The Direct Care News     transparent logo, white type
For direct care workers and their allies
 
November 5, 2012

DCA Regretfully Accepts Leonila Vega's Resignation     

 
Leonila space to L
Leonila
I'm writing to let you know that I have decided to resign as executive director of Direct Care Alliance. It took a long time to reach this very difficult decision, but I recently realized that I need to reserve my strength and spirit for fighting the cancer I have been battling for more than a year. It's time for DCA to find its next executive director, who will support and nurture direct care workers to lead the movement to improve direct care jobs. I will come back to the organization that I built, but I'm not sure when or in what capacity. In the meantime, the work must go on and DCA must move forward. -- Leonila Vega

Trace border to R
Tracy Dudzinski
It is with great sadness that we accept Leonila's decision to resign so that she can focus on fighting this terrible disease. This was not an easy decision for her to make, or for us to accept. Under Leonila's visionary leadership, DCA's impact and influence has grown substantially. Thousands of direct care workers have been empowered to advocate for their profession who might not ever have made their voices heard without her leadership and encouragement.

While we are saddened by Leonila's departure, we look forward to welcoming a passionate, creative and clear-sighted leader to build on the foundation that she leaves us with. -- Tracy Dudzinski

Read more from Leonila and Tracy about Leonila's decision and DCA's next steps.

Direct from Washington, DC
Capitol HIllMake your voice heard by voting: On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, U.S. citizens will vote for the next President of the United States, as well as state and local offices including members of the U.S. House and Senate. Direct care workers have a lot at stake in the election, and every vote counts. For information on early voting, where to vote and
polling place hours, voter guides and more, visit your state election website.

Quick Links

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

 
Direct from the Headlines
PHI's annual analysis of wage trends for personal care aides shows that raises were once again outpaced by inflation nationwide in 2011, actually declining in 16 states.

A Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial says Ohio is a bellwether not just for the presidential election but also for how we handle crucial and currently underpaid jobs like home care. 

"We have a huge stake in making sure these jobs are good jobs and these workers are valued," says NELP's Christine Owens in a story about home care aides and other low-wage workers.

A look at the creation and growth of the movement to advocate for direct support professionals, and what remains to be done. 

West Virginia is developing a 90-hour training curriculum and a worker registry for the state's home care workers. 
The Direct Care Alliance is the national advocacy voice of direct care workers in long-term care. We empower workers to speak out for better wages, benefits, respect, and working conditions, so more people can commit to direct care as a career. We also convene powerful allies nationwide to build consensus for change. 

If you have comments on this issue of The Direct Care News or ideas for future issues, please contact Elise Nakhnikian at 646-823-7434, enakhnikian@directcarealliance.org.