CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Those who care for our most vulnerable population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state, are pushing lawmakers for higher wages.
However, there are some who see it as more than just a job -- but a calling.
"Their hearts are so pure and full of love and they're so appreciative," Choice Living Community life coach Gloria Canales said. "You come in and it doesn't matter what you're going through because that kind of just stays at the door once you walk in."
While being a life coach comes with a lot of responsibility, Canales said the reward makes it all the more worth while.
"Some days are great, some days are a little bit harder and we feel compassionate, empathy and we're trying to meet their needs," she said.
Especially as they work to meet the needs of all their clients.
"We have some clients that are non verbal so, we would kind of accommodate them in a different way we would a client who is verbal," Canales said.
However, maintaining that quality care requires financial support.
While Choice Living Community is a nonprofit that relies primarily on donations, District 32 State Rep. Todd Hunter said that they often have to fill in gaps throughout the local community.
"There are some areas where federal state and local funds you can't give to a nonprofit or you can't give to certain groups just because they're governmental funds," he said.
Caregiving centers that rely solely on state funding could be in a pinch, which is why Hunter said he hopes to address the situation in the upcoming legislative session.