Julia Benavente, Security Officer stationed at Kaiser Permanente Manteca Medical Center

Julia Benavente, 60, works as a Control Officer at the Kaiser Medical Center in Manteca, California, where she monitors activity in the hospital and alerts roving security officers to emergency situations. “I run the heart of the security operation and feel important knowing I help keep the hospital running smoothly.”

Being in tune with matters of the heart doesn’t stop there for Julia—Her friends are thankful for her generosity and say she always brings a warm smile, words of advice, and home cooked food to comfort them.

Unfortunately, Julia is also at risk of a heart attack. Her doctor recommended she take a few days off to recover from an episode of severe headaches and high blood pressure, but without sick days she couldn’t take time off—even with a doctor’s note. 

While working full time, Julia manages her condition as well as diabetes and high cholesterol with daily medications. When Kaiser’s security contractor, Securitas, instituted higher health coverage costs, Julia had to stretch her medication to last longer and avoids doctor visits. She even skips her routine blood test to check kidney function and cholesterol levels. “It costs hundreds of dollars now when it used to be included with my doctor visit.”

Despite serving a critical security role at the hospital, Julia only earns $11.50 an hour and recently suffered a pay cut. At a time when everyone is tightening the belt and facing higher costs on basics like groceries and gas, a slashed wage served a huge blow to Julia’s budget. “I pick and choose which bills to pay each month. I’m lucky if I can even pay them on time.”

As a proud mother of three and grandmother of seven, Julia feels a strong connection to her family, but she worries that she’ll have to move in with one of her children. “I enjoy my freedom, but can’t afford to live on my own.  It’s time for my children to care for their own families—not me too.”

Though Julia is struggling to make ends meet, she has an open heart for others and tries to point out the positive. “At least I still have my apartment, there are families losing their homes. I would love to help others and cook meals at soup kitchens. We should help those who are less fortunate.”