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Her entire life, Christine Matthews has only ever lived paycheck to paycheck. For five years, while making $8.25 an hour at Harris Teeter, she could only afford a free cup of water from Starbucks for lunch.

Even with four kids of her own, Merline A. Gallegos takes money out of her paycheck every week to buy food and clothing for the children in her care whose families cannot afford it.

Patricia Bustillo Ramirez is the matriarch of a household in New Mexico that includes her daughter and her daughter’s child, as well as her son and his wife and their child. They all struggle to work and pay the rent together.

These are the voices that our politicians need to listen to—and legislate for.

“After many long months of caring for my son in the hospital, I realized that I didn’t have enough support from my job or even my insurance to cover those expenses. And so, I had to spend my savings, which I had planned to use to expand my business.

At that moment, I wanted to throw in the towel.

But just like ten years ago, I drew on my strength, and now, I’m advocating stronger and harder than ever. Whether it’s higher salaries or better opportunities for all child care and disability care professionals, I want to make big changes that help my community.”

Merline A. Gallegos Sparking Change Storyteller, New Mexico

“Another highlight was our lobbying training and getting to meet with legislative offices. It felt empowering to use my voice to encourage accountability and policies that serve our communities’ best interests. And to do so with my baby in my arms!”

Raynique Syas Sparking Change Storyteller, South Carolina