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Caregivers Honored at CCA’s Caregiver of the Year Awards Event

Tuesday March 24, 2026 by CCA Comms

On March 20, 2026, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) hosted its first-ever “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” event at The Huffington at Saint Sophia in Los Angeles. Nearly 100 guests gathered at the private event, which honored three outstanding caregivers in California who were nominated and judged for their exceptional dedication, excellence, and positive impact on the lives of those in their care and in the caregiving community.

KTLA TV Channel 5 Reporter and “KTLA Cares” Manager Wendy Burch served as the event emcee. Speakers at the Awards Event included CCA President and CEO Corinne Eldridge and CCA Chief Programs Officer Sabrina Ullah. The award trophies were presented to the winners by Sergio Donis, Statewide Field Director at SEIU Local 2015 and CCA Board Member, and Edith Gong, Director of Public Authority Services of Santa Clara County and Board President of the California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA).

Wendy Burch, KTLA TV, Emcees the CA Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026, Los Angeles

Many distinguished guests attended the awards event to support the caregivers, including Luis Bravo, Executive Director of PASC LA, the Public Authority for Los Angeles, Janet Heinritz-Canterbury of the California IHSS Consumer Alliance (CICA), and Fay Gordon, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the California Department on Aging.

Three Outstanding California Caregivers Received Awards

CEO Corinne Eldridge, three Winners, CPO Sabrina Ullah-CA Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026
L to R: CCA CEO Corinne Eldridge with winners Deidra, Maria Elizabeth, Quaniko, and CCA CPO Sabrina Ullah

The winners in three caregiving categories were:

Maria Elizabeth Salas de Lemus — In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year

Deidra Gossett — Family Caregiver of the Year

Quaniko Franklin — Nursing Home Worker of the Year

These winners were nominated by others who were familiar with their work and impressed by their level of compassion and dedication, as well as their skill, efficiency, and reliability.

Winning caregivers received a cash prize of $2,000 and an engraved commemorative trophy.

A Distinguished Panel of Judges That Support Caregivers

The judging panel included CCA partners, labor union officers, and public authority leaders from across the State, including:

  • Christina Lockyer, SEIU Local 2015
  • Sally Cantwell, PACS Group
  • Carly Roman-Woo, Archstone Foundation
  • Linnel Walker, CalOES
  • Francisco Oaxaca, L.A. Care Health Plan
  • Edith Gong, Santa Clara Public Authority & CAPA
  • Meygan Maciel, Office of California Assemblymember Avelino Valencia

The ‘Spirit of CCA’ Award Went to a Special California Legislator

California Assemblymember Matt Haney won the “Spirit of CCA” Award for his dedication to strengthening the State’s home and community-based care system, particularly the IHSS. Haney was recognized for authoring Assembly Bill 283, a landmark legislation that seeks to establish statewide collective bargaining for the IHSS workforce. He also founded a new Care Caucus in the Assembly to make care a standing legislative priority. Haney accepted his award via a recorded video speech that was screened at the awards event. View Matt Haney’s Acceptance Speech on YouTube.

Why CCA Thinks That Honoring Caregivers Is Important

CCA, California’s most experienced provider of free and accessible training for caregivers, wanted to host these awards to honor the long-term care workers whose contributions are critical, yet often overlooked. According to California‘s Master Plan for Aging and other sources, nearly 5,000,000 caregivers across California provide essential daily support to parents, spouses, and loved ones, helping them live safely and comfortably in their homes and communities. More than 750,000 caregivers are paid IHSS workers, who assist eligible low-income older adults and people with disabilities in their homes. Additionally, there are approximately 145,000 workers employed in skilled nursing facilities in California.

“Caregivers are essential workers who play a critical role in supporting our most vulnerable populations, enabling them to live independently at home or to receive high-quality care in skilled nursing facilities,” said Corinne Eldridge, President and CEO of the Center for Caregiver Advancement. “The California Caregiver of the Year Awards recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills, compassion, dedication to their work, and support for caregivers in their community.”

California Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026, photo montage

About the California Caregiver of the Year Awards by CCA

There are nearly five million caregivers in California. These awards are organized and hosted by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) to recognize outstanding caregivers across the state who demonstrate exceptional skills, knowledge, and commitment to providing quality, person-centered care. Awards are given to one winner in each of three categories: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year, Family Caregiver of the Year, and Nursing Home Worker of the Year. Learn more here.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot live without. Founded in 2000 by SEIU Local 2015, CCA is California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training for long-term care workers. Since our founding, we have trained more than 40,000 skilled nursing facility workers and in-home caregivers through an evidence-informed curriculum delivered in eight languages. Our research partnerships with leading institutions demonstrate the tangible impact of caregiver training on improved healthcare quality and costs.

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Wife of Bruce Willis Brings Attention to Caregiving as a National Crisis

Tuesday March 3, 2026 by CCA Comms

According to a February 18, 2026 Opinion piece in USA Today by Emma Heming Willis, the wife of movie actor Bruce Willis, and her co-author Steve Schwab, “Caregiving is a national crisis we can’t ignore.”

