Erica

When Erica’s dad in Ohio fell ill, she was a full-time employee in Atlanta. She transferred to Ohio, but lost her full-time status, seniority, pay rate – and any paid time off or FMLA eligibility. Erica wound up with two part-time jobs and no paid leave. “I cared for my dad and young daughter during the day and worked in the evening and overnight,” Erica said. After falling into a coma, her dad went to intensive care. Erica spent as much time with him as possible those final three weeks. “I was devastated and heartbroken,” she said. “I had gone five weeks without pay, with a small child, part-time employment and no benefits. It has taken a long time to catch up from the debt.”