The fabric of our community are the people you see everyday. Get to know SEIU Local 1021 members beyond the uniforms.

Jessica, Nutrition Assistant, counselor. WICK

I started this job because my mom worked for the County and I had a family young. As a single parent this job allowed me to support my two kids. Now after 20 years, I have three grandchildren and a great career. I never thought that I would be a teacher or counselor but I love talking and educating people about nutrition and how to live a healthy life. It seems like every person that I have talked to, I see a little bit of me in their life. 

In this job we have many low-income households dealing with poverty. A lot of the families that I see believe they don’t have anybody to talk with and I let them know that its okay, I’ve been there, and they can get over it.

I teach everybody that I meet. My job always has to come out. Sometimes when I’m running errands like at the grocery story I see people I know or even strangers and I begin talking about nutrition and and healthy practices. 

Rochelle, Hospital Operator, SJGH

My mom was born disabled (with Cerebral Palsey) and the doctor said she would’t be able to have kids. She had six of us, even though she said she wanted twelve and a farm. She only has one hand but she can do everything. She taught us not to judge anyone and she made us strong. When we were little she would put all our clothes out for school, do our hair, cook, clean, everything. I never took in that my mom was handicap because she was normal to me. She never felt sorry for herself. My mom and dad were a team. They were married 40 years. There were a lot of things she struggled with but we never knew because she never showed it.

Gloria, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

I came to Stockton when I was three years old. My grandparents migrated here from Mexico. I moved away for work but I came back after retirement. I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers. I grew up on the south side and I loved it because we knew our neighbors. Everyone hung out in the front of their homes and kids played outside. People tell me I shouldn’t go to those areas but I always felt safe on the south side because I grew up there. I graduated from Edison in 1973 and I’ve been to all the reunions. I go with my girlfriend that I’ve had since the 3rd grade.

Chris, Juvenile Detention Youth Supervisor

I have two kids and they’re both very active. My daughter does cheer and my son plays soccer and basketball. I’ve always wanted to go and give back to my community but I can’t because I have mandatory overtime at the job, because there’s not enough staff to cover the shifts. It’s been like that for the past 8 years. What really hurts me is when my daughter asks if I have to stay over.

I value eating dinner with my kids because I get to talk to them and I get to hear about how their school day was. I get to prep them for the next day. We get to pray before we go to sleep. I get to tell my daughter that she’s beautiful and my son that he’s smart. I get to tell them all these things before they go to bed. They go to bed and are ready for the next day.

I love to cook. I don’t get to cook and be with my family. That was the biggest thing when I was a kid- you get to eat with your family. The County is taking away from family time. I don’t get to have a life. I’ve had all these coaching opportunities at high schools in Stockton and I cant, because I have to work. My son is mildly autistic and I’ve never got to coach him in baseball.

Arely, Medical Assistant, SJGH

My mom is the American Dream. My parents worked in the fields and the factories here in Stockton. Growing up we would go to English classes with my mom because we didn’t have a baby sitter. She pushed for us to better ourselves and tell us that we came to this country to make a difference. My sister and I were part of the first graduating class from the Webber Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology and we both work in the medical field. One time my mom came to visit us at work and I introduced her to my co-workers. She began to cry. She said it was because her dream came true and we made her proud. I have two daughters and I want them to be doctors.