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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, June 16, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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Father Appreciation Week is June 12th - 17th
This week I was meeting with our Family Wellness Team, and I learned that we are seeing very few fathers in our program. Throughout my career I have known that there can be a much higher level of stressors on parents raising children with developmental disabilities and in a quick scan on the internet I came across a recent article in Psychology Today that cited an 87% divorce rate nationally in our community. A lot of our services at VMRC are aimed at helping to preserve the family unit and relieve caregivers from the sometimes constant demands of caring for some children with disabilities. Our respite service, which is one of the most used services across the state, is a prime example. One of VMRC’s primary goals is to keep children together in their family home and we recognize the value of all family members, parents, siblings, and extended family in raising children with disabilities in our region.
As a Commissioner of the First 5 of San Joaquin, I’d like to share our message and resources and recognize the last day of the Father Appreciation Week and wish all the fathers (fathers, step fathers and father figures) out there in our community a joyful upcoming father’s day celebration this Sunday June 18th.
During Father Appreciation Week, June 12th –17th, we celebrated San Joaquin County fathers for the big and small things they do every day. The simple moments shared between a father and child are the ones that create lasting memories. It’s in these everyday gestures that fathers show their love and care. In fact, research shows that having a dad present in a child’s life helps with many things, including:
- School readiness and behavior: Children with involved fathers tend to exhibit increased confidence, patience, and curiosity, which contribute to their readiness for academic success.
- Child development: Fathers play a crucial role in enhancing their child’s verbal, cognitive, and motor skills. By engaging in activities and spending quality time together, fathers actively contribute to their child’s growth.
- Security, confidence, and attachment: A father’s presence provides a sense of security and stability, fostering confidence and a strong bond between father and child.
- Development of empathy: Through their nurturing presence, fathers instill empathy and compassion in their children, helping them become caring individuals.
- Overall positive life outcomes: Children who have a father figure in their lives tend to make better life decisions as they grow into adulthood, leading to positive life outcomes.
Simply being there for your child is the best thing a dad can do. Here are a few tips, resources, and activities for dads:
Let's make this Father Appreciation Week an unforgettable experience for all the fathers in San Joaquin County. For more resources and information, visit sanjoaquinfathers.org.
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Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Communitas Award Recipient
Presented by the Valley Mountain Regional Center Board of Directors to those who have demonstrated an exemplary and sustained commitment to the principle that people with developmental disabilities should live and work as full fledged members of their home communities.
Eligibility. In order to be eligible, an individual or organization must be physically present in VMRC’s five-county service area and providing support to one or more VMRC consumers during the year preceding the award. For-profit businesses and organizations as well as not-for-profit entities are eligible.
Current VMRC employees are ineligible for this award.
Past winners include:
Holly White - 2022
Presentation Church - 2021
Janice Leary - 2019
Gina Berlin - 2018
Paul Billodeau - 2017
Dena Hernandez - 2016
David Simerley - 2015
Doreen Bestolarides - 2014
Brad Putz - 2013
Kristi Franzone - 2012
Richard W. Jacobs - 2011
James R. Popplewell -- 2010
Floyd Bohnett - 2009
Elbert Simpson - 2008
Howard G. Cohen Ph. D. - 2007
Donald Roberts - 2006
Heather Brooks - 2005
Ann Cirimele - 2004
Bill Ramos - 2003
Criteria. The organization/individual:
1. Clearly stands out among organizations, volunteers, professionals in the field of developmental disabilities.
2. Demonstrates long-term and sincere commitment to supporting people in real homes, real neighborhoods, and real jobs.
3. Has an impressive record of achievement in helping people become more independent and active participants in their home communities.
We are accepting applications for award recipients. The application deadline is the close of business on Friday, June 23, 2023. Applications will be reviewed and the recipient chosen by the Board of Directors. The award recipient will be presented at the Annual Board Dinner and Award Ceremony on Friday, July 21, 2023.
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Save the Date!
Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP) Presents
"Moving Forward"
Professionalism and Education 2023 Conference
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
San Joaquin County Agricultural Center
6 Live CEUs
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Contact Candice Bright at [email protected]
Registration to Come!
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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Steve Bartles, Program Specialist, SUSD Young Adult/World of Work Program | |
Isaac Jordan and Katie Alcantara | |
Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Transition Training for Staff Serving Consumers Ages 0 to 5
On June 13th we completed a comprehensive staff training on the overview of federal regulations and recommended practices that aide us in efficiently transitioning our early start consumers and their families to preschool services on the third birthday. We had a successful turnout, with approximately 80 staff in attendance, both service coordinators and intake coordinators. The training was presented both in person and virtually out of our Stockton VMRC office and was facilitated by Michelle Richmond, education specialist, Tricia Simmons, early childhood program manager and Linda Barr, children’s program manager. Family Resource Network (FRN) representative, Monique Guerrero, presented at the training to explain FRN resources and the importance of having a connection with FRN for the families who are going through the transition process. We plan to make this transition training an ongoing opportunity for our growing staff of coordinators so we can continue to ensure that our early start families experience a smooth transition from early start to preschool.
