Caring for our aging loved ones and loved ones with disabilities is fundamental work that has historically been undervalued and exploited. Union-cooperative-led campaigns like Fair Pay for Homecare are advocating for dignified wages for workers and public support for the sector.
USFWC members – worker-owned cooperatives like Cooperative Homecare Associates in the Bronx, New York City and Capital Homecare Cooperative in Olympia, WA offer an alternative business model where homecare workers share profits from the business they own collectively.
Paulette LaDouceur of Capital Homecare Cooperative shares that 2025 was their most profitable year to date. “On Saturday, I passed out over $34,000 in patronage refunds to 12 employees (the highest check was for over $6,000!). This little co-op has worked so hard to get here (our first shared profit in nearly 9 years of operations!). I’m very happy to share this news!” LaDouceur said.
The Capital Homecare Cooperative worker-owner team after their 2025 Annual Member Meeting
Now that the co-op has redistributed profits back to its worker-owner members after a long year of hard work, the team is taking some time to relax and recharge. “Next to the births of my two children, our Annual Meeting was one of the most powerful and impactful days of my life. Right now is the time for the exhale! Feels good to slow down after such an intense and busy week, and I must practice (like ALL caregivers) pausing, regulation, integration” says LaDouceur. Congratulations to this wonderful team!
The USFWC is committed to helping homecare workers thrive through worker ownership – learn more about our Healing Homecare Initiative here.
