My son is 28 years old and he was born with Cerebral Palsy.  He has had 8 operations throughout his lifetime.  He’s also wheelchair bound.  The importance of IHSS: A tremendous impact in my family for the following reasons:  As a father, husband and a provider I have been able to provide for my family and my son’s daily needs.  Working from home has also allowed me to make a little extra money by assisting other Consumers.  I am a professional who has used all my skills to improve the quality of life for all Consumers and Clients.  Keep in mind that I have worked as a mental health counselor, case manager, a drug and alcohol counselor and as a parent advocate (FIESTA EDUCATIVA, SAN DIEGO, CA).  I am no stranger to the needs of hispanic parents who have children and adults with disabilities. 

IHSS has given my wife and I the opportunity to change positions without a lot of red tape.  Like most parents, we wish to preserve my family’s dignity and respect by keeping my son at home.  I am quite familiar with Institutions and how they are managed.  As a home care provider with years of experience in this field (and others), I have helped save the State thousands, maybe millions of tax payer dollars. 

We’re not doing this for “the LOVE OF MONEY” but because we are willing to sacrifice our careers for those who are in need of our experience and services.  As parents, and home care providers we have learned from IHSS about EMPOWERNMENT.  We have learned to become VERY resourceful, very independent and thrifty.  We have learned how to save time and money for the State of California.  Due to financial hardship I have had to leave the comforts of my home and find a paying job outside of San Diego.  Thanks to IHSS my wife is currently a home care provider and is meeting our son’s daily needs.

We must ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE by getting rid of politicians who quickly break their promises to the working people, and change their minds for THE LOVE OF MONEY.  We elected them to advocate for us as tax paying citizens.  It’s time say to them, “DO NOT CUT OFF OUR SERVICES, AND JOBS! 

Lack of money is not the issue.  What we have is a failure to communicate.  Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience with you. 

SI SE PUEDE.UNIDOS VENCEREMOS!  UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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