In the case of Emma Heming Willis, she provides care for her spouse, actor Bruce Willis, who lives with a form of dementia known as Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD. As explained in the USA Today opinion article, it is important to understand that caregiving for someone with dementia is not simply a set of tasks.

Caregiving Can Be an “Invisible” Job

Heming Willis describes caregiving as “the invisible labor of managing medications, coordinating appointments, navigating systems not designed with caregivers in mind.” In caring for Bruce Willis, Heming Willis has learned that the caregiver must do all this while also dealing with the daily challenges of their care recipient experiencing symptoms like memory loss, personality changes, disrupted sleep, and unpredictable behavior.

Heming Willis further describes caregiving as “…essential, unpaid labor for loved ones.” Caregiving is critical to the greater healthcare infrastructure, yet it remains largely invisible.

It is estimated that more than 100 million people in the United States provide unpaid care to an adult relative or friend with a health or functional need at home. Whether a home caregiver is an unpaid family member or friend, or a trained In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider who is paid to support a consumer in their home environment, caregiving is hard work.

According to the article, in 2019, unpaid caregivers provided roughly 18.6 billion hours of home care to people living with dementia. This care is valued to be worth approximately $244 billion in unpaid labor. Even the IHSS workers in California who are paid to care for IHSS members who have dementia or other chronic conditions are still struggling to earn a living wage. The fact is, even though home caregiving is essential labor that supports families, healthcare systems, and the overall U.S. economy – home caregivers are largely unseen and grossly under-compensated (if compensated at all).

This is curated content. To read the full opinion piece, please visit the USA Today News Site.

Photo Credit: Photo of Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, Jan. 2019

Related Reading:

California’s Care Crisis: Who Will Care for Our Aging Adults and Those with Disabilities?

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CCA to Train Caregivers for Emergencies Online with Grant from LA2050

Thursday January 8, 2026 by CCA Comms

Caregivers are often first responders in emergencies, helping their care recipients remain safe by sheltering in place or evacuating them quickly and efficiently. Knowing how to respond to emergencies can be challenging if caregivers don’t receive the training and resources required to assist others during wildfires and other climate-related disasters.

CCA Provides IHSS Workers with Online Training for Emergencies

To help close that skills gap, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is launching a new e-learning Emergency and Disaster Readiness course (EDR) for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers in Los Angeles County. The EDR e-Learning course offered by CCA was made possible for caregivers in Los Angeles through a $75K grant from LA2050, a community-based initiative that supports LA-based efforts aimed at benefiting LA communities.

LA Caregivers: Sign Up For Emergency Training in January

Enrollment for the EDR course opens in January 2026, with self-paced online classes starting in March 2026. Caregivers across LA County will learn emergency skills for navigating natural disasters and other emergencies.

“Emergency preparedness is essential for caregivers,” says Center for Caregiver Advancement CEO Corinne Eldridge. “By making this training accessible online, we’re ensuring IHSS caregivers have the tools they need to protect themselves and those they care for when disasters strike.”

Complete Emergency Training in 15 Hours Online

To qualify for this e-learning course, applicants must be residents of Los Angeles County and active IHSS providers. The online EDR course under this LA2050 program has six modules. It will take approximately 15 hours to complete. The e-learning format for the course is self-paced, allowing busy caregivers to complete the modules at times that are convenient for them.

The course is available in English. Students who complete the EDR course via this LA2050 program may receive a $600 stipend and a free emergency kit.

Knowing How to Navigate Emergencies Builds Confidence

Upon completion, home caregivers will understand how to prepare emergency kids and “go bags,” plan emergency evacuation routes, safely lift and carry care recipients with limited mobility, create communication plans, and access apps that will enable them to receive timely alerts. An important benefit of this training is the confidence it instills in students, helping them to remain calm during emergencies so they can better assist their care recipients.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement

The Center for Caregiver Advancement believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot live without. We are the state’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment. Our impact studies advance policy initiatives to develop career pathway opportunities and build professionalization within long-term care.

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Partnership Program Trains Caregivers of L.A. Care Health Plan Members

Friday January 2, 2026 by CCA Comms

In 2025, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) and SEIU Local 2015 celebrated nearly nine years of partnership with the L.A. Care Health Plan, during which CCA trained nearly 9,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers in Los Angeles County who serve L.A. Care members. In December 2025 alone, nearly 400 caregivers completed a 10-week program in IHSS Caregiving Essentials, further strengthening the quality of care they provide, their confidence, and communication with consumers and health care teams.

Why Training Caregivers Is Critical

In-home caregivers are essential to the thousands of older adults and those with disabilities who receive long-term care at home to support their health and independence. The role of the home caregiver is vital for ensuring adherence to medical plans and assistance with many tasks of daily living.

Filling Gaps in the Home Care Landscape

CCA’s distinctive partnership with L.A. Care and SEIU Local 2015 provides In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers with free skills training. Together, we have built a community of caregivers in greater Los Angeles that possess the essential skills and confidence necessary to support L.A. Care members who receive care in their homes.

