We all need care.

At some point, from the moment we are born to our final breath and the time in between, we will all need care.

UDW members provide critical support and care to California’s children, seniors and people with disabilities, all while advocating for our own essential rights and fighting for what our communities need to thrive. UDW believes that when we uplift those who care for us, we can build a more compassionate and just world.

Member Stories

There When No One Else Was:
Isabel’s UDW Story

Isabel has worked in home care for 17 years across California. For the last 11 of them, she’s cared for one client full-time — helping her regain the ability to walk with a cane and a walker.

This is what in-home supportive services (IHSS) work looks like: skilled, essential, and often invisible. Isabel is part of the workforce holding California together, one relationship at a time.

The Right to Care for Her Own Son:
Kaysi’s UDW Story

When Kaysi’s son Jeremy was diagnosed with severe autism, she was working full-time, raising him alone, and trying to make it work. Then she found support to stay home and care for her own son herself, instead of placing him in an institution. In-home care exists because UDW members fought for it, year after year.

“He’s my forever baby,” Kaysi says. “I will do anything to protect him.”

Kaysi is part of the skilled workforce across California, fighting for the support families like hers need.

“Their happiness is my happiness.”
Minh’s UDW Story

For Minh, caregiving isn’t just a job, it’s a commitment to family. She left her career as a computer technician to care for her mother when her health declined, and later took on the same role for her sister after a serious car accident. Today, she provides care for both through California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.

Minh is clear about what this work requires: “I hope everyone would have the right view of the provider — the person who cares for their parents, cares for their family members. They should also get paid so they can live, and have full benefits, like other jobs in society.”

About Care Providers

Care work is skilled, essential, and happening everywhere.

Care providers are trained professionals, caregivers, educators, and advocates — supporting health, independence, and early learning every single day. This is the work that allows families to function, communities to stay stable, and people to live with dignity.

Care That Sustains Life

Home care providers support health, safety, and dignity at home every single day. This is what makes independence possible with the support of IHSS home care workers:

Medical and paramedical support
Monitoring health and medications
Personal care and daily living support
Safe homes, prepared meals, consistent care

Care That Builds the Future

Family child care providers create the conditions children need to grow, learn, and succeed. This is how our children and the future of our state thrive:

Early learning and developmental support
Safe, nurturing environments
Daily care, meals, and structure
Partnership with parents and families

Take action

Help make care visible

Care workers deserve to be seen and valued. Share with your friends and family online to support the workers who make dignity and independence possible.

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