Stretching My Hands Out
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Stretching My Hands Out
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A photo-narrative celebration of direct care providers

The Workforce

The Workforce

The Workforce

 Direct care providers equal 30% of the U.S. health care workforce.  In Virginia, care providers are 59% people of color and 27% age 50+; 51% have health care benefits, 39% retirement benefits, and 20% work 2 or more jobs.  Their labors are physical, relational, essential to the health of multiple generations, and critical to economic gro

 Direct care providers equal 30% of the U.S. health care workforce.  In Virginia, care providers are 59% people of color and 27% age 50+; 51% have health care benefits, 39% retirement benefits, and 20% work 2 or more jobs.  Their labors are physical, relational, essential to the health of multiple generations, and critical to economic growth. Home care providers work alone in clients’ homes, largely isolated and without the day-to-day benefit of a workplace team. They often face on-the-job racism and sexual harassment. 

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The Portraits

The Workforce

The Workforce

Direct care providers consistently say, “People don't know what we do, and it's important. We get to know people; we listen; we care. Sometimes, we are the only ones there.” When we take the time to listen to the concerns of care providers two themes recur: respect for who they are and what they do and the need to be paid a living wage.  

Direct care providers consistently say, “People don't know what we do, and it's important. We get to know people; we listen; we care. Sometimes, we are the only ones there.” When we take the time to listen to the concerns of care providers two themes recur: respect for who they are and what they do and the need to be paid a living wage.    

At first, each woman was uncomfortable stepping in front of Penelope's camera, but they stood strong, confident, and in command, as you'll see in their portraits.

Meet

The Poetry

The Workforce

The Poetry

Our first gathering opened to a chorus of "I"m not a writer!" For a year, we shared meals, practiced yoga, and studied the poetry of Lucille Clifton, Robert L. Dortch, Jr., and 

Parneshia Jones. 

With 191 years of caregiving 

experience among them, the nine women featured in this exhibit now 

write together under the name the Hearts of Gold Collective. Together, they have written many poems. 

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Stretching My Hands Out

Copyright © 2020 the hearts of gold collective, Gigi Amateau, & Penelope M. Carrington. All Rights Reserved.