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Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) assist hundreds of thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities to work and live as independently as possible. Current workforce shortages impact the ability for these services and supports to be truly individualized. 

DSPCollaborative is an initiative by two neighboring regional centers and their service providers to promote employment in the developmental disabilities field. Valley Mountain Regional Center and Alta California Regional Center have partnered our service provider community to promote DSP Jobs! This is a free service for job seekers and for service providers. If you are a VMRC service provider, please consider posting your employment needs here!



https://dspcollaborative.org/

This is a FREE job posting site! 

For job seekers: https://dspcollaborative.org/for-job-seekers/



Select the job that is right for you by location (by county)

For Providers: https://dspcollaborative.org/for-providers/

The DSP Collaborative is a DSP recruitment effort that combines a multi-media advertising project to brand the term DSP with an on-line DSP Collaborative job site that connects potential employees with subscribing DD provider employers.

The DSP Collaborative website was launched in direct response to the number one challenge facing California’s Developmental Disabilities System – the workforce crisis.

Providers are experiencing record high staff vacancies and employee turnover. In addition, the federal Department of Labor projects that direct care will be the number one job in demand during the next twenty years, resulting in a challenge of significant proportions.

https://dspcollaborative.org/

NEW DATE FOR JANUARY...PLEASE NOTE!

VMRC Consumer Services Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 5:00 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room

Click Here for Virtual Information

Caring Futures offers critical assistance, resources, and a supportive community for caregivers and family members of adults with developmental disabilities. Stay informed about our upcoming webinars and classes.

Registration Now Open for "Self-Care Matters"

Our FREE “Self-Care Matters’' classes help you discover ways to rejuvenate and revitalize your caregiving spirit.

Self-Care Matters: Well-Being for the Family Caregiver is a two-week live online class where family caregivers gain strategies and tools to enhance their own well-being. Classes start January 15. Space is limited, so sign up today.

Caring Conversations are webinars designed to provide insights, tips, and a platform to share experiences in caregiving.

Join our next Caring Conversation to learn about public benefits for caregivers. Parent-educator Felisa Strickland and special guest Paula Kluges, retired fiduciary in California, invite you to a conversation about how to navigate Medi-Cal and housing programs, and what to do when you're denied a public benefit. It's coming up on Tuesday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. 

Join Our Online Caring Community

We welcome you to join our supportive and private online Facebook Group to engage with other caregivers, share your stories, and be a part of a community that understands your triumphs and challenges.

Caring Futures is presented by The Arc of California, and made possible by CalGrows, a grant-funded initiative by the California Department of Aging.

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

You are invited to join us for this free webinar for parents and caregivers

of children with autism. Register today by clicking the link below!

 Parenting Can Be Difficult: Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Anxiety and Stress

Thursday, January 25, 2024

5:15pm - 6:30pm ET

Presented by Abigail Rix, M.A., M.B.A, LABA, BCBA  

This is the fourth of a 10 month webinar series provided virtually by experts at the National Autism Center at May Institute. Please stay tuned for future webinars. 

ABOUT THIS WEBINAR: Parenting is often wonderful, but it can also be challenging. This is especially true for many parents of autistic children. If you often feel overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted by parenting responsibilities, you are not alone. During this webinar, we will discuss proven and practical strategies for reducing stress and anxiety. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Abigail Rix, M.A., M.B.A, LABA, BCBA

Program Director, May Center for ABA Services, West Springfield, Mass.

Once you register, you will receive an email to confirm your attendance

and more information about the training. 

9th Annual Policy Update

Updated Agenda and New Presenters Added

Monday, January 22, 2024

8:30am - 12:30pm

Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? 

Register to receive access to the recording!

Federal and State Policies regarding Early Start, Early Education and Intervention, review of Governor’s Budget 2024, and more!

Topics to be addressed

·   Congress: Federal Update and What We Can Expect for Young Children and their Families

·   CA Early Start - Part C - What's ahead for 2024? Quality Indicator Program, 

·   Update on the Rate Model Implementation for Early Intervention 

·   Implementation of CA Master Plan on Early Learning and Care - Inclusion of children with disabilities

·   CA Budget- Department of Developmental Services, California Department of Education and relevant legislation

·   ECE California Legislative Landscape 

·   Dollars & Democracy: An Introduction to the CA. State Budget Process

Presenter: Sharon Walsh

Title - The New Congress: Federal Update and What Can we Expect for Young Children and their Families” Click here for more info on Sharon

Presenter: Karina Hendren

Title: CA Budget/ Department of Developmental Services and other issues

Click here for more info on Karina

Presenter: Sara Cortez

Sara Cortez is a Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst at the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) covering special education, preschool and nutrition issues. Click here for more info on Sara

Presenter:

Stephen Propheter

CDE Master Plan, Early Education updates.

