A Message from the Executive Director…
As teenagers, my parents immigrated to the United States, leaving behind their friends and family in pursuit of a better life and the American dream. They worked several jobs, striving to make ends meet and contributing to the economy. Their sacrifice is a blessing to me because they were unaware that they were paving the way for their eldest son to achieve something meaningful, which ultimately led to my position as Executive Director of PASC.
As my story continues, during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, our studio apartment was declared uninhabitable, leaving us without a place to live. We experienced homelessness, spending nights in my dad’s car parked at the local park or staying at a family member’s apartment. Eventually, FEMA assisted us when we relocated to the San Fernando Valley. This challenging experience has always stayed with me because we went from having a stable home to living in our car. Additionally, my mother’s birthday was two days after the earthquake, and we were unable to celebrate. Since then, we have made sure to honor her throughout the year.
In 2022, just a day before my son’s first birthday, my father suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. His death was a sudden shock to our family, mainly after we had just gathered the day before to celebrate my son’s baptism. We continue to struggle with his passing, but as a family, we have remained strong and supported each other through these difficult times. I honor both of my parents by working hard, being a person of integrity, and being a dedicated husband and father. Immigration is my foundation, and I take great pride in my roots.
Another significant influence in my life was my grandmother. She raised me for the first ten years while both of my parents worked. I spent a great deal of time with her at the church, creating enduring memories. Eventually, my grandmother moved to Texas, and I made it a point to visit her every year on my mother’s birthday, celebrating with family in Texas. Those visits are among my fondest memories. Unfortunately, as time passed, my grandmother developed dementia. She moved back to Los Angeles, but things were never the same. I began to notice that she would forget who I was, and seeing her transition from a loving person to someone who didn’t recognize her family was heartbreaking. She received in-home supportive services, and I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by her and my family. Her dementia worsened to the point where she would forget to eat, leading to her being institutionalized. After battling several illnesses for several years, my grandmother passed away in 2024. She was the pillar of our family, and while part of me still feels empty from her loss, I also find some solace knowing she is no longer in pain. I understand that I am not a recipient of in-home supportive services. Still, I experienced the issues faced by many recipients and providers, which fuels my passion for advocating on their behalf.
I have been the Executive Director of the Public Authority in Los Angeles County for nearly six months. During this time, I have learned a great deal from various individuals, including my governing board members, who are passionate advocates and aware of the challenges faced by IHSS recipients. In my first year, I focused on listening to the people we served. I conducted surveys to identify areas for improvement in our services. Additionally, we organized a teleforum where recipients could share their grievances and concerns. My ultimate goal was to gather information from our board, the people we serve, and data from surveys to enhance our public authority. I have also met with several assembly members and senators to discuss our concerns regarding potential budget cuts and changes to IHSS and Medi-Cal. As we confront these challenges, I want to emphasize that the voices of recipients must never be underestimated. Many people rely on me to fulfill my responsibilities. The sacrifices made by my parents, the foundation built by my grandmother, and the stories shared by recipients and providers about their struggles are what motivate me.
I want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to listen.
If you need assistance with finding an IHSS provider or you would like to share your story, please call us at 877-565-4477 or email us at info@pascla.org
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