Riverside county is proudly represented by United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME)

Index for Riverside County Pages

Union Offices:
State Headquarters: UDW State Headquarters

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Riverside County Home Care Providers
- News and Items of Interest -

Who in Riverside County will be affected by the Governor's proposal of 10% Cuts? 13,560 IHSS Homebound Seniors and Disabled Children will receive a Reduction of Hours on their In-Home Care. 10,130 low income children in 2008-2009 and a total of 18,450 children by 2009-2010 who would lose Medi-Cal coverage due to increased requirements 368,080 low-income Medi-Cal recipients who may have reduced access to healthcare services due to payment cuts to health providers 89,120 children enrolled in Healthy Families Program (low cost healthcare for low–income working families) would have increased family premiums, increased co-pays, and reduced dental services. 7,180 Low income children dropped from the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Program 69,080 low-income seniors and persons with disabilities who would lose the state Cost-Of-Living Adjustment for Supplemental Security Income. (State Supplemental Cash Assistance Grants). 930 fewer children enrolled in childcare and preschool due to cuts in programs

Stop the Governor from Balancing the Budget on the Backs of Workers, Children, Seniors and Teachers What: March and Rally in Orange County   Who: Parents, Teachers, Public Employees, Community Members, and People of Faith  When: Thursday, May 15th at 4:00pm Where: Plaza of the Flags Civic Center & Flower, Santa Ana, California Transportation: see below For more information, contact the OC Labor Federation at 714-385-1544 or UDWA Riverside at 951-786-1300 If you can't make it to this Rally YOU CAN STILL HELP read how

BUS TO SANTA ANA – THURS. MAY 15, 2008
Americharters Bus
contact: Don Theobald 1-877-262-2350 toll free
dtheo@americharter.com

Destination:

Plaza of the Flags Civic Center & Flower Santa Ana , CA

RIVERSIDE - SANTA ANA

Captain: Yesenia Decasaus cell: 951-522-7886

56 Passengers
Pick Up: 3600 Lime St . – Riverside , CA
Begin Loading: 12:30 pm Bus Leaves: 1:00 pm
Estimated arrival to Santa Ana : 2:00 pm

BUS WILL DROP OFF RIVERSIDE GROUP AND PROCEED TO
GARDEN GROVE OFFICE

 

GARDEN GROVE - SANTA ANA

Pick Up: 13252 Garden Grove Blvd. – Garden Grove , CA
Begin Loading: Approx. 2:30 pm

This bus will make 2 trips from Garden Grove to Santa Ana
Final Group should be picked up approx. 3:30

 

RETURN – ALL PICKED UP AT PLAZA OF THE FLAGS - SANTA ANA

GARDEN GROVE GROUP (2 TRIPS) – BEGIN LOADING 6:00 PM

RIVERSIDE GROUP – TO BE PICKED UP AFTER THAT –

APPROX. DEPARTURE 7:00 PM

 

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YOUR RIVERSIDE CHAPTER OFFICERS

Your Riverside Chapter Officers for IHSS Public Authority
Chapter Chair: Chapter Secretary Treasurer: Chapter Vice-Chair: Chapter Executive Board Member: Chapter Executive Board Member:	Martha Martinez Tommy Luna Rosalina Flores Carolyn Leah Carter Vacant
Your Riverside Chapter Officers for ADDUS contract workers
Chapter Chair: Chapter Secretary Treasurer: Chapter Vice-Chair: Chapter Executive Board Member: Chapter Executive Board Member:	Rosalina Flores No Candidate Margaret Weatherspoon Cora V. Bermejo Margie Kirkwood

Introduction to three of your UDW local and statewide
elected representatives from Riverside County
Full list of all Chapter Officers above

