“The VMRC Newsletter” Friday, March 31, 2023 |
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Message from the Executive Director Tony Anderson |
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Purchase of Services (POS) Expenditures Meeting Join us next Wednesday March 29, 2023 for our 7th Annual POS Expenditures session. This will be a hybrid format where you can participate remotely or come on by and join us in-person in our Stockton office. We have designed the day to be an open forum to allow us to collect public input throughout the day. We will include short presentations on the latest data from DDS showing how VMRC spends the POS funds for services for people with disabilities and their families. We’ll include presentations from community based organizations that DDS pays to pursue a variety of different projects aimed at helping all parts of our community to access the services they need. In years past VMRC received support from DDS for: - The Cultural Fair (now the Disability Resource Fair) which has evolved into our largest showcase event with our community attracting over 1000 people we serve every year.
- Translating early start forms and other standard documents.
- We trained all of our staff in person-centered thinking and certified a team of trainers.
- Created a booklet of common service terms into Spanish.
- Conducted trainings for our interpreters to help them understand the context of things they’re interpreting.
- We received cultural and linguistic competence training from Georgetown University.
- Implemented the Partners in Policymaking advocacy training program for Spanish speaking monolingual and English speaking mothers in our region.
This year DDS did not give us any funds for our projects but they funded eight CBOs from all parts of the state to help our community. Come hear about their good work in our neighborhoods and hear what others have to say about accessing services in the community. For details checkout this flyer… |
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Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid) Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 PM 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202 Click Here for Zoom Information Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid) Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 6:00 PM 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202 Click Here for Zoom Information |
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Case Management Update – Adults Christine Couch Director of Consumer Services – Adults |
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Let’s Talk About It: Sexual Health! A Sexual Health and Wellness Workshop for Parent/Guardians of Students with IDD, Educators, and Professionals April 24 & 25, 2023 REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3ksYHNw Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often not included in discussions around sexual health and wellness. In fact, many people don’t view individuals with IDD as sexual beings, but we are all sexual beings. It is critical for youth with disabilities to develop self-care skills, cultivate social skills, gain an understanding of appropriate behaviors, increase personal safety, and work toward becoming a more independent adult. This training will provide information for parents/guardians of students with IDD and the professionals that work with them to offer practical tools and strategies along the journey. * THIS TRAINING HAS 2 SESSIONS. REGISTRANTS SHOULD PLAN TO ATTEND BOTH THE APRIL 24th AND APRIL 25TH VIRTUAL SESSIONS. * EACH SESSION WILL BE HELD FROM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. * This virtual training will be hosted via Zoom and will NOT be recorded. |
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2023 Transition Fairs are on Schedule! |
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Calaveras/Amador/Tuolumne Counties |
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Case Management Update – Children Tara Sisemore-Hester Director of Consumer Services – Children |
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Young children are the future of our communities, and the Community Event & Activity Sponsorship Grant is one way First 5 San Joaquin is working with local partners to give children a promising start in life. Funds have been set aside for fiscal year 2022-2023 to sponsor events and activities taking place during the Spring/Summer event season that assist in achieving the priorities established in the Strategic Plan and help to expand the reach of the Talk. Read. Sing. Draw. Play. campaign. Event sponsorship grants are provided in the amounts of $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 per event or activity, depending on size and type of event or activity. The following organizations are eligible to apply: community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, public agencies, and private agencies. Application deadline is May 30, 2023 for events taking place during April 1 – June 30, 2023, or until funds are no longer available. Download application: Event Sponsorship Grant Instructions Event Sponsorship Grant Application Form Sincerely, First 5 San Joaquin |
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Clinical Update Dr. Claire Lazaro Clinical Director |
Turlock Autism group invites you to their annual Easter Egg hunt! They will have helpful resources in our community passing out candy eggs and conducting games for the children. All ages and families are welcome. Please register if you plan on attending. The event is Saturday, March 25th from 9am-12pm. |
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Community Services Update Brian Bennett Community Services Director |
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All Regional Center Vendors are responsible for reporting “Special Incidents,” in accordance with Title 17 Section 54327; VMRC’s Quality Assurance Department is offering virtual Vendor Special Incident Report Training on April 13th from 10:00am -12:00pm and on April 20th from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Click Here to register for your preferred date Prior registration required. |
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VMRC and the Department of Developmental Services have awarded Community Integration Social Recreation Grants to the following organizations/ persons: · Jacqui Montero, Camp Tuolumne Trails (Tuolumne County) · Kimberlie and Taylor Gamino, Camp Taylor (Stanislaus County) · Andrew Garcia, Muscle Mechanics Training Center (Stanislaus County) · Letitcia Thompson and Tumboura Hill, Disabled Individuals Needing Opportunities (DINOS Friends) (San Joaquin County) · Amanda Ferrer, Creative Expressions For a complete listing of Statewide grant recipients click here: https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grants-Approved-for-Website-3.17.23.pdf |
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The DEI Corner Mark Crear, DEI Manger |
Ramadan Wednesday, 22 March to Friday, 21 April |
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This begins the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and the holiest month of the Muslim year. The fast of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and mandatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty except those who are ill, pregnant, or on a journey. During this month, no water or food may be taken from sunrise to sunset. Worshippers eat a light meal, called suhoor, early in the morning prior to daybreak. After sunset, Muslims break the fast with the evening meal called the iftar. Those who miss days of fasting in Ramadan due to exempted conditions must make up the missed fasting days prior to the next Ramadan. The festival of Laylat al-Qadr occurs during Ramadan and commemorates the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an (the holy book of scriptures) to the Prophet Muhammad. Observant Muslims pray, read the Qur’an, and worship at home or at a mosque. The feast of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. |
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Recognizing the Festival/Holiday: During this month, Muslims who have reached puberty may take no food or drink from sunrise to sunset. Observant Muslims pray and read the Qur’an, and are encouraged to give generously to charity during the month of Ramadan. After sunset, Muslims break the fast with the evening meal called the iftar. Before inviting someone to lunch or hosting a meal, check to see whether invitee is observing the fast for this period. Common greetings include Ramadan Mubarak, “Wishing you the blessings of Ramadan,” and “Congratulations on the arrival of Ramadan.” |
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Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) Self Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) EVERYONE is WELCOME At Our Meetings! We meet each month on the 3rd Thursday from 3:30pm-5pm on Zoom (until we are able to meet in person at the VMRC Stockton Office) Our Meeting Dates for 2023 January 19 February 16 March 16 April 20 May 18 June 15 July 20 August 17 September 21 October 19 November 16 December 21 For the zoom links for each meeting these are posted 10 days before the meetings at https://vmrc.net/self-determination-advisory-committee/ |
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North Valley Hills Update Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930 |
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The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) is looking for Autistic adults to share their unique perspectives to better inform the work we do. CAPTAIN is a multi-agency network dedicated to sharing information about evidence-based practices to support the needs of individuals with Autism. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, please see the attached flyer and join us for a virtual recruitment event on April 19th, 2023 at 10am. The link to attend this event is located on the flyer. |
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update Lisa Culley, Executive Director |
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Sibshops…a group just for children and youth who have a sibling with a disability or special need. For children 7 to 14 years old, this free event provides a time to be away from their family, and to know that there are other unique kids just like them. The evening is an activity-filled time to discuss the fun (and not so fun) parts of having a sibling with disabilities, a time to celebrate, and have a great time! Our next San Joaquin group meets on Friday, March 31, 2023 (see flyer for details) Pre-registration is required, and spaces are limited. Please contact the Family Resource Network office at 209-472-3674 or FRNfamilies@frcn.org to receive a registration packet. |
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