February has been a month of resilience and celebration for the VMRC community. While heavy rain, snow, and power outages from recent winter storms have challenged our region, our focus remains on safety and support. Please find essential emergency resources  listed below. 

Celebrating Self-Advocacy & Creativity 

Our self-advocates recently made their voices heard at the  SAC6 Quarterly Meeting in Stockton. Excitement is also building for the upcoming  CHOICES  conference! We are thrilled to announce  Zheng Yu Ruan as the winner of our annual t-shirt design contest—congratulations on a job well done!

Strengthening Community Support 

The VMRC team continues to expand its reach through meaningful partnerships and education: 

• ASL Education:  Led by our Deaf Specialist,  Midori Perez, we successfully hosted introductory ASL classes for families and caregivers at our Stockton office. 
• Mental Health & Safety:  Neidra Clayton (Deflection & After Hours Team) and  Anna Simms (Quality Assurance) partnered with  DDS  and  Alta California Regional Center to provide critical overviews of safety net and mental health services. 

New Resources & Growth 

We are committed to recruiting diverse service providers to meet the needs of those we serve. Highlights include: 

• Expanded Services:  The  Central Valley Training Center (CVTC)  has opened a new behavior program in Jackson, providing a long-awaited resource for our families in the foothills. 
• Family Connection:  Children and families enjoyed a  Storytime Adventure  hosted by  Families United, blending literacy support with community building. 

From the foothills to our cities, we are deeply grateful to our self-advocates, families, community partners, and our staff for their unwavering dedication. As we move past the winter storms, we look forward to the spring flowers that this rain will surely bring. 

-Leinani 

Dave Wong’s Board of Directors

Dinner to Celebrate 2026

January 6 - A sincere thank you to VMRC Board President Erria Kaalund for hosting our Board of Directors and leadership team at Dave Wong’s in Stockton on January 6. The delicious meal and elegant atmosphere provided the perfect setting for us to relax and reconnect. It was a wonderful way to kick off the New Year together! 

Motown Magic of the Stockton Symphony Brings Joy to the Community

January 18 - It was a pleasure to join VMRC Board President and Stockton Symphony Board member Erria Kaalund, along with Becky Nanyonjo, Executive Director of RCEB, for an incredible "Motown Magic" performance on January 18. We were also delighted to have VMRC Board Member Dominique Mellion and Public Policy Committee member Lynda Mendoza join us for this high-energy symphonic celebration of classic Motown soulful hits, led by guest conductor Jeff Reed. 

Jackson CVTC Day Program Grand Opening! 

January 22 -What fun to attend the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) newest day program grand opening in Jackson with some karaoke singing, good food, and good conversation with VMRC Board Members, Crystal Enyeart and Dr. Steve Russell and his son, Matt Russell, Chanel Murray of SCDD. I was joined by fellow VMRC leadership of Christine Couch, Erin Martin, Janelle Johnson, Delilah Dunerway and Josie Craig 

Storytime Adventures with Families United 

January 17 - VMRC recently participated in Families United's Storytime Adventure & Vision Board Workshop. It was a well-organized and intimate event that showed a deep understanding of families' needs through engaging activities for children and a meaningful space for parents to connect and reflect. It truly highlighted the impact of intentional programming in supporting both children and caregivers. We appreciate the dedicated leadership of Dominique Mellion, Executive Director of Families United and VMRC Board member.

VMRC American Sign Language Classes Strengthen Community Connections

VMRC's Introductory American Sign Language (ASL) classes are facilitated by Midori Perez, VMRC's Deaf Specialist, with support from Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding. The classes have been well attended, with participants demonstrating strong engagement and enthusiasm for learning ASL in a welcoming and supportive environment. Families have expressed appreciation for the availability of childcare, which increases accessibility and helps strengthen communication and connection throughout the community.

Disability Voices United Provides

Self-Determination Training for VMRC LVAC

January 31 - VMRC’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) leadership recently attended an informative VMRC SDP Local Volunteer Advisory Committee (LVAC) training that brought together self-advocates, family advocates, and community members. The training, provided by Disability Voices United, covered key topics including LVAC roles and responsibilities, effective meeting practices, identifying strengths and areas for growth, and goal setting. It was encouraging to collaborate and set meaningful goals that support the continued growth and impact of the Self-Determination Program. 

CDCR - Mental Health Pre-Release Presentation

VMRC’s Deflection and Afterhours Manager, Neidra Clayton and Quality Assurance Program Manager, Anna Sims, will partner with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Alta Regional Center co-presented at the quarterly CDCR Mental Health Pre-Release Coordination Collaborative Meeting on February 12. The presentation will provide an overview of the developmental services system, Safety Net resources, and key considerations for successful transitions from CDCR facilities for individuals receiving regional center services. 

Statewide Self-Determination

Advisory Committee Town Hall

SAC6 Hosts a Great Day in Stockton!

Last week, 270+ self-advocates rocked the Eagles Hall for the SAC6 Annual Area Meeting! We officially welcomed our new leadership team, including Chairperson Kenneth Huntley and Vice Chairperson Angelina Sulamo.

A huge shoutout to: 🎤 Crystal Enyeart for emceeing. 🎶 The Advocates for the incredible music. 💡 Minette Oliver & Christine Couch for reminding us that "Your Voice Matters" during the IPP training. We are thankful to Leinani Walter, Executive Director of VMRC for providing encouragement for choosing in your life and for sharing some VMRC updates. We also appreciate George Lewis (SCDD) for briefing the group on the upcoming NCI family surveys.

We also kicked off the countdown to the 39th Annual CHOICES Conference (March 27)! Big congrats to Zheng Yu Ruan for the winning T-shirt design and to our video contest winners from Person Centered Services and UCP Stanislaus.

Annual POS Meeting Notice

Emergency Resources

Power Outage Tracking

For the most current information on your specific location, use the PG&E Outage Center Map or call 1-800-743-5002. 

County-Specific Resources:

• Calaveras County

• Warming Center: Murphys Fire Station (Training Hall), 58 Jones Street, Murphys. 
• Road Conditions: Call Public Works at (209) 754-6391.
• CHP Updates: Call (209) 754-1141 or check the CHP San Andreas Facebook page.

• Tuolumne County

• Warming Centers: Two locations are open as of 2:00 PM (Feb 18):
• Groveland CRC: 18986 Ferretti Rd, Groveland.
• Tuolumne CRC: 18241 Bay Ave, Tuolumne.

• Amador County

• We are currently monitoring for updates and will post new resources as they become available.

*For more information on preparing for emergencies, go to LISTOS California.

Department of Developmental Services: Emergency Preparedness

Community Events & Resources