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"The VMRC Newsletter"

Friday, February 3, 2023


Message from the Executive Director



Tony Anderson

DDS Needs Your Input About Our Cultural Fairs


For the past six years the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has been trying to address what they identified as a growing disparity in accessing services among different ethnicities across the state. The main project we received funding for over the years was the “Cultural Fair” which we held in Stockton and Modesto. We envisioned this event as a way to bring people together to experience our rich diversity, learn about the arts and cultures from our region, and host service providers and every community resource we can to share information about what’s available to our consumers and families.


Each year the state spends $11 million on a variety of projects throughout California, and they are now in the middle of studying whether or not the projects have had any impact. The VMRC projects they’ll want to know about are Cultural Fairs so if you’ve been to one of the fairs, please participate in this survey so they can learn from your experience (the most recent one was called the Disability Resource Fair).


Please sign up to participate in giving DDS your input on the impact of the Cultural Fairs.


(Participants will receive a $25 gift card after their participation in a listening session)

English Language Sign-up
Spanish Language Sign-up

The Director's Travels


This week's board communication on the director's activites...

Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings


Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Click Here for Zoom Information


Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 6:00 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Click Here for Zoom Information


Consumer Services Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 5:15 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Click Here for Zoom Information

The James R. Popplewell Fund


The Popplewell Fund was created in 2012 to both honor the much beloved Dr. James R. Popplewell and provide a special fund to pay for emergency expenses our consumers face that the Lanterman Act does not allow regional centers to pay for. Sometimes our consumers are faced with emergency expenses that threaten their ability to maintain community living and a short term no interest loan or a small gift helps them sustain themselves during these hard times.


WHO WAS DR. POPPLEWELL


Dr. James Popplewell was the Valley Mountain Regional Center Medical Director until 2011. During his tenure at VMRC Dr. Popplewell was a tremendous advocate for people with developmental disabilities. He fought for their rights in the healthcare arenas like clinics, homes, and he fought especially hard for our consumers in hospital and in long term care settings, ensuring they had a knowledgeable and compassionate voice. He also provided clinical leadership and training to all VMRC staff and to care home providers on health issues consumers encounter. His advocacy was inspiring.


The very generous donations from members of the community have helped this fund stay healthy. If you or someone you know is interested in making a kind donation you can do so here. We appreciate everyone who has donated to the Popplewell Fund since 2012.


Donate to the Popplewell Fund Here



Case Management Update - Children


Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children


Self Determination Orientation

Trainings


Would you like to know how Self Determination Works?



Come Learn About the Program

Self Determination Trainings


3 CEU Units offered for vendors who pre-register


Register in advance for this webinar:


Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 1 PM-4PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_trTf_yyLTj2iCtn5dn0UNg


Friday July 7, 2023 from 9AM-12PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dHDzHcAxR26XftxhRdOqzg


Tuesday September 26, 2023 from 9AM-12PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UwYVV250TSiltd8kEiJJag


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net for questions. 



One session of training is mandatory if you would like to participate in Self Determination.  

Above SDP Coaching Meeting Flyer in PDF



Case Management Update - Adults


Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults


Jaden Douglas


This is Jaden Douglas. He is currently in his final semester as a student at California State University, Stanislaus State, and will be graduating in May of 2023 with double majors in Business and Economics.

He is loved immensely by his family who have always been supportive of his dreams and advocates of his needs. Jaden enjoys playing video games, all things made of chocolate, and is in search of the perfect pizza pie in California. He is currently learning as much as he can about crypto, specifically Pi and is excited about the new Grand Theft Auto 6 coming out at the end of this year, maybe some of us can add him online. Congratulations Jaden, on all your accomplishments and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. 


Submitted by Renato Gutierrez

Service Coordinator



Clinical Update



Dr. Claire Lazaro

Clinical Director

Calling ICF Vendors to Attend!!!


There will be a training on the ICF transition or carve-in from fee for service to CalAIM Managed Care Plan Medi-Cal by July 1, 2023. The training will be given by Health Plan of San Joaquin.


