those who careIn November and December, UDW holds provider appreciation events across the state to honor caregivers in our community. Call your local UDW office or 1-800-621-5016 to RSVP for an event near you!To read the full president’s report, go to www.udwa.org.

Come to one of UDW’s Provider Appreciation Events

You’re Invited

Cynthia Wilson courageously jumped into action when a friend of hers from Madera County told her that unless they found a homecare provider, they’d have to move into a convalescent home. “I was living in Arizona at the time, but I put all my belongings in storage, and moved to California to become my friend’s caregiver,” she said.

Part of her friend’s condition caused unexpected fainting, so Cynthia provided 24/7 care to keep them safe. She helped with cleaning, medications, accompanied her client to doctors’ appointments, and a lot more. Now, because of Cynthia’s care, her friend is healthier and able to live alone. When heroic caregivers like Cynthia are able to keep clients at home, they give families peace of mind, and save money by keeping our loved ones out of costly nursing facilities.

“This program keeps people in their own homes safely,” Cynthia said. “I am so blessed I can help people in this way.”

After serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years, Gregory Barney is definitely one of America’s heroes. “When I was in the military, I liked getting involved in community programs, and helping people in the neighborhoods where we were stationed,” he said.

Today, Gregory’s heroism shines through in his care and devotion to maintaining the independence and dignity of his two homecare recipients. One of Gregory’s clients is a retired fireman who is immobile. He relies on Gregory’s in-home care to help him get around, monitor and prepare his medications, prepare meals, and clean. With Gregory’s help he stays healthy and safe.

“I’ve always tried to help people who are in need,” Gregory explained. “It’s what I enjoy.”

CYNTHIA WILSONMadera County

GREGORY BARNEYMerced County

November is Homecare Provider Appreciation Month, a time to honor the caregivers who go above and beyond for our clients and communities.

It takes a special kind of person to become a caregiver. Although our work often goes unnoticed, the care we provide allows seniors and people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. At the same time, we save the government billions of dollars a year by preventing more costly care in nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions.

Thank you caregivers – you are everyday heroes!UDW Executive Director Doug Moore

When Lidia Rodriguez’s son Isaac was 18, he was the victim of a violent crime that left him paralyzed. Lidia became his homecare provider, and helped him through both his physical and emotional pain. After seeing the positive impact in-home care had on her own son’s life, Lidia took on the work of caring for two senior women in her community.

Lidia’s clients rely on her to help them with cleaning, cooking, monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels, and so much more. And Lidia does all of this while continuing to care for her son. Like any good hero, Lidia works to keep her clients safe and happy at home, not for the recognition, but because she wants the best for people.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” Lidia said. “I like to see my clients happy. It makes me happy.”

UDW statewide president Editha Adams (right) at a provider appreciation event

in Santa Barbara County.

PROVIDER APPRECIATION EVENTS

LIDIA RODRIGUEZStanislaus County

By Doug Moore, UDW Executive Director

El Dorado CountyFriday, November 6

5 – 7:30pmPlacerville Town Hall

549 Main St., Placerville

Imperial County Thursday, November

125 – 10pm

Imperial Valley Expo “Casa de Mañana”

200 E. 2nd St., Imperial

Tri-Counties Area (Nevada, Plumas &

Sierra)Thursday, November

125 – 7pm

Seaman’s Lodge432 Nimrod St.,

Nevada City

Merced CountyFriday, November 13

6 – 9pmUDW Merced Office2935 Business Park

Way, Merced

Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo

CountiesFriday, November 13

6 – 8pmUDW Santa Maria Hall402 S. Miller St., Santa

Maria

San Diego County Saturday, November

1410am – 12pm

373 Park Way, Chula Vista

Butte CountySaturday, November

14 10am – 12pm

City Light Church 3015 Cohasset Rd.,

Chico

Sutter CountyMonday, November

16 6 – 8pm

Boy Scout Center2670 Myrtle St., Live

Oak

Stanislaus CountyTuesday, November

173 – 6pm

Ceres Community Center

2701 4th St., Ceres

Madera CountyWednesday,

November 1812:30 – 2:30pm

Rotary Park910 N. Gateway Drive,

Madera

Tuolumne CountyThursday, November

1912 – 3pm

Opera Hall250 S. Washington St.,

Sonora

Riverside CountyFriday, November 20

*Please call 1-866-417-7300 for more

information.

