Direct Care Workers (DCWs) are the cogs that keep the wheel of MOKA turning by providing essential care each and every day to the people we serve. They do not get enough credit for the support they give us and need your voice toadvocate for them!
Everyday the need for their support grows greater in the midst of a nationwide DCW workforce shortage. MOKA's Executive Director, Tracey Hamlet, provides her candid commentary on the treatment of Michigan DCWs in a recent article published in Crain's Grand Rapids Business:
“Despite their invaluable contributions, they are too often undervalued, underpaid, and overburdened… Michigan’s DCWs are facing a stark reality: their wages are tethered to Medicaid funding, which has failed to keep pace with the growing needs of our community. Consequently, many need to work two jobs or work significant overtime to support themselves and their families. This untenable situation has forced thousands of dedicated caregivers to make the agonizing choice to leave their profession in search of better opportunities.
The consequences of this exodus are dire. Tens of thousands of Michigan residents are left vulnerable, facing emergencies without access to care, enduring prolonged hospitalizations, and relinquishing their hard-won independence as they are forced to rely on aging parents for support."
So how can YOUhelp DCWs and in turn the people they support?
Use this one-click advocacy link to let members of the Legislature know you expect them to prioritize a higher wage for DCWs in less than a minute!
Use the prewritten template or personalize your message to call on the state to ensure a $20 per hour starting wage for all 50,000 DCWs in the behavioral health system in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. This is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Visit MOKA's Advocacy page to read the rest of Hamlet's article and stay up to date on ways you can advocate for DCWs in Michigan.
One of our community support groups has spent the past few weeks attending sessions at The Barn for Equine Learning. They have engaged in a variety of activities with the horses, ranging from petting and brushing to riding them. In addition to these hands-on experiences, participants have learned about horse care directly from the knowledgeable staff and engaging interactive crafts. This combination of activities has provided a rich and immersive learning experience for everyone involved.
Did you know equine therapy offers significant benefits for adults with disabilities?
Physically, it can improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. Additionally, it fosters emotional growth by boosting self-confidence, emotional regulation, and communication skills. Many of these benefits become apparent in the first few sessions, with a noticeable increase in confidence among many MOKA participants.
We are only able to offer these wonderful opportunities with the support of our donors! Can you support the cost of one session ($25) for a person in your community?