UDW Statewide Secretary Treasurer Chris Long I have been a home care provider for 19 years, and my work with UDW is motivated by that experience. Together with my partner and IHSS client Kristine Loomis I have been working for the betterment of home care providers since we voted to have UDW represent us in our county about six years ago. I strongly believe that home care providers will become exhausted and unable to work if they are not adequately compensated for their service.  To that end I have helped negotiate every contract in Riverside (3 so far, spanning a period of 8 years) and helped form strategies that could be used in every county during bargaining. Together with Kristine, I wrote the spreadsheet that eventually became the “At No Cost” document used in every UDW county for negotiations. This document has been developed by many other contributors since that time, but it was originally a response to the Riverside County Negotiator's presentation of the county's financial data, which in our view did not represent the real facts about the IHSS program accurately.  The bottom line is that this program saves the state money and brings funding in to the county. During our negotiations I spoke many times before the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and have also developed personal relationships with Riverside county DPSS and IHSS PA staff through participating in the Labor Management Committee, and attending some IHSS AC meetings as well as various training's and workshops. I believe in local networking, and that those of us in the IHSS community are all connected through a common vision even when it seems like we are on opposite sides of the table. Together with UDW and my partner Kristine, we hosted local and statewide workshops addressing the issues involved in IHSS consumer advocacy in response to the many clients that have reported their hours reduced in 2007-08. I have additionally spoken to your legislators in Sacramento, attended and spoke at numerous IHSS rallies, and was elected and served as a delegate for the last two UDW constitutional conventions as well as the last two AFSCME conventions. I have also spoken to the press on behalf of care providers, and appeared in a video about IHSS with local Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia that was aired on television. My vision for UDW is that I strongly believe we have the potential to become a powerful force for change in this country. Our health care system desperately needs home care providers, and this profession needs recognition on many levels. Home care providers are the HEART of our community in a world that is often cold and uncaring. Home care providers are the people who put real human values front and center, who keep our elderly, our veterans, our disabled, and our mentally challenged citizens from being institutionalized or worse yet put out on the streets. Our society (including our relatives and friends) often put a low value on providing care and we need to change that view. We need to communicate with those who have little or no knowledge or experience of care providing until they understand what is involved. Thank you for your trust in me, as expressed through your votes.  I am proud to serve UDW as Secretary Treasurer and help to unify our collective power. Chris Long UDW Secretary Treasurer UDW Riverside IHSS Public Authority Chapter Chair Martha Martinez My name is Martha Martinez. I am a homecare provider for my daughter Gabbi. Social workers told me when Gabbi was three and again when she was eighteen, that Gabbi belonged in an institution but I have chosen to look after her at home for all of her 23 years and she is a beautiful, happy girl. I know I made the right decision. The strength to stand up to others and do the right thing came naturally, because of my love for her. I now have the honor of having been elected to represent other Riverside UDW home care providers as their Chapter Chair. I will apply my vision to that task and stand up for other providers and their clients. I have been actively involved with helping UDW and our members since 2005. Recently, I participated on the bargaining committee and helped to win the great contract we have just ratified in Riverside. Our voice is also being heard through my presence at IHSS Advisory Committee meetings and I am also a member of the UDW Labor Management Committee for Riverside County. I am additionally a part of the every day running of our chapter office as a member organizer. I make phone calls to members and talk to them at local member meetings, as well as working with UDW staff to understand our many responsibilities as a union. My job as Chapter Chair is to advocate for Riverside County at our UDW executive board and report to the members. I look forward to seeing our chapter grow and develop. With unity and tenacity, we can make Riverside County UDW Chapter shine not only within our union but across the state of California. Sincerely, Martha Martinez Riverside County Chapter Chair UDW Riverside ADDUS Chapter Chair Rosalina Flores I am a home care worker for ADDUS healthcare. I am a mother of four children and live in Hemet, California. I began working for ADDUS in Hemet about seven years ago. I began as a home maker (ADDUS provider) for two years and then I became an ADDUS supervisor. I later took a leave of absence to study medical administration and then came back to work as a home maker because I love doing home care. I have been with ADDUS for four years since then. I became involved with the union after my supervisor got fired for no good reason. I tried to speak out for her, but I felt that I had no voice. When I came in contact with the union at a meeting, the organizers made me feel that I belonged and that I had power behind me with my union. I became a union steward. Since then, I have been part of our negotiations with ADDUS through the bargaining committee. I have been elected as delegate for the UDW Constitutional Convention in which we passed the new constitution by which our union is now governed. I recently was elected by my co-workers in ADDUS of Riverside County to act as their Chapter Chair. It is an honor to represent all the ADDUS workers in Riverside at the Chapter Board as well as the Executive Board. I want to learn as much as I can and develop my skills and advocate for my co-worker's individual issues as well as stand out for our rights as a union. In Solidarity, Rosalina Flores Riverside ADDUS Chapter Chair

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Installation of UDW Riverside Chapter Officers