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NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD
ICYMI: Last week we highlighted a Head Start webinar, Emotional Literacy with Infants and Toddler, and its accompanying Viewer’s Guide, Teacher Time: Emotional Literacy with Children Birth to Five. Both have excellent strategies and ideas parents and professionals can implement right away. You’ll especially like the ending of the webinar when they recommend four developmentally appropriate books that can support the emotional learning and development of children in Early Start:
· Calm by Dr. Jillian Roberts
· Rest and Relax by Whitney Stewart and Rocio Alejandro
· Making Faces by Abrams Appleseed
· Mad, Mad Bear! by Kimberly Gee.
Early Start Online’s Spring session is in its second to last week, but registration for the Fall session will be here before you know it. We anticipate registration opening on July 31, so mark your calendars now! You'll want to sign up right away before all the spots are filled.
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Early Start ABA Services Trainings
Over the last two weeks, Melissa Claypool, Coordinator of Autism Services, has hosted hybrid trainings for our Early Childhood staff out of the Stockton and Modesto offices. Sara Blankenship from B.E.S.T. provided an overview of Early Start Autism Intervention Program (ESAIP) and Infant/Toddler Program (IT) as well as an overview of basic behavior intervention strategies. These programs support our Early Start consumers with Autism or at risk for Autism. The training will help our staff better support IFSP teams in the planning process for our consumers. Thank you Sara and B.E.S.T. for your collaboration with this training!
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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Family Café
The Family Café this Saturday, June 17th has now been POSTPONED and will be rescheduled for September 30th. Will send updated flyer closer to date.
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services
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Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) will be hosting Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training:
San Anselmo, CA| 6/26/2023
Brisbane, CA| 7/18/2023
Sacramento, CA| 7/18/2023 (Advanced Physical Skills)
Alameda, CA| 8/1/2023
Sacramento, CA| 08/15/2023
Seaside, CA| 8/29/2023
Stockton, CA| 9/12/2023 (Advanced Physical Skills)
Brisbane, CA| 9/19/2023
Eureka, CA| 9/26/2023
These programs are for both new instructors and current instructors in need of renewing or upgrading their certification. If you're not familiar with NCI training watch this quick video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALQhmbJ7uk&list=PLB0G-d4Ta3FLvZdZs9Ce5-MkNyxKmHpFj
Charles Kiel
Territory Account Manager
414.979.7138
crisisprevention.com
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
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Child Trafficking Program for caregivers, group home staff and others who work with children who are at risk or who have experienced sexual exploitation
Child Trafficking Program Response Unit Events
| Social Recreation Opportunity for ages 12-21 | |
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All Service providers! Join the monthly Community Services Information Session with the Resource and Quality Assurance teams! Hear about news, changes, ask questions!
These sessions occur the fourth Friday of each month via Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device
Click here to join the meeting
ID: 259 849 195 26 Passcode: 28Ug7U
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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VMRC Recognizes and Celebrates JUNETEENTH | |
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Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date on which enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news they were free.
Juneteenth is a day to reflect on both bondage and freedom — a day of both pain and purpose. It is, in equal measure, a remembrance of both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, as well as a celebration of the promise of a brighter morning to come.
What does Juneteenth celebrate?
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the freedom of the slaves in the United States. The name Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and nineteenth. The day is also called Emancipation Day and Freedom Day.
When is Juneteenth celebrated?
June 19th
Who celebrates this day?
The day is celebrated in the United States mostly by EVERYONE!!!... However, mostly by African-Americans. It is most celebrated in the state of Texas where it has been an official state holiday since 1980. Many other states recognize the day as either an official holiday or observance.
What do people do to celebrate?
There are a number of different ways that people celebrate the day including parades, marches, and barbecues. Many people get together for ceremonies that include public service awards, prayer, and the raising of the Juneteenth Flag.
Government and educational facilities will often have programs or information regarding the history of the holiday and the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s also a time for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage.
History of Juneteenth
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862. It went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, slaves were not set free in the Confederacy until Union army was able to come in and take over. On June 18, 1865 the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day, June 19th, General Gordon Granger announced that the slaves in Texas were free by order of the president of the United States.
The former slaves in Galveston celebrated the day that they were set free. The first Juneteenth celebration took place the very next year.
The annual celebration began to spread throughout Texas and surrounding states. However, it became less popular in the early 1900's. It became popular once again in the 1950's and 1960's. In 1980 it became an official state holiday in Texas. There is currently a movement to get the day recognized on a national level.
Fun Facts About Juneteenth
- It is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US.
- Juneteenth is the title of a book by author Ralph Ellison. Other books by Carolyn Meyer and Ann Rinaldi also center around the day.
- Some cities and groups have Miss Juneteenth contests.
- Strawberry soda pop was once a popular drink associated with celebrating the day.
- There is a Juneteenth Flag of Freedom. It is half red and half blue with a star in the middle. Each year a Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony is held in Galveston.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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“Our disability communities are diverse. This diversity means that our work and advocacy goals are not easily distilled into common talking points or policy work. And yet, all of us believe in and fight for access, equity, and for systems that see us, know us, and serve us.”
Sheraden Nicholau, SCDD Bay Area Regional Manager
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