California organization honors caregivers making a powerful difference

Last month, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) hosted the 2026 California Caregiver of the Year Awards at The Huffington at Saint Sophia in Los Angeles, recognizing three exceptional professional and family caregivers. Each honoree received a $2,000 cash prize along with a commemorative trophy.

The ceremony brought together caregivers, industry leaders, union partners and elected officials to honor the individuals whose dedication, compassion and skill make a vital difference in the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses.

Founded in 2000 by SEIU Local 2015, CCA is California's most experienced provider of free, accessible training for long-term care workers. They have trained more than 40,000 skilled nursing facility workers and in-home caregivers through a course that is offered in various languages, which include English, Armenian, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish and more.

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Caregiver of the Year award was presented to Elizabeth Salas de Lemus. The IHSS program assists over 285,000 low-income seniors and people with disabilities across L.A. County. The award was handed to a paid IHSS provider who cares for an IHSS participant. The judges were impressed with Salas de Lemus' dedication to helping others feel safe and respected, especially during times when they may feel vulnerable or confused. She completed training to gain skills in providing specialized care for her client, who suffers from diabetes and dementia.

The second award, the Family Caregiver of the Year, was presented to Deidra Gossett. This award recognizes an unpaid caregiver who provides in-home care to a family member. Gossett's commitment to learning specialized skills through training courses and active involvement in supporting the caregiving community stood out, earning her this award.

The Nursing Home Caregiver of the Year award was presented to Quaniko Franklin. This award honors a skilled nursing home worker who provides valuable support to residents. Franklin has been working at the same Berkeley, California facility for 25 years, where he has supported residents through his roles in the environmental, transport, activities, admissions and discharge departments.

“We were honored to celebrate caregivers whose dedication transforms lives every day,” said Corinne Eldridge, CEO of CCA. “These awards shine a light on the extraordinary impact caregivers have in communities across California.”