Research shows that skilled home care workers positively impact the health outcomes of their care recipients, helping to fill gaps in our complex healthcare system. At least one study showed that trained IHSS caregivers kept more people safe at home, with 25% fewer ER visits and 30% fewer hospital readmissions. Additionally, home care from skilled IHSS workers was found to reduce complications of chronic illnesses by 20% and increase consumer satisfaction with their care by 40%.

The IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program at CCA

CCA developed the IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program (IHSS+) as a comprehensive 10-week training designed to educate and empower caregivers who assist seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Caregivers who are assisting L.A. Care Health Plan members and are also registered as IHSS providers through California’s IHSS program can take CCA’s free online training to enhance their roles as home caregivers. The training provides them with skills that enable them to perform a range of caregiving duties, including roles as Monitor, Communicator, Coach, Navigator, and Care Aide.

Caregiver Training Partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan

At a recent CCA event, L.A. Care’s Chief Medical Officer Sameer Amin, MD, joined a panel of experts discussing caregiver training as a solution for filling care gaps. Dr. Amin emphasized the growing need to enhance caregiver training with information on how to navigate local resources and programs that can benefit their care recipients. He stated that these resources, such as food programs and services for specific health conditions, are not always widely advertised or easy to identify. He said that program partners should share the responsibility of helping caregivers find and navigate these additional resources.

When caregivers are skilled and familiar with local resources, L.A. Care members will receive more consistent and coordinated care.

About L.A. Care Health Plan

L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County serving more than one of every four Angelenos. It is also the largest publicly operated plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans, including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Medicare Plus, and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County’s low-income communities and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access, and inclusion, elevating healthcare for all of L.A. County. 

About SEIU Local 2015

SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union in California, representing more than half a million long-term care workers (home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center workers) throughout the state. SEIU Local 2015 is also the largest long-term care union in the U.S. and the largest local union in SEIU.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA)

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot live without. We are the state’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment. Our impact studies advance policy initiatives to develop career pathway opportunities and build professionalization within long-term care.

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Nursing Assistant Career: Becoming a CNA

Wednesday December 3, 2025 by CCA Comms

When Emmanuel “Manny” Moreno walks through the halls of Windsor Gardens Rehab Center of Salinas, there’s new confidence in his step. Once part of the Activities Department, Manny has found an even more meaningful way to care for residents—this time, as a future Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

His journey to CNA began when his manager offered him a chance to enroll in a tuition-free CNA Training Pathway program through the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA).

“Would you like to become a CNA?”

“When my manager asked me that, I hesitated because I hadn’t thought about working on the nursing side,” Manny recalls. “But then I realized it was a great opportunity—especially since they paid for it. I told myself, if they believe I can do it, I should give it a try.”

Manny’s leap of faith was supported by his CCA Outreach Manager, Elizabeth Cabral, who guided him through the enrollment and training process.

Finding Strength in the Pursuit of New Challenges

The CNA training wasn’t easy. Manny quickly discovered how intense the coursework could be.
“It was a lot of reading and a lot of quizzes—it was insane!” he laughs. “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and thought about quitting. But my loved ones, my instructor, Gigi, and my CCA outreach manager, Elizabeth, encouraged me to keep going. I couldn’t let this great opportunity go to waste.”


After six demanding weeks of theory classes, Manny passed his final test. The feeling? Pure pride.
“At the end of the day, I was determined. When I passed, I was so proud of myself. It reminded me that I can do hard things.”

From Activities Associate to Certified Nursing Assistant

Before training, Manny worked in the Activities Department, planning and leading programs that brought joy to nursing home residents. Transitioning into a CNA role was a whole new experience.
“I wasn’t familiar with healthcare before,” he says. “But I’m glad I took the CNA training. It opened my eyes to a new side of caregiving—and maybe even prepared me for future opportunities in healthcare.”
Manny’s new career path also has a special personal connection: his mother works as a home health aide.
“She understands the kind of work I’m doing,” he says with pride. “She’s proud of me for taking this step.”

Support Every Step of the Way

Manny credits his success to the unwavering support he received from CCA staff and his instructors.
“Gigi, my instructor, was so informative and helpful. Elizabeth from CCA always checked in and made sure I had everything I needed. Everyone was so supportive—I never felt alone in this program.”

For anyone considering the program, Manny’s advice is simple but heartfelt:
“It’s a lot to learn, but if you keep doing it over and over, you’ll get it. It’s worth it.”

More Than a Job — a Calling and a Community

For Manny, being a CNA is about more than providing care—it’s about building relationships.

“It never hurts to try something new. I never expected to be a CNA, but I love building bonds with the residents.”

Manny says that he doesn’t see the residents as patients. “I see them as family and friends. I spend so many hours with them, and I get to know their family members who visit them.”

When he told his residents that he was starting CNA training, their support gave him the confidence to succeed.
“They were so happy for me. They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. That gave me the strength to keep going.”

Looking Ahead to the Next Steps as a Nursing Assistant

Now studying for his California State Exam to become a fully certified CNA, Manny is grateful for the journey that began with a simple question and a life-changing opportunity.

“I’m glad I said yes to this CNA training program. It has changed my perspective on what I’m capable of.”

