Better Jobs Better Care - Pennsylvania > For Direct Care Workers

Annual Statewide Conference

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2007 Conference - "Planting Ideas: Harvesting Our Vision"

On Nov.1&2 over 200 workers came from across PA to share ideas, learn new skills and be inspired by a vision of direct care workers supporting each other to improve long term care. In outstanding general sessions:
Ø      U. S. Sen. Robt. Casey honored direct care workers as the backbone of long-term care. He urged us to tell legislators about the value and inequities of our profession.
Ø      Dep. Sec. Sandi Vito showcased the PA Department of Labor’s plan to strengthen the our workforce.
Ø      Our Caring Harvest, an original musical, captured the power and compassion of direct care workers joining with family caregivers to advance long-term care.
           Attendees chose from 35 workshops specially designed for direct care workers on clinical skills, special consumer groups, relationships, advocacy, and self care.  Conference evaluations confirmed that direct care workers left with new skills and insights to help on the job. Welcome to new members of Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Association, now 700 strong.

2006 Conference "Telling Our Stories"

From throughout PA 235 workers strengthened their bodies, minds, spirits and profession at our third annual statewide conference! One attendee captured the feeling "Wow! A wonderful 2 days. I learned how to relax and how to be more helpful to my clients." National & local experts and our colleagues gave us:
Direct care skills - in dementia, skin care, infectious disease, low vision & end of life
Rejuvenation - stress management, relaxation, self-defense & massages at the end of the day
Team work skills - communication skills and coaching supervision
Advocacy - how and why to promote our profession with our stories, workers reflecting on our worth, tips from legislative staff, and workers giving a legislative briefing at the State Capitol!

And we launched the Pennsylvania Direct Care Worker Association, adding 167 new members. To learn more click on PA Direct Care Worker Association and join our e-mail list.

2005 Conference "Direct Care Workers, The Heart of Quality"
Over 300 left this conference with a new sense of being valued as a direct care worker! As one direct care worker said in e-mail the day after the conference, "I just had to let you know it was the most moving and wonderful conference that I have attended. It renewed my faith that the career I have chosen is both rewarding and important to the residents I care for."

Quotes from Direct Care Workers repeat her message of renewal: "I learned I'm not just a Direct Care Worker. I care and I count!" "Now I know I'm not alone in the passion I feel for my profession." "I like the fact that as a Direct Care Worker we may finally be heard."

Quotes from managers show they also found it to be a powerful experience: "I'm not a DCW, but it was extremely informative to learn about issues and rewards of their jobs." "This was truly a fantastic opportunity to learn and also for DCWs to reenergize and feel empowerment."

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