It Could Happen Here When Care Workers Organize
Apr 14, 2025
Explore the struggles faced by care workers striving for fair pay and better working conditions. Discover the powerful mentorship initiative at Friends of the Children and how it supports at-risk youth. Hear first-hand accounts of the emotional challenges in caregiving and the importance of empathy. Learn about the ongoing unionization efforts that are transforming the industry, the triumphs and frustrations faced in bargaining, and the community's role in advocating for change.
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Mentors' Intense Emotional Labor
- Friends of the Children mentors provide 12-year long, deep emotional support for underprivileged youth.
- Their role requires huge empathy and emotional labor, often absorbing trauma without solutions.
Mentors Extend Care to Families
- Jess shared mentors often support youth siblings and caregivers beyond assigned kids.
- This deepens emotional bonds and the scope of care far beyond typical mentorship.
Sustainability Crisis in Care Work
- The job demands long-term commitment but low pay and lack of benefits make it unsustainable.
- High mentor turnover disrupts the stable relationships vital to the kids' trust and emotional security.