Kern CountyFriday, November 20

12 – 3pm*Please call 1-800-851-7272 to RSVP.

Orange CountySaturday, November

2111am – 1pm

*Please call 1-877-483-9937 to RSVP.

Placer CountyTuesday, December 1

6 – 9pmMaidu Community

Center1550 Maidu Dr.,

Roseville

Mariposa CountyThe time and date for

this event are to be determined. Please

call 209-742-6780 for more information.

Caregivers are Everyday Heroes!

OVERTIME PAYWe won the latest court battle – in early October, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denied a request by greedy for-profit homecare agencies to delay implementation of overtime pay for homecare providers. Homecare agencies are still trying to stop the new rules from going into effect but this decision means that overtime pay and other protections for IHSS providers will be implemented in the near future. For more details, visit udwa.org.

When Desserray Tevis of Chico needed help getting services for her husband, an injured Army veteran, UDW stepped up to help.

Read her story in this issue (page 3), and learn more about the resources UDW has for members like you!

Whether you need help getting certified in first aid, are looking for ways to reduce the stress that comes with being a homecare worker, or need dental coverage for your family, there’s a UDW member benefit for you.

Our UDW Member Benefits Center is also here to answer your questions – Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm at 1-800-621-5016. Learn more at www.udwa.org/member-benefits.

4855 Seminole Drive San Diego, CA 92115800-621-5016

facebook.com/UDW

Stay updated with the latest news at www.udwa.org!

UDW recently helped a veteran in Butte County – and we can help you, too!

UDW offers many

MemberBenefits!

3

Working for our veterans

My husband is my hero. Ian is an Army veteran who suffered a debilitating injury to his upper leg while stationed in Fort Knox, KY. While he was on inactive reserve he was called to Ground Zero in New York City after September 11. He was one of many charged with the search and rescue of the victims, including a six-year-old girl who died in his arms.

And although what he saw in that time was traumatic, he performed his job courageously and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Our veterans are heroes, but they don’t always get the hero’s welcome they deserve when they return to their communities. We’ve been working tirelessly with the help of the Butte County government to get my husband the veteran’s benefits he’s earned, but it hasn’t been an easy process. That’s why we were excited when we heard about IHSS.

We applied and were approved for IHSS about a year ago. I help Ian with bathing, his medications, at-home physical therapy, monitoring his pain, as well as household chores like laundry and cooking that he’s unable to do on his own. As long as I’m able to take care of my husband, he’s staying right here in our home.

Unfortunately, despite all the hours of care I provide Ian, he was initially approved for just 35 IHSS hours each month. We called our social worker to try and get Ian’s hours reassessed, but had no luck. After weeks with no change, we took a chance and

called our local UDW office in Butte County. The Advocacy Council immediately jumped into action, and even called our social worker on our behalf.

After just a few weeks, Ian’s hours were increased to 98 for August, and 78 for each month after – without a reassessment! The help of the UDW Advocacy Council has been life-changing. We’re able to pay bills that we previously could not, and we might be able to take a vacation for the first time in seven years!

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there for us after so many struggles to ensure my husband receives what he earned as a soldier for this country.

And it was exciting to learn that the Advocacy Councils are just one of many of our UDW member

benefits. We also have access to free trainings and classes that will help us become better caregivers, a low-cost dental plan, mobile phone discounts, and more. Thank you, UDW.

UDW helped my husband get more IHSS hours – and they can help you, too!By Desserray Tevis, caregiver, Butte CountyIan Tevis, Army veteran and IHSS client

Working for our veterans

It was a relief that the UDW Advocacy Council was there

for us after so many struggles to

ensure my husband receives what he

earned as a soldier for this country.

Lidia Rodriguez is an IHSS provider in Stanislaus County.

Honoring those who care, today and everyday

42 3 EVERYDAY HEROES Caregivers go above and beyond for our communities

HELPING THOSE WHO CARE UDW advocates for IHSS clients and providers

WORKING FOR OUR VETS We helped a veteran in need – and can help you, too!