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"The VMRC Newsletter 2024, Issue #2"
Friday, January 19, 2024
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Since Last Week's Newsletter...
Doug Bonnet has stepped down as Interim Executive Director, but will continue in his role as Special Assistant to the Executive Director.
The VMRC Board of Directors met and voted in closed session on 01/11/24 to select Christine Couch as Interim Executive Director. Christine has accepted and began her position. Christine will continue in this role until our new Executive Director, Leinani Walter, begins on 02/15/24. Please join us in thanking and congratulating Christine on accepting this important role.
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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!
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For job seekers: https://dspcollaborative.org/for-job-seekers/
Select the job that is right for you by location (by county)
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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.
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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
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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.
New future planning class now open!
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The demand for our "The Future is Now" FREE six-week class series for parents and caregivers of adult family members with developmental disabilities has been impressive. All of our classes for January and February filled up quickly.
That's why we're very happy to be opening an additional six-week session of The Future Is Now, starting on Wednesday, January 24th at 4pm.
The class includes:
· Comprehensive Future Planning Guide to design a support plan for you and your family member with disabilities;
· Workbooks for parent/caregiver and family member;
· Small and welcoming class size.
Spaces in these classes fill up quickly -- click HERE to register
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Caring Conversations are webinars designed to provide insights, tips, and a platform to share experiences in caregiving. | | Caring Conversations are best live, but if you can’t make it, you don’t have to miss out. You can find the previous webinars online at CaringFutures.org. | |
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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.
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Our Caring Futures Community is Growing
We’re so excited about the growth of our Caring Futures Community on Facebook. More than 275 caregivers across California have joined and are sharing stories, photos, resources, and words of inspiration every day. We’d love to welcome you!
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Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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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.
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Once you register, you will receive an email to confirm your attendance
and more information about the training.
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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!
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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
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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
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Presenter: Karina Hendren
Title: CA Budget/ Department of Developmental Services and other issues
Click here for more info on Karina
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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
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Presenter:
Stephen Propheter
CDE Master Plan, Early Education updates.
Click here for more info on Stephen
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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"!
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Presenter: Erik Saucedo
California Budget and Policy Center "Dollars & Democracy: An Introduction to the State Budget Process"Click here for more info on Erik
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Presenter: Erin Paulsen Brady
Title: CA Early Start - Updates
Click here for more info on Erin
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Presenter: Reyna Ambriz
Title: CA Early Start - Updates
Click here for more info on Reyna
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Presenter: Erin Dubey
Click here for more info on Erin Dubey
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Presenter: Jim Knight, Deputy Director Department of Developmental Services Administration Division
Status of Rate Model Roll Out
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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
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Interim Executive Director, Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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Your Way Registry
The Stockton Police Department is committed to meeting our community where they are. The Your Way Registry is a program offered by the Stockton Police Department to serve the community. For more information, refer to the attached flyers or click on the link below.
https://www.stocktonca.gov/.../programs.../yes_program.php
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Direct Service Professional (DSP) Training Stipend Program for DSPs supporting participants in the Self Determination Program
The Department of Developmental Services issued a directive September 12, 2023 (see attached) regarding the SDP training stipend program. The intent is to enhance the quality of services received by consumers by providing trainings to the direct services professionals working with consumers. The SDP Training Stipend Program is time-limited, and all the trainings must be completed by June 30, 2024.
DSPs, including some frontline supervisors and clinical staff, who meet the following are eligible for the training stipend:
• Work as a paid DSP an average of 10 hours or
more per week;
• Perform direct support tasks like skills
development, guidance, and personal
assistance to individuals served by a regional
center as a regular part of their job duties;
• Spend at least 50% of work hours doing direct
support tasks; and
• Are employed by a regional center vendor, or
by a participant in the Self-Determination
Program.
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We still have space available for the Monday, 01/22, 5:30 PM Workshop for Families on "A Future that Includes Employment".
Contact our Employment Specialist, Enos Edmerson Jr. at eedmerson@vmrc.net to get enrolled!
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services
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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.
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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
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VMRC is currently seeking a qualified residential service provider to support adults in a Community Crisis Home setting. Start Up funds are available to support this need.
The deadline to respond to the RFP has been extended to February 5, 2024.
https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/
Contact Brian L. Bennett bbennett@vmrc.net or Robert Fernandez rfernandez@vmrc.net if you questions about the project.
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, Ph.D.,
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
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Building a Psychological Safe Environment
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In today’s rapidly changing world, organizations increasingly recognize the importance of fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. At the heart of these efforts lies the concept of psychological safety, a critical ingredient enabling individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and talents fully.
Psychological safety and DEI work hand in hand in driving behavioral and cultural change. DEI efforts alone cannot thrive without the foundation of psychological safety. When individuals feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to share their unique perspectives, challenge biases, and actively contribute to creating a culture of belonging.
Understanding Psychological Safety:
Psychological safety, is a shared belief that one will not and should not face negative consequences for speaking up, taking risks, or expressing ideas, opinions, or concerts within a group or organization. It is the bedrock of a healthy work environment, where individuals feel safe to be authentic, take interpersonal risks, and contribute fully to their teams.
The Four Stages of Psychological Safety:
How does psychological safety appear in organizations and teams? Psychological safety can be categorized into four progressive stages.
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Inclusion Safety: Individuals feel a sense of acceptance and belonging, where they are included and respected for who they are, irrespective of their background, identity, or perspectives.
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Learner Safety: Encourages individuals to take risks, share ideas, and engage in open dialogue without fear of criticism or humiliation. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
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Contributor Safety: Individuals feel confident expressing their unique perspectives, actively contributing to decision-making processes, and taking ownership of their work. Collaboration and diverse viewpoints are valued and sought after.
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Challenger Safety: Empowers individuals to challenge the status quo, voice dissenting opinions, and ask difficult questions. Constructive conflicts are necessary for innovation and progress, enabling organizations to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.
What organizations can do to increase psychological safety within the workplace:
1. Foster Inclusive Leadership: Psychological safety starts at the top, with leaders setting the tone for the organization.
2. Encourage Open Communication: Create channels and platforms for open and transparent communication. Encourage employees to speak up, share their opinions, and express their concerns without fear of retaliation.
3. Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Build a culture that views mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning.
4. Promote Collaboration & Team Support: Create an environment that values collaboration, teamwork, and support. Foster a sense of collective responsibility and emphasize that everyone’s contributions are essential for success.
No one should feel bullied, targeted or alienated. This is where DEI & Psychological safety combines to make sure that your work environment supports your individuality. At Valley Mountain Regional Center, we strive to learn better ways to make our organization a place where everyone belongs.
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Emergency Services and Response Update
Aaron McDonald,
Emergency Response and Safety Specialist
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FIRST AID FOR YOUR MIND
This week we continue in our series of First Aid For Your Mind. 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.
Last week’s newsletter (1/19/24) we covered Step 1: Know your signs of stress.
This week we will focus on Step 2: Learn what helps you feel better. Please continue to check in for the remaining topics in this series over the coming weeks.
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.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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Family Resource Network (FRN) is hosting our 24th annual Mother's Retreat on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Spend a child free Saturday with women who understand what is is to be a parent of a child with disabilities, make some friends, celebrate the joys and struggles of raising your child, and learn about resources that are available to help you along the way. The day is filled with fun, laughter, comfort, and maybe a few tears. Leave feeling refreshed and motivated by the group of women you spent your day with, and part of a larger community of support.
Registration is required, and spaces are limited. See the flyer for details and registration form, and please call the FRN office at 209-472-3674 if you have any questions.
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