February 15 2008; Riverside County held Installation Ceremonies for their new UDW Chapter Officers. Riverside county Independent Providers and Riverside ADDUS (contract) workers each have direct representation at UDW headquarters through their chapter officers.  The Riverside chapter chair for Independent Providers (Martha Martinez, below) and the Riverside chapter chair for ADDUS (Rosalina Flores, below) both sit at the UDW Statewide E-Board along with chairs from each UDW county. Homecare providers can bring issues of concern to their chapter officers at meetings that will be held locally. Members can reach all Riverside chapter officers through the Riverside UDW Office

Chapter Officers for Independent Providers are sworn in by UDW President Left to right: Martha Martinez, Chapter Chair; Carolyn Leah Carter, Executive Board member; Tommy Luna, Chapter Secretary Treasurer; Rosalina Flores, Chapter Vice-Chair; Laura Reyes, UDW President.

Riverside ADDUS Officers are sworn in by UDW President Left to right: Margaret Weatherspoon Chapter Vice-Chair; Rosalina Flores Chapter Chair; Margie Kirkwood Executive Board Member; Laura Reyes UDW President. Statewide Office of UDW Secretary Treasurer held by long time Riverside activist Chris Long Riverside members can also be proud that their own Chris Long was sworn in on February 9th as UDW Secretary Treasurer.  Shown left, with UDW Vice President Lientuong Rose Nguyen from Orange County, and UDW President Laura Reyes from San Diego County.  All three statewide officers are home care providers.

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Home care providers and County reach agreement
on new contract

Lead negotiators on both sides of the table reach agreement on new contract proposal
left; Curt Ostrander UDW/AFSCME; right Lisa Piña Human Resources Manager, Riverside County

Members vote"yes"
RECORD-BREAKING 99.5% approval of new contract

On Saturday October 6th 2007, the ratification vote count was held.   Secret ballots were opened and counted by union members while family and clients, as well as members of the bargaining team and UDW staff observed. A great cheer went through the room when all those present were told the final count. A history making vote was recorded in Riverside with this contract.  99.5% VOTED YES. Home care providers, IHSS consumers, and family members had been lobbying their County Board of Supervisors to improve wages and benefits for independent home care providers in Riverside county.  The United Domestic Workers Union together with your Bargaining Team (a group of home care providers and a consumer) have been in negotiations with the county since April.  After many bargaining sessions, and appearances to petition the Board, they reached a tentative agreement.  If approved by ratification (vote of all Riverside provider Subject to final approval by the Riverside County Supervisors, the contract will have substantial wage increases, and added health benefits: Wage Increases: Dec 1, 2007 – Feb 1, 2008* $9.75 per hour  *Depending on the State of California implementation schedule. July 1, 2008 $10.25 per hour July 1, 2009 $10.75 per hour July 1, 2010 $11.50 per hour This is a 28% increase over the life of this contract and represents a 62% increase in wages since the first union contract in 2003! Dental and Vision benefits added: Beginning March 2008 all eligible providers on the health insurance plan will also be eligible for the new benefit of dental and vision. Eligible providers will receive information in January 2008 regarding this benefit. There is no additional cost to providers for this benefit. Riverside Bargaining Team August 31 2007 Proud of the new contract for all Riverside Independent Home Care Providers Top row left to right; Chris Long,  Marquerite Morrison, Kimberly Schroff Middle row left to right; Felice Connolly, Martha Martinez, Rosalina Flores bottom; Kristine Loomis

Riverside IHSS Home Care Providers & Clients
petitioned the Board of Supervisors for
authorization of wage increases

On August 28, IHSS consumers and providers spoke before
the Board of Supervisors to ask for increased wages and benefits.

Homecare providers and consumers gather in solidarity on steps of the County
Buildings in Riverside May 1, after making presentations before the Board.

During the months of negotiations since April, many home care workers, consumers, and family members turned out at the Board of Supervisors' public sessions in Riverside to support the local negotiating team and all Riverside homecare providers.  Thanks go out to all these loyal members who have made such a difference for all IHSS stakeholders.

Home care providers Chris Long, Felice Connolly, Kimberly Schroff, and consumers Kristine Loomis and Julie Dixon all spoke before the Board, presenting the personal side of what this work means in our community.

