In 1998 I discovered a wonderful thing called a group home. I was hired on the spot at $8.87 an hour. I knew it was something special and that those beautiful people with disabilities needed people like me. I was 25 years old, recently married, had just bought a home and dreamed of having a large family.
It’s 2015 and I am proud to say I still work full time at Wingspan. I love going to my job everyday but, unfortunately, staying with this job has come with many sacrifices. 17 years later, I make just $4.30 cents more an hour. I've always known this line of work would never bring me wealth or even financial stability but I persevered through it because I'm very proud of what I do and, I've held on to the belief that money is not everything.
I wanted a large family but struggled with the fact that a second child will bring me down to the poverty level. I could have gotten free medical and food stamps from the state but instead I pay $415 a month for medical premiums I pay $625 a month for rent and a minimum of $160 for gasoline, and I have lost my home. This leaves me about $115 a week to spend on groceries and other expenses.
The many times over the years that I have heard there will not be another increase or that we will sustain cuts, I’ve wondered if the people who make those decisions realize what our families have had to give up. It turned out that THEY DID! Last year we received a 5% increase. I am so very grateful and it felt wonderful to be heard and recognized for our work. Because of our increase last year, I am being paid about $100.00 more a month and that contributes greatly to my son’s school lunches for the year.
You cannot see the product our company makes because what we create shows on the inside. I'm a better person because of the care I give to others and my son will without a doubt be a better man having been exposed to the beautiful people I support.
As thankful as we are, the need is still critical for us, caregivers, because the world keeps turning and the cost of living will always be increasing. We struggle to support ourselves and our children. So we are here again, asking for your support. Our work is complex, rewarding but often stressful. We hold the well-being of vulnerable people in our hands. We persevere because we love our work.
I often wonder If I could go back to talk to the 25 year old me would have recommend this line of work to her? I honestly cannot answer that question.
-Lynn Jensen, a dedicated caregiver who works in Minneapolis
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