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 Norma
SOL Precinct Walker,
Fresno, California
"People are excited someone's come to talk to them."
Today, Norma is a proud mother of three adult girls, and one adult boy, as well as a grand mother. She is also a homecare worker. "I came to California because it was so nice here."
Norma grew up in Yakima, Washington. Her mom was an immigrant from Mexico, her dad had migrated from Texas. Her parents were both farm workers, traveling wherever they might find work. Their lives were difficult, working an endless stream despite their back-breaking farm jobs .
In 1991, with her four children, she came to California to visit family. Life seemed different here. The people seemed friendlier; the climate was warmer. Recently divorced, she decided it would be best for herself and her four children to start life over in Fresno.
Years later, she has no regrets. She was soon hired by the county to provided needed help for low and moderate income families. Her job paid enough to allow her children to not leave school before graduating. They now each earn a decent living, supporting their own families.
Norma is now a homecare worker, helping senior and disabled people care for themselves. Several years ago, despite the importance of their work, Norma and other homecare workers earned the legally mandated minimum wage. Their meager earnings were not enough to provide for their families.
"As part of the union, we learned never to give up." Norma talked to other homecare workers about the importance of the union. And Norma talked to elected officials about the importance of their work caring for others.
By coming together in their union, homecare workers lifted their wages to $9.05 per hour, well above the state minimum. The pay increase has been enough to make life more secure, to help provide more of her families basic needs.
"I was a part of the bargaining committee," she boasts. "My children see me as a role model. That is what I am most proud of." Norma takes great pleasure in being a leader. That is why she joined SOL as a precinct worker.
"When we introduce ourselves, and start talking about issues, people are so excited some one has come to talk to them." Norma believes SOL is most important because people are now no longer afraid, they now know better, they now feel less alone.
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