The Board of Supervisors chamber was filled with many home care providers in green shirts who demonstrated their solidarity as IHSS representatives spoke passionately for providers and consumers in the program. 

Read Felice Connolly's Presentation
Read Kimberly Schroff's Presentation

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Transportation Information and Assistance "TRIP"
For adults 60+ and people with disabilities
living in Riverside County

Residents of Riverside County have many alternatives
- - some they don't even know about!

Find out what is available
Call Toll Free from anywhere in Riverside County: 1 800 510-2020

• "Dial a Ride" curb to curb services are available from all Riverside County transit agencies for seniors and person with disabilities.  Some services require all users to be certified as having verifiable disabilities that preclude their use of regular bus services.
• Bus Services: phone the number above to find out how to plan use of buses that have wheelchair lifts etc.
• Specialized Transit: religious groups, medical facilities, senior centers and some other groups or organizations can often provide help or transportation services to their members.
• Volunteer drivers and mileage reimbursement can sometimes be arranged through TRIP

  Funding for TRIP is provided by Riverside County's "Measure A" (half cent sales tax) and is a public service program of Partnership to Preserve Independent Living for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. www.LivingPartnership.org

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Free Classes in First Aid/CPR for
IHSS Home Care Workers

One day classes from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm will be offered at various locations throughout the county of Riverside.  All classes are now open to all IHSS providers who are currently working with an IHSS consumer and also to Registry Home Care Workers. For more information on dates or locations near you and to make a reservation, please call the IHSS Public Authority at: 1-888-470-4477 toll free and select training from the menu or ask for Alma or Cynthia to register. Please do not plan on bringing children as there is no childcare provided.

Riverside Members Stand Together
and Develop Local Leadership

UDW meetings in Riverside County are bringing members together to develop local leadership and identify priorities for care providers and their clients. "Riverside is a big county and home care workers don't have a meeting place except through their union. We need to reach out to one another." -- Chris Long

Meetings are held in multi languages to accommodate full participation.

Riverside was a national focal point during the 2005 contract negotiations.  The ratification marked the first big contract victory for UDW since its old leadership was removed earlier that year, and took place as SEIU local 434 was attempting to "raid" or take over Riverside. Left, long time members stayed with AFSCME/UDW, and re-built their union.

Negotiation Updates for
Riverside County
Independent Providers (IP's)

("Independent Providers" are home care workers that do not work for an agency. If you work for an agency (ADDUS), you must go to the ADDUS Workers information section.)

Riverside Negotiations & History:

• October 6 2007; The 2007 contract was ratified by a history making vote of 99.5%  The contract includes raises to $9.75; $10.25; $10.75; and $11.50 over a four year period.  Health benefits are included, with additional dental and vision.  See the contract summary for complete details.
• April-September 2007, Your UDW Bargaining Team (volunteer homecare providers, clients/consumers, and staff) conducted negotiations with the county for the third contract in Riverside. This hard working team met many times with Management (Riverside County, IHSS Public Authority) and testified before the Board of Supervisors to petition them for raises.  Both sides finally reached tentative agreement on a new contract that includes substantial wage and benefit increases.  Your UDW Bargaining Team pushed the county to match wages in counties with comparable IHSS caseloads, and utilize funds designated and set aside for IHSS wages by State and Federal sources.
  See Story
• Aug. 23 2005, the County Board of Supervisors approved our second contract. The two-year contract, which members of the United Domestic Workers (UDW) approved August 13 by an overwhelming 93 percent of the vote, includes two pay raises and a guarantee that workers will not have to pay any additional money for health care coverage for two years.
• Jan 1 2004, our first 18 month contract took effect, which provided increased wages and first time health care benefits for home care workers under the In Home Support Services (IHSS) program. Under this contract, wages increased to $8.50 per hour.
• December 3, 2003: As a result of intense negotiations on the part of UDW, together with your local bargaining committee (volunteer home care workers and clients), the first contract ever negotiated in Riverside was ratified.
• December 4, 2002: Riverside home care workers voted to select UDW as their recognized employee organization through a representation election. This means that a majority (over 50%) of the home care workers who voted, said "yes" they want to be represented by UDW in collective bargaining for better wages and health benefits
• Prior to UDW representation, wages were $7.11 per hour, with no medical benefits.

