Community Highlights: Meet Carlos Villicana of Golden Heart Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Villicana.

Hi Carlos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started through my sister, who was born with down syndrome. I never really understood disabilities until I finished high school. I learned more and more about people with disabilities throughout life. Then I learned about “group homes” through my cousin, who worked for a company back in 2015, and my girlfriend’s aunt and uncle own a company that offers different services to people with developmental disabilities in Arizona! I kept the same energy every single day, wanting to learn how to start a business where my mama could take care of my sister under my business. It’s been a long road. I spent years working for several companies and learning everything I literally could. I learned so much about services being offered and the structure for a successful business. I kept learning every day and eventually started my business in 2018 after my mama and her husband let me borrow about $13,500 (a vehicle they let me trade in) to start the business. I moved in January 2018 after my lady and I had our son (1 month later). I was working in the hospital. I have never stopped working since like 2015. I have been learning from all of my decisions, good and bad. I take every loss on the chin and bounce back and learn.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most definitely has not been a smooth road. I struggled for like 7 months when I started my business. I almost lost my company 2 times; I learned so much about the value of knowing Human Resources, Bookkeeping, IRS, bills, financial sheets, structure, organization, communication, Leadership, and way more; it built so much character and morals in me. This business has shaped me too. Every failure/mistake has been a learning lesson and a blessing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Golden Heart Care?
Golden Heart Care offers different services to members with developmental disabilities. We offer Behavioral Health Services across Arizona. We are in the process of opening up an Adult Day Program that will offer various services that will include: counseling, independent living skills, different forms of therapy, and vocational services, and the goal is also to add a non-profit team within the program.

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is finding your purpose. Serving your purpose will get you anywhere in life. Find your purpose and live it out. You will be so happy with every part of your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goldenheartcare.org
• Instagram: goldenheartcare