Sh’Kena H. - Caregiver

Sh’Kena is the sole caregiver for her two grandchildren, both of whom have been in her care since they were very young. One of them, diagnosed with level 3 autism, has been with her since he was just three days old. He was nonverbal for the first three years of his life and even managed to run out of the house once, highlighting the constant vigilance required in his care. His needs are so intensive that he requires 24-hour supervision.

Her other grandchild came into her care at age two, adding to the responsibilities she carries every day. The extreme costs and long waitlists for specialized child care—especially for children with level 3 autism—left Sh’Kena with no viable options. She ultimately had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave her job as a Direct Care Professional at a family shelter to provide full-time care for her grandkids.

She has only one night off each month, when a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) stays overnight with the children. The rest of the time, it’s all on her. The exhaustion is relentless, and the challenges are overwhelming, but Sh’Kena remains steadfast in her commitment to her grandchildren.

“It’s difficult,” she says, “but my grandbabies are my priority. I will always make sacrifices to give them what they need.”