To hire a worker or to find out more information about the Caring Hands Workers' Association, please contact Job Developer Mariane Stimbra-Mora at mariane@mujeresunidas.net or 415-621-8140x305 or visit www.caringhandsbayarea.org.

History

In 1994, MUA members raised the need for a new employment skills training and workforce development program that would enable them to build their families' economic security. The Caring Hands Workers' Association was created to fill this need and create a vehicle through which Latina immigrants could act collectively to achieve dignified and just employment.

Program

Caring Hands offers the following services:

• Comprehensive Job Training: MUA graduates 15-25 active members from an 80 hour Spanish language home healthcare or childcare providers training each year. Training facilitators include the Children's Council, Family Caregiver Alliance, the Employment Law Center and many other well-known and respected organizations.

• Job Referrals and Placement: Caring Hands staff develop and update resumes, field calls from potential employers, prepare workers for interviews, and support workers in negotiating for a living wage and healthy work conditions.

• Job Retention Support: Members participate in bi-monthly workers' association meetings where they receive refresher trainings, labor rights workshops, and peer support for resolving work-related problems. Members also attend monthly childcare provider meetings focused on improving their techniques and remain competitive in their field. Caring Hands staff is also available for individual consultations to provide translation support with employers, resume updates, and employer-employee conflict resolution.

Success Stories

Since its founding, over two hundred and fifty women have graduated from Caring Hands’ trainings. Workers' Association members are well-known and respected as professionally trained, culturally appropriate home healthcare, childcare, and housecleaning services.

Fifty Caring Hands Workers' Association members actively:

• Conduct outreach to potential employers
• Research and propose just wage scales
• Practice contract negotiation
• Support each other in resolving workplace problems
• Lead campaigns to protect the rights of immigrant domestic workers

Caring Hands members improve and strengthen their families and communities. Families that employ Caring Hands' workers benefit not only from the direct services they receive but also from supporting efforts that create just and dignified workplaces.

“Before I took the Caring Hands training, I was economically dependent on my husband. He controlled me by determining how much money I would have. He refused to give me money for the bus, so I couldn’t go out. After I took the training, Caring Hands helped me to find work and I began to earn my own money. Now, I am free.” - Caring Hands Graduate

 

• Visit www.caringhandsbayarea.org