Wages and Benefits for IP providers Under the Present Contract

This information is for Riverside Independent Providers (all home care workers that do not work for an agency). If you work for an agency (ADDUS), you must go to the Addus Workers information section.

April - October 2007, Wages are presently $9.00 an hour.  We have just negotiated and ratified a new contract that will have the following increases (subject to final approval by the Riverside Board of Supervisors):

Your Contract

View your new Riverside Contract Summary
A "Contract Summary" is a brief summary of your contract written in non-technical language

View the complete legal "Memorandom of Understanding" (MOU)
20 page PDF document; 792 KB

If you would like a copy of the above document(s) mailed to you, contact us at the Riverside Office

MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO VOTE ON ALL CONTRACTS and in Union Elections;  Paying dues does not make you a union member, and you must be a member to vote.  To be a member you need to have signed a Membership Card.  It does not cost you any additional money -- your dues are already deducted -- so take your power and send in a signed union card!

Home Care Provider Registry for Riverside County

The In Home Support Services Public Authority has initiated a ground-breaking Registry Service for home care workers and clients under the IHSS program in Riverside. By registering with their data-base, you can:

• Find new clients, if you are a provider.
• Get a list of available, screened providers if you are a client that needs a worker.
• Register to become an IHSS Home Care Provider for the first time.
• Say what type of client you want and be matched with your requirements.
• Get training for yourself and for your client.

To join the registry, or get more information, contact:

Public Authority For IHSS
12125 Day Street, Suite S-101
Moreno Valley, CA 92557

Toll Free: (888) 470-4477

Medical Benefits Package for IP Providers

Your Benefits Package
Medical Benefits Package negotiated by UDW in to the contract, are administered by the County of Riverside's Exclusive Care Plan. The plan covers physician services (using Plan doctors), hospital (using plan hospitals), in-patient, ambulance, prescriptions, and more. There is a small co-pay for some services ($5 to $10). There is a monthly co-pay fee of 10% of the actual cost (this co-pay is presently $28.70) for the basic healthcare coverage. Complete information of coverage may be found on the Exclusive Care Website as well as in your enrollment packet.

Dental and Vision benefits have been added:
Beginning March 2008 all eligible providers on the health insurance plan will also be eligible for the new benefit of dental and vision. Eligible providers will receive information in January 2008 regarding this benefit. There is no additional cost to providers for this benefit.

Save Money on Long-Term Prescription Drugs
Exclusive Care Members can save up to 33% on their long-term prescription drugs by using the Medco Mail Order Pharmacy Benefit to order a 90 day supply. Remember to place your order 14 days before you run out of your medication. You can order online or by calling toll free: 800 473-3455. Have your Medco member number, the prescription number found on the bottle, and if you are paying by credit card, your credit information handy. You may also order by mail. Just enclose your co-payment and use the refill order form and Medco return envelope from your previous order. Some medicines such as potent pain medications, cannot be ordered through the mail. Ask your doctor about any special refill instructions your medications may have. For more information contact a Medco service representative at: 800 711-0917.

Eligibility
In order for a Home Care worker to be eligible to enroll in the Plan, data records must show that you have been approved and paid to work 80 hours or more per month for three consecutive months prior to the enrollment period. Any Home Care Worker wanting more hours can contact the Public Authority and ask about the Registry. If you think you already work enough hours but haven't received an Exclusive Care enrollment packet, call the Public Authority and they will look up your work history and mail you an enrollment packet if you are eligible.

More and more Home Care Providers are qualifying and enrolling in health care benefits. Once the number reaches the "cap," (utilizes all approved funding) newly eligible Home Care Workers will go on a waiting list.

Although health insurance is negotiated for Riverside County home care workers by your union, this coverage is managed by the IHSS Public Authority. To get more information, your personal qualification status, or an application, call:

Riverside Public Authority for IHSS: 888 470-4477 (toll free)

We want a healthy workforce!

IHSS District Offices for Riverside County

Contacting IHSS:

To make an application to become part of the IHSS program (as either a worker or a client), call the central intake screening unit below. If you are already part of the program and need to talk with someone about your hours, you must call the office that serves your area (see list of offices below) and ask to speak with your social worker. For problems or issues with time cards, call the toll free number below. To find a new client or worker, call the Registry.