WHEN: February 6, 2023, Monday 2-3 pm


WHERE: Join Zoom Meeting


https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89288461418?pwd=Vk4yeHFsZkU1S3Q0cUFSZXdUaExPZz09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 892 8846 1418

Passcode: 972660

One tap mobile

+16694449171,,89288461418# US

+16699006833,,89288461418# US (San Jose)

OT Tips for Consumers, Families and Direct Support Providers


A hybrid training will be done by one of our OT vendors on how to do simple exercises at home to prevent contractures. A contracture is when you muscles hardened that you cannot move your arm or legs anymore because of deformity or rigidity of joints. The is free of charge. You can attend in-person at the Cohen Board Room, at our Stockton Office. You can also attend virtually if you like.


WHEN: February 9, 2023, Thursday, 2-3 pm

WHERE: Cohen Board Room, Stockton Office; or virtual Join Zoom Meeting


https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85725314477?pwd=c0V5M3d0WndUTWxBeUFIN0V6amFUQT09&from=addon


Meeting ID: 857 2531 4477

Passcode: 716101

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,85725314477# US (San Jose)

+16694449171,,85725314477# US

Positive Parenting Program



FREE training for families including positive parenting strategies, coping skills, and courses for couples with strained relationships or going through divorce. These are virtual classes. See the information below.

VMRC Staff Training on OT/PT Clinic Referrals

We had 150 staff attendees (25 in-person, 125 virtual) at our training on OT/PT Clinic referrals. Our Clinical Projects Coordinators Juanita Lazer and Brittney Colman presented. We appreciate our Service Coordinators and Program Managers who attended and participated in this training! We have the recording posted in InsideXchange for other staff who wants to learn from it. 



Community Services Update



Brian Bennett

Community Services Director


Ride RTD FREE February 4-10*


Celebrate Rosa Parks' birthday and the spirit of Transit Equity

This Saturday is Transit Equity Day—a National Coalition movement event celebrated on Feb 4th, in honor of Rosa Parks' Birthday and her pivotal role in combating racial segregation on public buses, trains, and trolleys. 

Ms. Parks' act of defiance in the face of an unjust law led to the pivotal Montgomery bus boycott. Both the desegregation of public transportation in our country and the beginning of the modern civil rights movement resulted from her actions. 


*Excludes Commuter and Van Go! service.


https://sjrtd.com/transitequity/ learn more about transit equality.



https://youtu.be/dychj81gL6Q watch! 

-Minimum Wage Increase Notice-


Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in California will increase based on the number of employees an employer has. Many vendors may be eligible to request a rate increase to adjust employees’ pay to comply with the new minimum wage. Please see the attached directive from the Department of Developmental Services for information on how to submit a request to VMRC using the provided worksheet. You may also view Minimum Wage information on DDS’ website: https://dds.ca.gov/rc/vendor-provider/minimum-wage/.


All rate adjustments must be submitted to VMRC no later than March 1, 2023. Should you have any questions about this notice, please contact Corina Ramirez in Community Services, via email CRamirez@vmrc.net or phone (209) 955-3398.


DDS Letter - Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2023



The DEI Corner

 

Mark Crear, DEI Manger

VMRC Acknowledges, Supports and Celebrates Black History Month

 

February is the commemoration of African American or Black History Month. The annual theme for Black History month for this year is "Black Resistance." 

 

This month we will highlight some important African Americans that are instrumental in the advocacy of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities advancement. 

Join us on our

February Area Meeting 2023

SAC6 CHAT!!


When: Friday, February 3, 2023

Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Where: ZOOM with your computer, tablet or cell phone


Our Annual Area Meeting of Self Advocates!!!!

Come Celebrate with us! We will have:

CHOICES 2023 Video & T-shirt Contest Winners Announced!


THE ADVOCATES will perform

from 1:30-2:30 so get ready to dance!!


Join Zoom Meeting


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87439433201?pwd=NURWZzc1a2RGRW5mMGJ2MHRxOTNiZz09


Meeting ID: 874 3943 3201

Passcode: 247110


You must enter the Passcode

OR you can call in:


TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN-

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free


Also – VMRC Update by Tony Anderson


Above Flyer in PDF Here

www.vmrc.net

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