Yarin Ascencio
Office of the Long-Term Care Patient Representative
Each day I carry the stories of my family from El Salvador and Mexico: stories of leaving loved ones and homelands behind, and of resilience and hope for a new life in the United States. These experiences give me a unique understanding of the challenges my parents faced then and continue to face as they navigate care systems while aging. This understanding fuels my commitment to shaping the work of CDA’s Office of the Long-Term Care Patient Representative, and I’m grateful my personal and professional values align to honor the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals across the state.
This month is a reminder of the diversity that makes California strong and the important role Latino communities play in helping people of all ages and backgrounds thrive.
Valerie Ford (Rodriguez) and her grandmother
Supportive Services Section
When I reflect on my Mexican American culture I automatically think of the word family or familia. In my own familia, I have always been taught that caring for our elders is a grand act of love, honor and respect. This perspective drives how I approach my work here at CDA working with family caregiver programs. Through my work at CDA, I am committed to enhancing family caregiver programs with an emphasis on equity and accessibility for all. I am grateful to work for a department who shares the same vision.
In the spirit of honoring familia during Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize all family caregivers who devote themselves to caring for a loved one. Although caregiving is not always easy, your resilience and perseverance is inspiring.
Gracias!