About the CNA Training Pathway Program

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) offers tuition-free CNA and LVN training programs that help SEIU 2015 union workers like Manny gain valuable skills, earn credentials, and open doors to meaningful careers in caregiving and healthcare.

If you’ve ever thought about making a change, now’s the time—just like Manny, you might discover a new career pathway you never expected.

Learn more about CCA’s nursing home caregiver training programs at: https://advancecaregivers.org/cna-training-pathway-program/

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Cindy Shares Her Caregiving Story on Spectrum News

Monday December 1, 2025 by CCA Comms

There are an estimated 5 million caregivers in California who provide essential long-term care to a family member or other care recipient in their community. Many caregivers are providing in-home assistance to an older adult or person with disabilities, without any prior training in caregiving skills. Additionally, they lack support to help them relieve the stress of a taxing job that involves long hours.

In the News: Spectrum News 1 SoCal TV Highlights the Importance of Caregiver Training

On November 28, 2025, Spectrum News 1 SoCal TV reporter Jo Kwon highlighted the need for more caregiver training as our population ages. Kwon chose to draw attention to this issue in November, which is National Family Caregivers Month. She featured the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) as a provider of free online training for caregivers in California.

Kwon took an interest in sharing the story of Cindy Haro, an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregiver who provides in-home care for her mother, Jenny, who has dementia. Kwon visited Cindy and Jenny at their home to see first-hand how Cindy uses the skills she learned in her CCA course to assist Jenny with her daily living tasks.

Understanding the Caregiving Landscape

Kwon also interviewed CCA President and CEO Corinne Eldridge about the shortage of caregivers in California and why training is critical for long-term care workers. Eldridge provided an overview of the caregiving landscape, where many care workers are critical to providing assistance to aging adults and people with disabilities, yet formal training is not mandatory or easy to access. CCA is committed to providing a solution by offering free, high-quality skills training that can be accessed in multiple languages.

Watch the Spectrum News 1 Video:

Cindy’s story on Spectrum News 1 SoCal TV brings attention to the many caregivers in the Los Angeles area who would benefit from free training, but may not know that it is available through CCA.

Caregiving Training Is a Game-Changer for Exhausted Caregivers

Cindy hopes that by sharing her story on Spectrum News, other families who provide caregiving for a loved one will learn how CCA’s free training can help them manage the burden. Caregiving is a challenging job, but Cindy has learned that training provides benefits for both the caregiver and the care consumer.

“Even though I’m grateful that I can take care of my mother at home to help her stay healthy and independent as she manages dementia and other health issues, caregiving can be a lonely job with no one to talk to,” says Cindy. “My feelings of stress and loneliness finally improved when I found CCA and started taking their caregiving classes.”

How the Center for Caregiver Advancement Helps Caregivers

The Center for Caregiver Advancement is a non-profit organization that is California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training. CCA focuses on creating a supportive, experience-based learning environment with a curriculum that is built around person-centered care.

CCA offers skill-building courses to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers, helping them build professional skills in essential caregiving, as well as special conditions like Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (ADRD), self-care and stress relief, CPR, and Emergency & Disaster Readiness (EDR), among others.

Many of the CCA courses are offered online through Zoom. The online format enables caregivers to fit training into their busy schedules. After students graduate from these 6-10-week caregiver training courses, CCA often shares their stories to illustrate the positive impact that training has on them. Research shows that the training improves their job satisfaction, confidence, and enables them to provide a higher level of care when applying their new skills.

Practical Caregiving Skills Include Self-Care for Caregivers

“In my CCA course, I learned how to move my mother safely with correct body mechanics, how to bathe her, improve her nutrition, and how to manage my time,” says Cindy. “I even learned how to take better care of myself. In fact, the self-care class was the most valuable one for me, because I was really struggling before.”

Cindy reports that her teacher at CCA noticed her stress and took the time to walk her through stress-management tools. She gave her the guidance she needed to minimize her stress, manage her own health, and recharge her energy.

For the full story, visit Jo Kwon’s news report page online at Spectrum News 1 SoCal TV.

Related Reading:

https://advancecaregivers.org/impact-stories/

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La capacitación de una madre como cuidadora transformó la vida de su hijo

Thursday November 20, 2025 by CCA Comms

Cuando Hellen Deanda empezó a cuidar a su hijo, José Elías, con parálisis cerebral, no contaba con formación académica. Pero sabía que si adquiría nuevas habilidades y aprovechaba recursos inesperados, podría brindarle una vida mucho más plena, a pesar de sus necesidades especiales. Hoy, la historia de Hellen no se trata solo del cuidado especializado que le brinda a su hijo, sino de la profunda transformación que experimentó al encontrar la formación y el apoyo adecuados para ser la mejor cuidadora posible.

Luchando, pero sin rendirse: La determinación de una madre

La vida de Hellen nunca fue fácil. Como madre soltera, compaginaba trabajos de medio tiempo con el cuidado de José Elías, quien necesitaba apoyo constante. A pesar de sus dificultades, se mantuvo firmemente dedicada al bienestar de su hijo. Durante la primera parte de la infancia de José Elías, vivieron con los padres de Hellen para garantizar su cuidado a tiempo completo y ahorrar en el alquiler. Aunque la mayoría de las necesidades médicas de José Elías estaban cubiertas por el Plan de Salud L.A. Care, aún existían deficiencias en su atención, especialmente en lo que respecta a algunos equipos especializados.