If you need general information regarding IHSS in Riverside County, contact
IHSS Public Authority for Riverside
12125 Day Street, Suite S-101, Moreno Valley, CA 92557
Toll Free: (888) 470-4477

If you can not resolve an issue after a good faith effort, call your union representative for help.

PROBLEMS OR ISSUES WITH TIMESHEETS
Toll Free: (800) 575-2588

Also see: Information on Payroll out Timesheets for IHSS

Labor Management Committee
for Riverside County

UDW and the IHSS Public Authority for Riverside County have formed a Labor Management Committee (LMC), to address any issues that are not covered in the contract and to work together on making the program better. If you have a concern you would like the committee to work on, please contact:

UDWA Regional Office for Riverside: 877/483-9937
Michele D. Ritche, PA IHSS Executive director: 888/470-4477

This site will publish important items of information relative to the LMC:

LMC MISSION STATEMENT

The United Domestic Workers of America (UDWA) and the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority (IHSS-PA) Labor Management Committee (LMC) has been established to provide Homecare Workers and management alike, an opportunity to work together to discover, discuss, and resolve issues/problems of mutual concern not typically covered by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The UDWA and the IHSS-PA anticipate that the LMC will explore and make recommendations about issues mutually identified, which have impact on the working relationship between the UDWA/Home Care Workers/IHSS-PA/IHSS Consumers (herein after referred to as "all parties concerned").

It is anticipated that the representatives appointed by the UDWA and the IHSS-PA will use this opportunity to work together to attain the following goals:

All recommendations and decisions will be based on the best interest of the IHSS Consumers.

Respect and value the diversity and talents of all parties involved with the objective of improving relationships at all levels.

Improve communication with all parties involved, at all levels and in all directions.

Establish a sense of collaboration and empowerment for all parties involved through participation.

Local (Regional) Meetings
for Riverside County

United Domestic Workers Regional Meetings
In the continuation of our efforts to communicate one-on-one with homecare workers, United Domestic Workers holds regional meetings as often as possible. Locations for meetings vary within the county, so that members in all regions of Riverside will have a chance to attend a local meeting.

It is important to the UDW leadership that we keep you well informed on the status of the state budget and other issues that affect your work as an IHSS homecare provider. As founders of the UDW, we appreciate and thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at meetings! The founders of UDW appreciate and thank you for your participation.

Next UDW Riverside Regional Meeting(s) for IP home care workers
Next UDW Riverside Regional Meeting(s) for ADDUS home care workers

Home care workers join UDW staff and National Executive Board Members at the Riverside County Regional UDW Office for a membership meeting

UDW Bargaining Committee
The Riverside Bargaining Committee is a group of volunteer home care providers and clients who work together with union staff to negotiate for better wages and health benefits with the county.  The work usually involves several months of consistent meetings with the IHSS Public Authority, County Representatives, and the Riverside Board of Supervisors in Public Session.  These meetings take place in the city of Riverside, usually at the County Administrative Center on Lemon Street.

When we need to negotiate a new contract we will begin contacting members to put together a bargaining committee for that contract.  Contact your local UDW regional office if you would like to be on the nest bargaining committee.

UDW House Meetings
You can also host a "House Meeting" in your own home, or put together a meeting at your local church or community center. UDW will help you, and it is a great way to get to know other workers and clients in your area. Contact your local UDW regional office.

IHSS Advisory Committee Meetings
Meets 1st Thursday of every month at:
12125 Day Street, Suite S-101
Moreno Valley, CA 92557

The IHSS Advisory Committee is a committee that is appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and includes IHSS home care providers and clients. Its purpose is to provide ongoing advice and recommendations regarding IHSS to the Board of Supervisors, The Department of Social Services, and the IHSS Public Authority.

Open to the public. Speakers must fill out a registration card and limit their comments to three minutes.

Occasionally meetings will be held at alternate locations. For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a Committee member, contact the IHSS Public Authority and ask to speak with someone regarding the IHSS Advisory Committee:

Toll Free: (888) 470-4477

The Riverside County IHSS Advisory Committee presently has openings.

Your IHSS Advisory Committee Mission Statement

The mission of this committee is “To assist IHSS Consumers in Living with Authority Safely in Their Own Homes.” The IHSS Advisory Committee shall serve as a liaison for communication between the Board of Supervisors, IHSS Public Authority, Department of Public Social Services, and the consumers/clients and their providers (home care workers) in the Riverside IHSS program . In the course of educating, empowering, and advocating for the IHSS community, it is the Committee’s responsibility to seek out input from those participating in IHSS, incorporate their voices in reports to all stakeholders, and recommend ongoing improvements to the IHSS program.