Click here for more info on Stephen

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Presenter: Erik Saucedo

California Budget and Policy Center "Dollars & Democracy: An Introduction to the State Budget Process"Click here for more info on Erik

Presenter: Erin Paulsen Brady 

Title: CA Early Start - Updates



Click here for more info on Erin

Presenter: Reyna Ambriz 

Title: CA Early Start - Updates



Click here for more info on Reyna

Presenter: Erin Dubey

Click here for more info on Erin Dubey

Presenter: Jim Knight, Deputy Director Department of Developmental Services Administration Division

Status of Rate Model Roll Out

Non-Member: $75

IDA Agency/Individual Member: $50

IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $40

ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org

with ADA request by Jan 5, 2024

Limited Partial Scholarship Available



Case Management Update - Adults

Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Stockton Lantern Festival!

When we arrived my little guy was a bit unsure about being there and had the tightest grip on us. He would not let us set him down. By the end of it he got a little more confident and had a blast! It was an experience he wouldn't have had if it wasn't for the tickets we got from VMRC. We are very grateful.



Thank you, Maria  

Turkey Trot Fundraiser YAP News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oldy5Oqh5yg

Check out Stockton USD Young Adult Program's 1st Annual Turkey Trot Fundraising Event, organized by the one and only, Lori Gobbi. YAP News is produced by Mr. Stephen Productions at YAP Studios and is part of Stockton USD's Young Adult Program. This unique program provides opportunities for community building and inclusion, and boasts a cast and crew comprised of some of the greatest leaders in Inclusive Entertainment. Created & Produced by Stephen Torres-Esquer www.MrStephenOnline.com

To donate to the Young Adult Program for students with disabilities, ages 18-22, visit our website at www.StocktonUSD.net/YAP

OFFICE OF CLIENTS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY

“The Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) provides free legal and advocacy services to regional center clients. OCRA is part of Disability Rights California. Anyone may contact OCRA to ask about regional center client’s rights, including vendors. Regional center clients and their families may ask OCRA to help clients advocate for their rights. OCRA can help with regional center services, special education, benefits, represent clients at hearings, investigate complaints about denial of rights, and provide trainings. 

You can call the OCRA office for Valley Mountain Regional Center clients at 209-242-2127 or email OCRA.VMRC@disabilityrightsca.org.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Peer Recovery Services (The Wellness Center) in partnership with the University of the Pacific, will be hosting a FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR Event on Friday, January 19^th from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Peer Recover Services location. Additional details can be found on the attached flyer!  

Clinical Update



Dr. Claire Lazaro

Clinical Director

Happy New Year! Let us start the year with the Positive Parenting Month for the month of January. And with this, VMRC’s Family Wellness Program, in partnership with Triple P – Parents by Choice, is hosting a free Positive Parenting seminar called Stepping Stones. This will be a free 6-week course for parents of our consumers, regardless of age. There will be free childcare and food available. We will provide interpreters for non-English speakers. If we get 5 or more Spanish speakers, we will have a Spanish only class. We also plan on having a virtual session after this.

Please register here:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b12802c8fc5949389d75dee90c66ffaf

The Parents by Choice Positive Parenting whom we have recently partnered with for the Stepping Stones Parenting classes being held at VMRC, is hosting their first annual Family Fiesta. We hope you can come!

More free parenting classes offered by Parents by Choice.

DONATION TOTALS by Location

Modesto Rocked 24 

Stockton Rocked 30

Brave and generous souls all! And Kudos to those who were resolved to donate, but were unable. There is always next time.

Thank you everyone for your life saving donations and Many Thanks to those who provided volunteer support during the event!!

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services



In accordance with Section 12006(a) of the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act), States are required to implement Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for personal care services and home health care services that require an in-home visit by a provider.

Please be advised, as of June 1, 2023, EVV has been implemented for personal care services and home health care services for providers vendored under service codes 465, 862, 864, 896, 858, 860, and 062. New and existing service providers under these service codes subject to EVV are required to transmit Cures Act compliant data to the State’s EVV system either via CalEVV, free to use state supplied EVV system, or via an alternate EVV system of the provider’s choosing which meets the state’s requirements.