Un encuentro casual con un policía local les ayudó a resolver el problema del equipo especializado. Cuando el policía se enteró de que necesitaban una mejor silla de ruedas que le permitiera a José Elías desplazarse por el campus de su escuela con mayor facilidad, inició una campaña de recaudación de fondos. Con la ayuda de colegas de la policía y del fabricante de la silla de ruedas, pudieron proporcionarle a José Elías la silla de ruedas que necesitaba.

Cuando el padre de Hellen enfermó y entró en cuidados paliativos, se hizo evidente que ya no podían vivir en casa de sus padres. Otro amigo de la comunidad intervino para recaudar fondos y lograr que Hellen y José Elías se instalaran en un apartamento en un edificio con acceso para sillas de ruedas.

Con este tipo de ayuda de su comunidad, Hellen y José Elías pudieron superar muchos desafíos. A pesar de todas sus dificultades, Hellen nunca dejó de cuidar a su hijo.

Sabía que, aunque su camino fue difícil, siempre había esperanza de un futuro mejor, especialmente con el apoyo de miembros de la comunidad dispuestos a echar una mano.

Un “salvavidor” llega inesperadamente: El programa IHSS

Un día, otra mano amiga les sorprendió. La médica de cabecera de José Elías compartió con Hellen una noticia sorprendente que lo cambiaría todo: Hellen podría recibir una remuneración por ser cuidadora bajo el programa de Servicios de Apoyo en el Hogar (IHSS) de California. Esto no solo representaba un alivio financiero; era una vía que le daría a Hellen la oportunidad de centrarse más en el cuidado de José Elías y menos en compaginar su trabajo.

La médica no se detuvo ahí. Ayudó personalmente a Hellen a navegar por el sitio web de IHSS y a completar los formularios necesarios para inscribir a José Elías como miembro de IHSS y logró que Hellen fuera su cuidadora.

El proceso fue un desafío para Hellen, a quien los formularios en línea le resultan confusos, pero la guía práctica de la médica lo hizo posible. Pronto, Hellen se convirtió oficialmente en proveedora de IHSS, lo que le permitió recibir una compensación por la atención que siempre le había brindado a su hijo con cariño.

Impulsando el cambio: El don de las habilidades profesionales para el cuidado

Con una nueva sensación de estabilidad, Hellen descubrió que el apoyo no se limitaba solamente al salario, sino que también le brindaba oportunidades para mejorar sus habilidades como cuidadora. A través del programa IHSS, Hellen conoció la capacitación gratuita para cuidadores que se ofrecía a los trabajadores de IHSS a través del Centro para el Avance del Cuidador (CCA), en colaboración con el Plan de Salud L.A. Care. Esta capacitación le brindó la oportunidad de adquirir habilidades formales y mejorar la atención que podía brindar.

Cuando Hellen vio un anuncio del curso “Fundamentos del Cuidado” de CCA en Facebook, se inscribió de inmediato. Durante varias semanas, Hellen, con José Elías a su lado, aprendió habilidades invaluables, como la mecánica corporal adecuada, la prevención de infecciones, el cuidado bucal, los métodos de baño para personas con movilidad reducida y la planificación nutricional. Las clases interactivas por Zoom les enseñaron habilidades prácticas y enfoques de cuidado que impactaron directamente en su vida diaria.

Un camino de crecimiento: Cómo la capacitación transformó su rutina

Hellen quedó maravillada con cómo la capacitación transformó su enfoque del cuidado. Se dio cuenta de que el cuidado centrado en la persona —enfocándose en la individualidad de su hijo y promoviendo su independencia— era la clave para ayudarlo a prosperar. No se trataba solo de ayudarlo a sobrevivir; se trataba de hacerlo sentir más empoderado y capaz de cuidar de sí mismo y de su bienestar.

José Elías, a su vez, floreció. Empezó a asumir más responsabilidad por su propio cuidado, recordándole a su madre cuándo era hora de cepillarse los dientes o tomar su medicación. Incluso empezó a pedir más espacio, lo que indicaba un creciente deseo de independencia. Estos pequeños momentos fueron grandes victorias para Hellen, cuyo principal objetivo era ayudar a su hijo a vivir una vida plena.

Uniendo dos mundos: Abrazando la Independencia y la conexión

Uno de los logros que más enorgullece a Hellen ha sido ayudar a José Elías a conectar con su mundo y el de los demás. Lo anima a conectar tanto con la comunidad de necesidades especiales como con el mundo en general, asegurándose de que no se sienta aislado. Ha visto de primera mano lo importante que es para los niños con discapacidad sentirse incluidos, escuchados y valorados en todos los espacios.

“Antes de tomar este curso, no entendía del todo cuánta independencia podía ayudar a José Elías a ganar,” dice Hellen. “Pero ahora, se relaciona más con los demás y es más consciente de sus propias necesidades. Ha sido una transformación maravillosa.”

