Shikha Bansal’s caregiving journey is shaped by devotion, sacrifice, and a deep belief in her daughter’s potential. A San Diego County resident for more than 11 years, Shikha began her path as an IHSS provider in January 2025. While her time as a provider is relatively recent, the care she gives is rooted in years of lived experience as a parent and advocate.

For Gary, Bakersfield has always been home. It’s where he went to school, built his career, and now raises his youngest son, Edward. Edward is 11 years old, non‑verbal, autistic, and full of life. Before becoming his full-time caregiver, Gary worked in fabrication and security. His life was straightforward then; clock in, clock out, go home. But when Gary realized his son needed more support, he stepped into a role he never expected but fully embraced.

When Laura moved from Uruapan, Michoacán to Bakersfield 22 years ago, she was looking for a place where she could build a life for herself and her family. “We had spent years visiting the U.S., crossing through Tijuana with our visas, so when it came time to move for good, the transition felt natural for me and my family” she says. She didn’t know then that Bakersfield would become the heart of her caregiving journey.