Riverside County Board of Supervisors
http://www.boardofsupervisors.co.riverside.ca.us/supervisors.asp

Your County Board of Supervisors are the authorities who ultimately decide whether home care workers get pay increases and benefits. When home care workers appear at the Board of Supervisor meetings, we talk to the Board about the importance of our work, and let them know that we want them to represent us with their decisions. As taxpayers and voters, we elect members of the board, and they are therefore accountable to us.  Read more about your County Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors hold public meetings, during which anyone is allowed to speak. During negotiations it's important for home care providers to attend these meetings and speak before the board. Even if you are not comfortable speaking, your presence is crucial and shows political interest and influence. Bring your client(s) and family members. There is power in numbers. UDW can let you know when it is best to attend.

Contact UDW Riverside

The Riverside Board of Supervisors Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM:
Riverside County Board of Supervisors
County Administrative Center annex
4080 Lemon Street, 1st floor
Riverside, CA 92501

(Meetings are held on the first floor - inquire at desk.)
These meetings are open to the public. Speakers must fill out registration card and limit their comments to three minutes.

You can also call, write, or email your Board of Supervisors to let them know you are aware of their decisions and you are concerned about home care workers.

Call:951/955-9500
Write: to address above.

Each Supervisor in the County has his or her own email address, office, and phone number. It is therefore best to go to their website, where you can get all their individual data as well as determining which one represents your particular district in the County.

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How to Get Involved

Your union can not represent you without your involvement! We need your voices to be heard, and we need your help in communicating with others in your community.

If we are in negotiations in your county for better wages and benefits, the best thing you can do is to come join us at the public Board of Supervisors meetings. We try to fill the room with as many workers as possible so that they know we have a voice in the political process. To find out more contact your UDW Regional Office. If you can not come in person, you may also call or write your local Board of Supervisors.

You can also get involved by joining UDW committees and other volunteer positions to help home care workers and their clients:

• Becoming a Steward (communicating with your local neighborhood groups and individuals to let them know about important issues and meetings, etc).
• Bargaining Committee (contract negotiations)
• Labor Management Committee (LMC); communicating with IHSS Public Authority, and helping to address issues between home care workers and IHSS administration, that are not covered by the contract.
• Volunteer for local "phone-banking" campaigns, where you speak to other members and let them know about upcoming events or meetings.
• Host a "House Meeting" in your own home, or put together a meeting at your local church or community center.

For more information, contact Regional Director for Riverside

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Riverside County Contract Providers (ADDUS)

UDW Elected Representatives for ADDUS

Negotiation History for ADDUS Providers

• The original contract went into effect January 7, 1985 and there has been an agency contract up to the current time.
• The current contract has been extended, and we should have a new contract in place soon.
• At the inception date of the original contract, the employees were working as Individual Providers earning minimum wage without any benefits whatsoever.
• Over the years, these workers have enjoyed increased wages and a good number of benefits.

Wages vary from $8.00 to $12.30 per hour depending upon length and type of service.

All employees accrue vacation and sick leave benefits.

Mileage reimbursement is at the rate of $.26 per mile.

Health Insurance benefits are for full-time employees, those working at least sixty-five (65) hours a pay period, wherein the Company pays 80% of the premium and the employee pays 20%. The coverage is with Pacificare Health and the 20% paid by the employee is $45.23 each pay period or a total of $90.36 per month. There is a $5.00 co-pay for doctors' visits and prescriptions vary from $5.00 to $30.00.

Dental and Vision Insurance benefits are for full-time employees, those working at least sixty-five (65) hours a pay period, wherein the Company pays 100% of the premium. Coverage is available to part-time employees at 100% of the cost of the premium.

Holidays - there are eight paid holidays for full-time employees, those working at least sixty-five (65) hours a pay period. They are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and a personal day.

Your ADDUS contract

View the full legal "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU): ADDUS contract
The above document is a 39 page pdf file - you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to read it.  Acrobat Reader is free software download here

Resources Local to Riverside County

This is a Community Resource section, and we are just getting started. We encourage members and clients to let us know about useful resources that might be listed. Contact: Webmaster

Also see our statewide Provider Resources page and/or Client Resources page.