Retribuyendo: Un mensaje de esperanza para otras familias

La historia de Hellen no es solo suya; es un mensaje para otras familias, especialmente en la comunidad hispana: la discapacidad no define el potencial de un niño. “Incluso si un niño tiene discapacidades, puede prosperar si recibe el cuidado, el amor y el apoyo adecuados”, dice Hellen. “Se trata de enseñarles a ser independientes y ayudarlos a darse cuenta de su valor.”

Al aprender las habilidades de cuidado que necesitaba, Hellen ha creado un entorno donde José Elías se siente empoderado para tomar las riendas de su vida. No solo se ha asegurado de que esté feliz y sano en casa, sino que también le ha dado las herramientas para desenvolverse en el mundo con confianza.

El poder del cuidado: Un nuevo comienzo para ambos

Hoy, Hellen se siente más preparada que nunca para brindar la mejor atención a José Elías, y su camino está lejos de terminar. Espera que, al compartir su historia, otros cuidadores, especialmente aquellos en situaciones similares, encuentren la fuerza para buscar los recursos que pueden marcar la diferencia.

Para Hellen y José Elías, el futuro parece más prometedor que nunca. Con nuevas habilidades, una mayor independencia y un vínculo inquebrantable, ambos son prueba viviente del poder de la atención especializada, el amor y la comunidad.

Explore los programas de capacitación para cuidadores de CCA para adquirir habilidades prácticas y herramientas que pueden ayudar: https://advancecaregivers.org/in-home-caregiver-training/

Si usted es cuidador o conoce a alguien que lo sea, recuerde: hay apoyo disponible. Programas como IHSS y CCA pueden marcar la diferencia, brindándole las herramientas necesarias para mejorar su situación y ofrecer a la persona que cuida la mejor atención posible, ayudándola a vivir una vida plena.

¿Qué es el IHSS y cómo pueden los cuidadores familiares convertirse en proveedores remunerados de IHSS?

Como se indica en el sitio web de IHSS Los Ángeles, los Servicios de Apoyo Domiciliario (IHSS) pueden ayudar a financiar los servicios si una persona es mayor, ciega o discapacitada de bajos ingresos, incluyendo niños, permitiéndole permanecer segura en su propio hogar. La persona puede designar a un familiar u otra persona como su proveedor de servicios de atención domiciliaria de IHSS. IHSS se considera una alternativa a la atención fuera del hogar, como residencias de ancianos o centros de alojamiento y cuidado.

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Category: Impact Stories
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Category: Impact Stories

A Mother’s Caregiver Training Transformed Her Son’s Life

Wednesday November 19, 2025 by CCA Comms

When Hellen Deanda first began caring for her son, José Elias, who has cerebral palsy, she didn’t have any formal training. But she knew that if she learned new skills and tapped into unexpected resources, she could give him a much more fulfilling life, despite his special needs. Today, Hellen’s story isn’t just about the skilled care she provides her son; it’s about the powerful transformation that came when she found the right caregiver training and support to be the best caregiver she could be.

Struggling, But Never Giving Up: A Mother’s Determination

Hellen’s life was never easy. As a single mom, she juggled part-time jobs while caring for José Elias, who needed constant support. Despite their struggles, she remained fiercely dedicated to her son’s well-being. During José Elias’s early childhood, they lived with Hellen’s parents to ensure full-time care for him and save on rent. Although most of José Elias’s medical needs were covered under the L.A. Care Health Plan, there were still other gaps in his care—especially when it came to some specialized equipment.

A chance encounter with a local police officer helped them solve the issue of specialized equipment. When the police officer heard about their need for a better wheelchair that would enable José Elias to navigate his school campus more easily on his own, the officer started a fundraising campaign. With help from colleagues in the police force and the wheelchair manufacturer, they were able to provide José Elias with the wheelchair he needed.

Hellen Deanda and Jose Elias Deanda

When Hellen’s father fell ill and went into hospice care, it became clear that they couldn’t live at her parents’ home anymore. Another friend in the community stepped in to help raise funds to get Hellen and José Elias into an apartment in a building that had wheelchair accommodations.

With help like this from their community, Hellen and José Elias were able to overcome many challenges. Through all their hardships, Hellen never stopped advocating for her son.

She knew that even though their journey was tough, there was always hope for a better future, especially when they had supportive community members who were ready to lend a helping hand.

A Lifeline Comes Unexpectedly: The IHSS Program

One day, another helping hand was extended their way. José Elias’s primary care doctor shared a surprising bit of news with Hellen that would change everything: Hellen could get paid for being a caregiver under California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. This wasn’t just financial relief; it was a path that would give Hellen the chance to focus more on caring for José Elias and less on juggling outside work.

The doctor didn’t stop there. She personally helped Hellen navigate the IHSS website and fill out the forms necessary to enroll José Elias as an IHSS member and qualify Hellen as his IHSS caregiver.

The process was challenging for Hellen, who finds online forms confusing, but the doctor’s hands-on guidance made it possible. Soon, Hellen officially became an IHSS provider, allowing her to receive compensation for the care she’d always given out of love.

