Pedro J. Williams Sr.’s caregiving story began decades ago, shaped by love, loss, and an unwavering commitment to family. Born and raised on the East Coast and of Black and Puerto Rican heritage, Pedro moved to California in 1985 when he was 25. By the mid 1990s, Oceanside became home. It is where he has now built a life for more than 20 years filled with resilience, purpose, and service.
Pedro’s journey as a care provider began after a devastating drunk driving accident that changed his family forever. His young son, Pedro Jr., survived but suffered cerebral palsy and severe brain damage, leaving him nonverbal and in need of daily support. The tragedy also took the life of Pedro’s stepson.
“I am grateful he came back to me,” Pedro reflects. “He was in a coma after the accident.”
Becoming an IHSS provider was more than a job. It allowed him to be present for his son every day after the accident and provide the stability and care his child needed to grow and live with dignity. “IHSS is a needed program, and I am grateful every day for the support,” he says. “It was truly a blessing.”
Caregiving shapes every moment of Pedro’s daily life. “Everything I do for myself, I do twice,” he explains.
Mornings begin with shared routines like getting up, getting dressed, watching TV, and having breakfast together. Pedro makes sure his son gets fresh air or a change of scenery, whether it is a trip to the movies or time outside. At home he creates joy through Wii video games, coloring, and reading. He bathes his son, cooks for them three times a day, keeps their space clean, and even cuts his son’s hair.
“Wherever I go, he goes with me,” Pedro says with pride. His son, like him, has a happy and easygoing spirit that fuels Pedro’s dedication.
Before caregiving became his life’s calling, Pedro worked in the sprinkling industry in San Marcos where he handled information, inventory, and vending. Becoming an IHSS provider opened a path that aligned with his purpose and deep love for his family.
Pedro joined UDW nearly 30 years ago when he first started IHSS. Being a part of the union has provided him with a steady source of community and growth ever since. One of his proudest moments was giving a speech where he shared his passion for the work he does and the people he stands up for.
“The speech I gave—I was extremely proud of myself. This is a fight for other people, too, and I wanted to be a part of it,” he says. “UDW has given me the ability to be involved and fight for other people.”
Pedro has always felt a pull toward leadership. “I have never been a follower,” he says. “I have been waiting for something like this.” Through UDW, he has found a platform to speak up and support others. After attending a North San Diego County meeting in August, his involvement grew even stronger and so did his sense of community.
“There is nothing like your community,” he says.
Pedro joined UDW’s San Diego County bargaining team for the most recent IHSS contract negotiations. Sitting with the Public Authority, seeing negotiations unfold, and learning how decisions are made deepened his commitment to advocacy and made him appreciate the power of collective action.
“The bargaining team is so powerful, and it is great to be around them,” Pedro shares.
Today he proudly stands alongside fellow providers like David Haskins, Sabrina Bishop, and Starlene Pleasant who have become close friends and partners in the fight for fairness.
Pedro strongly believes in the importance of member involvement. For him, bargaining, voting, and outreach are responsibilities. “It is important to see how things are done,” he says. “Seeing this process made me appreciate what we have and what we want.”
Nearly three decades into caregiving, Pedro continues to embody strength, compassion, and leadership. His story honors the love of a father, the resilience of a survivor, and the power of a community working together for justice.
Discover more inspiring member stories at udw.org/our-stories.