Helpful Links and Resources

Providers subject to EVV need to self-register via the Department’s webpage: https://vendorregistration.calevv.com/

Information regarding EVV including Frequently Asked Questions and additional resources for providers can be found on the Department’s webpage: https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/evv/

For technical assistance, please email: CACustomerCare@Sandata.com; or call (855) 943-6070.

For technical assistance related to using an alternate EVV system, please email: CAAltEVV@sandata.com; or call (855) 943-6069

For any further questions or concerns please submit inquiries or feedback to the Department directly: EVV@dds.ca.gov.

VMRC thanks you for your swift attention to this matter. 

January 2024 Minimum Wage Increase Notice

Effective January 1, 2024, 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 in order to adjust employees’ pay to comply with the new minimum wage. Please use this link to access the directive and associated forms https://www.vmrc.net/service-providers-vendors/

You can also view the information on the DDS website: 

https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/vendor-provider/minimum-wage-2024/



All rate adjustments must be submitted to VMRC no later than March 1, 2024. Should you have any questions about this notice, please contact Erica Lamb in Resource Development, via email rates@vmrc.net or phone (209) 955-3395.

VMRC’s Community Services team will continue to host Monthly provider information sessions for ALL VMRC Service Providers on the fourth Friday of each month using Microsoft Teams from 9-10 am

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 281 428 411 222

Passcode: fEcVsj

These sessions are great opportunities for direct support professionals, Administrators, Directors and all persons providing supports to persons supported by VMRC to learn about important changes, projects and to ask questions from the Quality Assurance and Resource Development team. We welcome topics and subject matter suggestions! E mail Brian directly if you would like to hear about a specific topic bbennett@vmrc.net

The DEI Corner

Mark Crear,

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

VMRC Recognizes and Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Day, often abbreviated as MLK Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the civil rights leader and activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, close to Dr. King’s birthday on January 15th. The holiday serves as a time for reflection, community service, and the celebration of Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement.

What is Martin Luther King Day 2024?

Martin Luther King Day 2024 is a day to remember and celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice.

When is Martin Luther King Day 2024?

Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January. In 2024, it falls on January 15th.

How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2024?

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day can be done in various meaningful ways that honor Dr. King’s legacy and promote his ideals. Here are some ways to celebrate:

• Attend Commemorative Events: Many communities organize parades, lectures, and other events that celebrate Dr. King’s life and message.
• Engage in Community Service: Participate in volunteer activities or service projects that benefit your community, aligning with Dr. King’s commitment to social justice.
• Educational Activities: Learn more about the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s work through books, documentaries, or visits to relevant museums and historical sites.
• Reflect on Social Justice: Take time to reflect on the progress made in the fight for civil rights and consider how you can contribute to a more just society.
• Spread Awareness: Share Dr. King’s messages of equality, love, and nonviolence on social media to inspire others.



Some Local Activities 

Emergency Services and Response Update

Aaron McDonald,

Emergency Response and Safety Specialist

FIRST AID FOR YOUR MIND

Welcome to 2024 everyone! So often in emergency preparedness & disaster planning, we focus on the physical things we can do & the plan we can make to respond that we seldom stop and think about the impact planning for these occurrences can have on our mental health & well-being. With that idea in mind, Listos California has developed resources to help us all build our mental first aid kits. Over the next 5 weeks, we review the steps to take to build a mental first aid kit. This week we will cover a general overview of mental health as it relates to emergencies and disaster preparedness as well as step 1: Know your signs of stress.

1/19/24, Step 2: Learn what helps you feel better.

1/26/24, Step 3: Get help when you need it.

2/2/24, Step 4: Learn how to recover.

2/9/24 Step 5: Help others in need.

Natural disasters can negatively impact mental health. To help Californians better understand what we each can do to strengthen ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities, Listos California has created a First Aid Kit for Your Mind with five simple steps for protecting your mental well-being and helping others do the same, along with resources for when you need more support.

We know Californians from diverse backgrounds may experience different or disproportionate stressors, or encounter stigmatization when seeking mental health care.

Please visit https://www.listoscalifornia.org/community-projects/mental-health/ to find a list of resources geared specifically for your community. Click on the plus sign next to Mental Health Resources Just For You to expand the menu.

North Valley Hills Update

   Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930