Many saw the Labor Day holiday as a nice three-day weekend, or a celebration of worker rights won long ago that we take for granted today. But workers in Lake are seeking respect for their critical labor.

I’m one of more than 2,400 care providers in the Lake County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. This program provides assistance to older adults and people with disabilities—allowing them to receive care in the comfort and dignity of their homes instead of an expensive and unfamiliar living facility.

IHSS providers like me offer personal care, like hygiene and mobility support, paramedical services like blood sugar checks, and help with daily activities and getting to medical appointments. In some cases, we provide around-the-clock care for people with serious needs. My IHSS recipient is my husband, who uses a wheelchair and is visually impaired.