Belinda’s journey from a caregiver to a Branch Manager at Family Resource Home Care is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to caregiving. Her story, which spans over two decades, showcases the power of determination and the opportunities that come with embracing each role with passion and purpose.
A New Beginning in America for Belinda
Belinda’s journey began in 2001 when she arrived in America, eager to start a new life. “Caregiving was the easiest way to start making money,” she recalls. Her first role as a med-tech in Georgia introduced her to the healthcare field. After two years, she moved to Washington, where she continued to work as a med-tech for different facilities. However, it was during her eight years as a caregiver in a family home that she truly found her calling.
“I loved the personal connection I could make with the clients,” Belinda says. This connection drove her to continue in home care, where she spent another year before applying for a Lead Caregiver position. But her path took a slight detour when Laura Henrichs, recognizing her potential, hired her as a Staffing Coordinator instead. Belinda excelled in this role for five years before briefly stepping into a business manager position during the COVID-19 pandemic for 4 months only to realize she wanted to only be at Family Resource Home Care. After coming back to be a caregiver, Belinda quickly rose to the Client Care Supervisor position in the Bellevue Branch.
Learning Every Level
Belinda’s experience as a Client Care Supervisor became a crucial turning point in her career. “I wanted to work for Family Resource Home Care so badly,” she explains, recalling how she joined the team as a caregiver before transitioning to the Client Care Supervisor role. This position allowed her to gain invaluable insights into both caregiving and client care, shaping her understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by both clients and caregivers.
“When I watched Laura as a manager, I felt inspired,” Belinda shares. “But I wanted to use my time as a Client Care Supervisor as a learning point before progressing to the Branch Manager role.” This strategic approach paid off. When the opportunity arose, Belinda felt prepared and confident. “Hector interviewed me on a whim, and I was ready. I said, ‘Wake me up in the middle of the night, and I’ll be ready,’ because I had learned every level of the branch.”
Supporting Caregivers with Experience
Now as the Branch Manager for both the Bellevue and Renton locations, Belinda brings a wealth of experience to her role. “I’m comfortable doing any role in the branch because I feel well-rounded,” she says. This deep understanding of the various roles within the branch gives her a unique advantage. “It’s so much easier to help when you’ve done both caregiving and client care.”
Belinda’s approach to leadership is grounded in her firsthand experience. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, qualities that have been honed through years of direct care. “The satisfaction you get after helping a client makes all the difference,” she notes. Belinda continues to hold her CNA certification and occasionally provides private care, driven by the hope that “karma will come around” and someone will be there to help her mother in the future.
Advice for Caregivers and Immigrants
Belinda’s journey has given her valuable insights that she shares with others. For caregivers, she advises, “Be ready to roll with the waves. It’s not all rosy, and some clients are hard to help, but remind yourself that sometimes it’s the disease talking, not the person. Caregiving is a passion—you have to love what you’re doing to be successful.”
She also encourages immigrants to seize the opportunities that come their way. “When you come from a different country, America gives you opportunities if you take them,” she says. Belinda acknowledges that the road is not always easy, but she believes that strength and openness to learning can lead to success. “The opportunities are there, and they are everywhere. It’s not an easy road, but being strong helps.”
Embracing Every Challenge
Belinda’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. As she continues to lead the Bellevue and Renton branches, her story serves as an inspiration to caregivers and leaders alike, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Belinda’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
