SEPTEMBER 2024 E-NEWSLETTER

Hello Friends of Vocational Visions,

I would like to bring your attention to an urgent issue facing the system that funds our services. After years of neglect and underfunding, a rate study was completed, and the legislature has committed to increasing rates according to the conclusions of the study. We are grateful for the investments made by our state leaders to benefit Californians with disabilities.

But the rate study was only necessary because of those many years of neglect. The cost of doing business in California, the cost of recruiting and retaining qualified staff, all got much more expensive while rates languished. AB 2423 would require the state to keep track of the funding our system needs. Also, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) would be required to post updated rates to their website, to improve transparency.

To be clear, AB2423 does not commit the state to any particular level of funding, or timing of funding increase. It just requires the state to identify the difference between where rates are now, and where they should be, by reviewing rates every two years.  AB 2423 passed overwhelmingly in both houses of the state legislature on August 26th, and is currently sitting on the Governor’s desk, and he has until September 30th to sign or veto the bill.

We ask that you click on the link below to add your name to those petitioning the governor to sign AB 2423 into law. Don’t let the state take us backwards. Don’t let our leaders hide from the needs of Californians with disabilities to develop skills, access their communities, and live full lives of their choosing. Our voice is our strength. Thank you for making that voice even stronger!

https://p2a.co/oRsYmMq



Sincerely,

In SE (Supported Employment) we provide job coach services to those who are employed at sites in the community and job development services to individuals interested in obtaining employment.  A few of our employer sites include Pavilions, Albertsons, McDonalds, Montage, Mission Hospital, Home Depot and Trader Joes. We continue to explore new employer sites and expand our services in north and south Orange County.

Over the 23 years Gilbert has worked at McDonalds in Costa Mesa as a dining room attendant, he has seen a lot of changes – too numerous to mention. Gilbert loves his job – he especially likes seeing all the kids come in. You can see the pride he takes in his work and keeps everything clean and tidy!

Dunovan has been working at Pavilions for over 15 years. He started working at the Newport Beach store but later transferred to the Laguna Niguel store where he remains. After a few years working as a courtesy clerk, he was promoted to a General Merchandise Clerk, stocking canned goods and other products on the sales floor. A year later he was promoted to Produce Clerk, assigned to stocking packaged food and fresh fruits. Dunovan’s promotions can be attributed to his love and dedication to his job. He said he is proud to be part of such a prestigious and people friendly organization.

Front: Cathy Banagas

Middle: Julie Yoo

Back: Angel Ramirez

We have been providing job coach support to our morning group at the Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach for over 25 years.  Cathy, Julie and Angel love their job and being part of the Montage family. They provide support to the kitchen staff by making sure there are always clean pots, pans, cookie sheets, utensils and silverware available.

Congratulations Brian!

Congratulations to ADP’s own Brian Leary on graduating from our “Happy Life Healthy Life” program!  Brian gets up at 4:00am every morning and walks (by himself) for five miles!  He is very active and seemingly has “no fears.” We are so impressed with his healthy lifestyle. Brian received his “Happy Life Healthy Life” certification from Regional Center and won Hamilton Beach portable blender during graduation ceremony, so that he can continue to “walk-the-walk!”

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