Letter to the Governor: Human Services Employees Deserve Higher Wages

This letter was sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Congress, Senate, and NY Assembly members by Patrick Z. who is supported by Ontario ARC. The letter expresses Patrick’s concern that Human Services employees are not earning an adequate wage. 

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Patrick Zufelt and I am writing today to request your consideration for an increase in wages for those working in the Human Services field and non-for-profits. I live at Trolley Station Apartments in Canandaigua, New York. Trolley Station is a supported housing program with the non-for-profit DePaul Community Services. Here, I get to live in a 1 bedroom, fully furnished apartment with all utilities included, while I work towards becoming more independent. I, also, receive services from Ontario ARC for employment.

While receiving these services, I have come to build connections with several of the people that work with me at the agencies. I have made a particular connection with my job coach Brenden. Him and others who work at Ontario ARC, really show that they care about the people they work with. They listen to the clients and do not think that they are better off or more fortunate than who they work with. I have noticed that it is hard for a lot of the people that work at Ontario ARC to stay with the pay that they get. The wages are very hard to live on and they put a lot of work day in and day out for little pay. Staff want to do more, and be able to help more but are unable to due to low budgets and low wages.

I am asking that you consider that hard working people in the Human Services field and look at raising their wages so that they can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you,

Patrick Zufelt