Hi everyone! My name is Luci Whitesell, SEIU 503 staff with Homecare Team! I created this fundraising to support a member leader with Funeral Costs.

Sadly, I have to share the news that our member leader Josefina Riggs lost her husband suddenly and is navigating painful emotional and financial times and is struggling to stay in her house. At this moment Josefina has asked us for help with the funeral costs in the amount of $3,500. I was asked to create a GoFundMe for Josefina. Therefore, I am asking you to give any donation at any amount that feels comfortable. Our SEIU 503 Board passed the hat at the last Board meeting in Bend and this money was given to her right way.

If you don’t know Josefina, she is a Personal Support Worker (PSW) who is passionate to care for children with disabilities in Deschutes County; she is a long time Union member leader strongly committed to building power and a voice for Care Providers and SEIU 5O3.

She is currently a Trustee at Carewell (Homecare Workers Trust), CAPE Council member. She is past Vice-President and District Director for the Homecare Council and has served as SEIU 503 Board member. She has traveled to represent SEIU in many Union campaigns to Unionize Homecare workers and to fight for the Care Economy at the national and local level.

In addition to her Union leadership work, Josefina is a member of the Commission for Hispanic Affairs and sits on the Advisory Committee for Aging. She is a fierce defender of Immigrants Rights and is never afraid to stand up for Justice and Fairness for all. She is very resilient, beating both cancer and a knee surgery. During General Council and Lobby Days, Josefina is always a beam of light with her smile, greeting us staff saying in Spanish: “Pues aqui estamos”! Well, we are here!

Thank you for your Solidarity and feel free to reach out to Josefina with your condolences!

Luci Whitesell