Empowering Change: The Gift of Professional Caregiving Skills

With a new sense of stability, Hellen found that the support didn’t end with just wages—it also came with opportunities to improve her caregiving skills. Through the IHSS program, Hellen was introduced to free caregiver training that was offered to IHSS workers through the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), in partnership with the L.A. Care Health Plan. This training was a chance to gain formal skills and truly elevate and improve the care she could provide.

When Hellen saw an ad on Facebook for CCA’s “Caregiving Essentials” course being offered through the L.A. Care: IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program, she was happy to see that it was available to caregivers of care recipients who were members of the L.A. Care Health Plan. Hellen immediately signed up.

Over several weeks, Hellen, with José Elias by her side, learned invaluable skills, like proper body mechanics, infection prevention, oral care, bathing methods for people with limited mobility, and nutrition planning. The interactive Zoom classes taught them practical skills and approaches to care that directly impacted their day-to-day lives.

A Journey of Growth: How Training Transformed Their Routine

Hellen was amazed by how the training shifted her approach to caregiving. She realized that person-centered care—focusing on her son’s individuality and promoting his independence—was the key to helping him thrive. It wasn’t just about helping him survive; it was about making him feel more empowered and capable in taking care of himself and his well-being.

José Elias, in turn, blossomed. He began to take more responsibility for his own care, reminding his mom when it was time to brush his teeth or take his medication. He even started asking for more space, signaling a growing desire for independence. These small moments were huge victories for Hellen, whose primary goal was to help her son live a full, rich life.

“Since we completed the CCA caregiver training course, I have learned that person-centered care is important because it gives the care recipient more independence. This course teaches caregivers to help our care recipients get outside more and interact with others to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.”

— Hellen Deanda, IHSS Provider & CCA Caregiver Training Graduate

Bridging Two Worlds: Embracing Independence and Connection

One of Hellen’s proudest achievements has been helping José Elias bridge the gap between his world and that of others. She encourages him to connect with both the special needs community and the broader world, ensuring that he doesn’t feel isolated. She’s seen firsthand how important it is for children with disabilities to feel included, heard, and valued in all spaces.

“Before I took this course, I didn’t fully understand how much independence I could help José Elias gain,” says Hellen. “But now, he is engaging more with others and becoming more aware of his own needs. It’s been such a beautiful transformation.”

Giving Back: A Message of Hope for Other Families

Hellen’s story is not just her own—it’s a message to other families, particularly in the Hispanic community, that disability does not define a child’s potential. “Even if a child has disabilities, they can thrive if they have the right care, love, and support,” says Hellen. “It’s all about teaching them to be independent and helping them realize their worth.”

By learning the caregiving skills she needed, Hellen has created an environment where José Elias feels empowered to take charge of his life. She’s not only made sure he’s happy and healthy at home, but she’s also given him the tools to navigate the world with confidence.

The Power of Care: A New Beginning for Both of Them

Today, Hellen feels more equipped than ever to provide the best care for José Elias, and her journey is far from over. She hopes that by sharing her story, other caregivers—especially those in similar situations—will find the strength to seek out the resources that can make all the difference.

For Hellen and José Elias, the future looks brighter than ever. With new skills, stronger independence, and an unwavering bond, they’re living proof of the power of skilled care, love, and community.

Explore CCA’s caregiver training programs to gain practical skills and tools that can help: https://advancecaregivers.org/in-home-caregiver-training/  

If you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, remember: support is out there. Programs like IHSS and CCA can make all the difference, giving you the tools you need to improve your own situation and offer your care recipient the best possible care—and help them live their most fulfilling life.

What is the IHSS, and how can family caregivers become paid IHSS providers?

As stated on the IHSS Los Angeles website, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can help pay for services if a person is a low-income elderly, blind, or disabled individual, including children, enabling them to remain safely in their own home. The individual can designate a family member or another person as their IHSS provider of in-home care services. IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities. 

Image credits: Hellen Deanda

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Accepting Nominations: California Caregiver of the Year Awards

Monday November 17, 2025 by CCA Comms

The California Caregiver of the Year Awards is accepting nominations starting Monday, November 17, 2025, to recognize excellent caregivers in California. These awards are presented by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA).

Caregivers can be nominated in three categories:

1) Paid In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Caregiver

2) Unpaid Family Caregiver – an individual who cares for a family member at home without compensation

3) Nursing Home Caregiver – including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, and other care workers.

Nominees for the Caregiver of the Year Award will be judged according to their demonstrated dedication, excellence, and positive impact on the lives of the consumers in their care. Caregivers are encouraged to nominate themselves.

How to Nominate a Caregiver for an Award

Entry forms for nominations, including self-nominations, in the three award categories are open from November 17, 2025, to January 30, 2026, at: advancecaregivers.org/california-caregiver-of-the-year-awards.

Nominations must be submitted online via a separate award website by Friday, January 30 at 6 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).

Trophy for Caregiver of the Year Awards

CCA, which is California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training for caregivers, will offer a cash prize of $2,000 and a commemorative trophy to the winners in each category at a special ceremony in Los Angeles in 2026. Winners must be present at the ceremony to receive their cash prize and trophy.

