Spring has arrived at VMRC, bringing a season of community events and staff celebrations. Our Transition Fairs successfully unite self-advocates, students, and staff from across our region for meaningful connection and learning. In March, we honored our staff during Social Work Appreciation Month with coffee and breakfast treats at each office, recognizing their unwavering commitment to the families we serve. On April 14th, over 450 employees gathered for our All-Staff Appreciation Day at Micke Grove for a day filled with good food, music, team building, and games. We were proud to honor employee anniversaries and individual excellence, and we extend a special thank you to our Board members for joining us in celebrating the heart of our mission. 

Happy Spring!

Leinani 

VMRC Delegation Advocates at Grassroots Day

March 2 - VMRC sent a delegation of public policy and VMRC leadership staff to attend Grassroots Day at the State Capitol! This annual event, organized by the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA), brings together self-advocates, family members, and representatives from all 21 regional centers to meet with state legislators and their staff. 

Special appreciation to the state legislative staff who met with our delegation from the offices of Assemblymembers Heath Flora, Rhodesia Ransom, David Tangipa Juan Alanis, and Heather Hadwick; and Senators Marie Alvarado-Gil and Jerry McNerney. 

Thank you to everyone who advocated for our community, shared your personal stories, and supported legislation relevant to our community. The day was a great success!  

Community Conversations about

Spending & Equity Efforts

March 9, 10 & 14 – Appreciation to Maritza Ochoa of Esuchen Mi Voz, and Elizabeth Gomez of ICC for co-presenting alongside VMRC staff in the Annual Purchase of Service (POS) Meeting. Thank you to SAC6 for the opportunity to participate in their meeting to share about VMRC’s spending data. These discussions fostered meaningful dialogue and valuable community input, helping us continue to improve services for the children and individuals we serve. 

American Sign Language (ASL) Class Celebrates Graduation!

March 10 – Congratulations to the newest VMRC ASL Graduating Class in Stockton! Thank you to ASL instructor Gwen Tsujimoto, former Fremont School for the Deaf Teacher’s Aide and Midori Perez, VMRC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist for teaching and coordinating. Stay tuned for upcoming ASL Sessions. 

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Stockton!

March 13 - Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton hosted the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration at FBC Community Center. Mayra Ochoa, Director of Equity and Engagement, participated by hosting an information table to share resources and connect with community members.  

Supporting Foster Youth Across Systems

March 26 - VMRC participated in the Tuolumne County Children’s System of Care Annual Retreat and team building at Tuolumne County Mental Health to further our shared mission of supporting foster youth. This gathering reinforced a long-standing partnership dedicated to AB2083 compliance and integrated service delivery. Through strategic team building and the analysis of data-driven insights, all agencies identified enhanced methods to improve outcomes for children within the foster care system. Thank you to Tuolumne County for hosting.

Choices Conference Soars to New Heights

March 20 – The CHOICES Conference highlighted the incredible talents of self-advocates, supported by dedicated staff from VMRC, SCDD, FRC, and our service provider network. The event featured inspiring self-advocate speakers, a musical performance by The Advocates, award ceremony for the annual t-shirt and video contest, and three rooms of local microbusinesses for attendees to shop and explore. It was a fun day of community connection! 

VMRC Staff Creativity Honors Autism Acceptance Month  

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, our staff initiated a creative project decorating puzzle pieces and infinity symbols to celebrate individuality. Whether through personal reflections or team collaborations, these unique designs came together to form an inspiring display of inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. 

Local Car Clubs Generously 

Donate Easter Baskets 

March 21 - Cindy Jimenez, Division Manager of Early Childhood, attended the Cholos Car Club Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to the generosity of the Cholos Car Club and their fellow car clubs, over 120 easter baskets were donated to children served by VMRC. We are so grateful for the joy they helped create.

VMRC Transition Fairs Make Learning Even More Fun 

March 8 – VMRC hosted our Transition Fair in Lodi at Journey Day Program that connected students, families, and community partners to share resources and support successful transitions from school into adulthood. Upcoming Transitions Fairs: April 24th in Modesto and May 8th in San Andreas. Thanks to Dave Vodden, Jessica Coronel and so many other VMRC staff for supporting and coordinating this community event. 

VMRC Having A Blast at

Staff Appreciation Day! 

April 14 – VMRC hosted a Staff Appreciation Day at Micke Grove Park and over 450 staff attended with team-building activities, games, raffles, and delicious foods. We honored employees for their years of service and awarded staff who exemplify the Mission of Valley Mountain Regional Center to empower people with developmental disabilities and their families with access to services, support, and advocacy. 

Community Events & Resources