Because we can not research every resource thoroughly, please read the disclaimer below carefully.

By providing the following information, United Domestic Workers of America does not in any way guarantee, approve or endorse the information or services available through these resources, nor does a listing indicate any association with or endorsement by the listed resource, to UDW. We are making this information available so that home care workers and their clients can inform themselves about other programs and services that they may be eligible for, and network on a local level.

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Websites with Information Local to Riverside County

Riverside County Network of Care
This is a very comprehensive website, with sub-pages for many California counties. The Riverside page has extensive links for resources local to Riverside County. It is a large database that is updated regularly, so this is a very good place for researching some of the many services available to care providers and clients:
http://riverside.networkofcare.org/aging/home/index.cfm

Riverside County Office on Aging
http://www.rcaging.org

Transportation Information and Assistance "TRIP"
For adults 60+ and people with disabilities living in Riverside County
Help with transportation.  See above  Funding for TRIP is provided by Riverside County's "Measure A" (half cent sales tax) and is a public service program of Partnership to Preserve Independent Living for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities.
www.LivingPartnership.org

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Resource & Advocacy Local to Riverside County

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc.
CFILC's mission is to support independent living centers in local communities. These centers help people with disabilities (and their home care workers) through advocating and promoting integration for people with disabilities.

Riverside Independent Living Centers:

El Centro:
Access Center of Imperial Valley (TACSD)
584 Main Street, Suite C, El Centro CA. 92243
Telephone: 760-353-4191
Fax: 760-353-4474
TDD: 760-353-5047
Executive Director: Louis Frick
E-Mail: cstratton2accesscentersd.org
This is a branch office of the Center in San Diego
Branch/Site Manager/Coordinator: Claire Stratton

Indio:
Community Access Center (Indio Branch Office) (CAC)
81-730 Highway 111, Suite 2, Indio CA. 92201
Telephone: 760-347-4888
E-Mail: pmgr2@ilcac.org
This is a branch office of the Center in Riverside
Branch/Site Manager/Coordinator: Ray Martin

Riverside:
Community Access Center (CAC)
6848 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 150, Riverside CA. 92506
Telephone: 909-274-0358
Fax: 909-274-0833
TDD: 909-274-0834
E-Mail: execdir@ilcac.org
Website: www.communityaccesscenter.org/

San Bernardino:
Rolling Start, Inc. (RSI)
570 West 4th Street, Suite 103, San Bernardino CA. 92401
Telephone: 909-884-2129
Fax: 909-386-7446
TDD: 909-884-7396
Executive Director: Fran Bates
E-Mail: rs.inc@verizon.net
Website:www.rollingstart.com

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HICAP - Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
Provides assistance with Medicare problems and other health insurance issues.
800 434-0220

Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is a program that is supported by volunteers and whose services are administered by the California Department of Aging.  This program can help you:

• Understand Medicare
• Review HMO's or Managed Care options
• Compare Supplemental Plans
• Challenge denials of service or prepare appeals
• Clarify your rights as a health consumer
• Explore long-term care options

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Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
303 E. Vanderbilt Way, Suite 400
San Bernardino, CA  92408
(909) 890-2000
www.iehp.org

Organized as a not-for-profit public agency, IEHP is Knox-Keene licensed health plan serving over 300,000 members in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.  IHEAP enhances Medi-Cal benefits for people with disabilities by offering programs and services such as Living Well with a Disability Program, and the Wheelchair Seating Clinic.  IEHP also invites members with disabilities and their families or personal assistants to join the People with Disabilities Workgroup, a committee that meets quarterly to advise IEHP about policies and member materials.

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Inland Caregiver Resource Center

Serving California's Inland Counties: Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

Inland Caregiver Resource Center is primarily for families and caregivers of adults with brain impairment. They may occasionally be able to help with resources for other disabilities.

Providing:
• Information and Referral
• Family Consultation
• Respite Care
• Legal/Financial Consultation
• Short-Term Counseling
• Support Groups
• Training and Conferences for Caregivers and Professionals

*This assistance is limited by the availability of funds and may have to be curtailed when designated budgets are exhausted.

Location:	1420 East Cooley, Suite 100 Colton, CA 92324
TOLL FREE :	800/675-6694
e-mail:	info@inlandcaregivers.org