CCA Values and Supports Caregivers

According to California‘s Master Plan for Aging, nearly five million family caregivers in California provide daily caregiving support to parents, spouses, and loved ones, helping them live safely and comfortably in their homes and communities. More than 750,000 caregivers are paid IHSS workers who provide care to eligible low-income older adults and people with disabilities at home for safer, independent living (based on California Department of Social Services program data). Additionally, there are approximately 145,000 workers employed in skilled nursing facilities in California who help provide support for assisted living, according to the UC Berkeley Labor Center.


“Caregivers are essential workers who play a critical role in supporting our most vulnerable populations, enabling them to live independently at home or to receive high-quality assistance in skilled nursing facilities,” said Corinne Eldridge, President and CEO of the Center for Caregiver Advancement. “The California Caregiver of the Year Awards recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills, knowledge, and commitment to providing quality, person-centered care.”

To be eligible, nominees must:

  • Be a California resident age 18 or older
  • Have worked at least 20 hours per week as a caregiver throughout 2025
  • Verify their eligibility via a signed form

For more information about the awards and to submit an entry form, visit:

advancecaregivers.org/california-caregiver-of-the-year-award

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot live without. We are the state’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment. Our impact studies advance policy initiatives to develop career pathway opportunities and build professionalization within long-term care.

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From Kitchen to Care Floor as a CNA

Wednesday October 29, 2025 by CCA Comms


New Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Elizabeth V. wants to be a role model for her children. She proudly tells her children that she is studying for her California State CNA certification exam. She says, “I’m showing my kids that mom can learn, too.”

After ten years working as a cook in a skilled nursing facility, Elizabeth has stepped into a new chapter—thanks to the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA)’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Pathway program. For Elizabeth, this isn’t just a career move. It’s proof that growth and change are possible—no matter your age, background, or how busy life gets.

A Decade in the Kitchen—and a Dream of Being a Nurse

Elizabeth had dreamed of becoming a CNA more than a decade ago, but life had other plans.
“I wanted to train to become a CNA about 10 years ago,” she recalls, “but I had young children. Now I’m a single mother and my kids are in school, so after 10 years at this nursing home, I decided the time was right.”

Her career path changed when her union rep from SEIU Local 2015 and her employer told her about the CNA Training Pathway program—CCA’s tuition-free training opportunity for long-term workers in nursing homes who want to move into caregiving roles. “I decided to take this chance,” she says. “The timing finally felt right.”

Learning, Growing, and Setting an Example

Balancing motherhood, work, and studying hasn’t been easy. Elizabeth laughs as she describes her study routine:
“I sometimes listen to the training videos while I’m working in the kitchen. I’m busy—I take care of my children and I work, while I’m also studying the new CNA skills. It’s very nerve-wracking!” But what keeps her going is her children. “My second grader is learning medical terminology at school,” she says proudly. “Now I can show her that we are both learning about medical terms. I’m teaching my kids that it’s a good thing to learn new things.”

Seeing Her Workplace Through New Eyes

After 10 years in the dietary department, Elizabeth knew the residents well because she had to match the right meals to the right residents based on their dietary needs and preferences. However, becoming a CNA trainee gave her a new perspective on care.

“Even though I’ve been working in this facility for 10 years, being a CNA is a whole new ball game,” she says. “It was helpful that I already knew about food textures and diets, but now I’ve learned how to physically care for residents—how to position them safely, recognize health issues, and take manual blood pressure. That was a new skill for me, and I think everyone should know how to do it.”

A Teacher Who Made the Difference

Elizabeth credits her instructor for making the learning experience both practical and inspiring.
“My instructor is a wound nurse, which was really helpful,” she says. “Even though wound care is usually the nurse’s job, she showed us how to properly dress a wound. That extra knowledge gave me confidence.”

“Thanks to CCA, I Could Finally Do This.”

As a single mom, finances were always a concern—but the CCA’s tuition-free CNA program, offered through a partnership with The Education Fund and SEIU Local 2015, removed that barrier. “Without CCA and without my outreach manager, Elizabeth Cabral, I wouldn’t have been able to do this CNA program,” Elizabeth says gratefully.

“Bills pile up for me as a single mom, so I want to thank CCA for covering my tuition. I have friends who had to stop their training at other schools because they ran out of money. But with this free CNA program, I was able to complete my training and move into a healthcare career.”

Looking Ahead: A Career—and a Legacy

Now, Elizabeth’s confidence is soaring. She’s preparing to take her state exam and already thinking about the future.

“This training showed me that I’m capable of advancing in my career. I don’t want to stop at CNA—I want to go on and become an RNA. It feels good to know I’m moving forward.”

Her story is not only one of personal growth but also one of inspiration. Through her determination, Elizabeth is showing her children—and her coworkers—that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

If, like Elizabeth, you’ve been working in a nursing home and wondering how to take your career to the next level, the CNA Training Pathway could be your opportunity.

The program is tuition-free for SEIU Local 2015 members and provides all the tools, training, and support you need to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.

Learn more about how to apply here: CNA Training Pathway Program

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