VMRC Board of Directors

Celebrating the Dedication and Service of

VMRC's Board of Directors

On July 8, 2025, we celebrated and recognized the dedication and hard work of our Board of Directors in the last year. I was honored to express our appreciation for Alicia Schott as our Board President and Liz Herrera-Knapp  as our CLASP representative for their years of service. We awarded Mendel Uychutin with the Communitas Award for his decades of service to people with developmental disabilities in the VMRC community. As we begin a new fiscal year, I am looking forward to working together with the Board, newly elected President, Erria Kaalund, and VMRC’s staff to live up to VMRC’s Mission to empower people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing access to services, support, and advocacy.  

Welcome New VMRC Board Members! 

Developing Affordable Housing with Community Partners 

The Sisk Road Apartment Project in Modesto began in early 2024. Jennifer Stone, VMRC’s Housing Specialist, engaged in outreach to multiple housing developers, housing authorities, and city and county planners to support the completion of this project. The Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority contacted VMRC with a proposal and request for Start Up Funding of $1.6 million in exchange for 16 units dedicated to individuals supported by VMRC. VMRC coordinated a meeting with SRHA and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to review the proposal and discuss a partnership to secure the 16 units.  

On August 28, 2024, VMRC submitted its annual FY25-26 Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) to DDS which was approved on February 20, 2025.  

DDS approves VMRC to use up to $1,600,000 in FY 2024-25 CRDP Acquisition Start-Up funds to support the development of the multifamily project known as the 1612 Apartments, located in Modesto, California. The 1612 Apartments is a 144 unit, 100 percent affordable housing development, with 16 units set aside for people with developmental disabilities who would benefit from coordinated onsite services from Buckingham Property Management, Inc., and VMRC. The DDS loan term(s) for this project will be for 55 years.  

On June 25, 2025, the open house was wonderful with 15 people served by VMRC approved and planning to move in soon. Sisk Road Project feature include: 

• 144 newly renovated studio apartments with amenities that include a kitchenette, refrigerator, and heating and air conditioning.   
• Residents enjoy onsite laundry facilities, activity areas, a computer lab, business center and restaurant.   
• Conveniently located next to public transportation, shopping centers, restaurants, gas stations and Modesto Junior College.   
• Onsite management ensures smooth and efficient service, making this a comfortable and practical living option.  

VMRC will continue to advocate for and support affordable housing opportunities.

Video Link:https://vimeo.com/1096404277 

Mary Ann Gonzalez Tribute

We celebrated the amazing life of our colleague and friend, Mary Ann Gonzalez, on July 23, 2025. Mary Ann was kindhearted and a dedicated member of the Valley Mountain Regional Center family for 27 years and most recently served as a Program Manager, leading a team of service coordinators with compassion and unwavering commitment to the people we serve. Mary Ann made a lasting impact on her colleagues, individuals with developmental disabilities, families she supported, and the broader VMRC community. She was known for her warmth, professionalism, and generous spirit. In honor of Mary Ann, VMRC sent a beautiful floral spray to her Celebration of Life and will be renaming a conference room in her honor. 

San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards VMRC with Community-Based Organization of the Year! 

On July 18, 2025, VMRC was recognized as the Community-Based Organization of the Year at the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 53rd Annual Business Awards and Installation Gala. Mayra Ochoa, Director of Equity and Engagement, was honored to accept the award on behalf of VMRC during the ceremony at the Stockton Golf and Country Club. This recognition reflects VMRC’s commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families with compassion, inclusion, and community-centered services. We are deeply grateful to the Chamber for celebrating the work we do and for continuing to uplift the contributions of community organizations throughout the region. 

Disability Pride Month

For Disability Pride Month, VMRC is celebrating the accomplishments of talented artist Kimo Kamakaalohaamailkalani (James T. Briones). Kimo is known for being an all-around amazing person who cares about clients’ rights and being a business owner and creating beautiful artwork. Kimo participates in his day program at ARC of Amador in Calaveras. He loves helping his peers and finds great joy in self-advocacy. 

Born and raised in the South Bay Area, Kimo is of Native Hawaiian and Filipino heritage. Kimo began painting as a child alongside his twin brother. By his junior year of high school, Kimo was deeply committed to his craft. He was inspired by love of seeing color in his painting. His favorite painting was “Love is All” which was also printed as greeting card. 

With encouragement from the late Wilma Murray of VMRC and support from Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager of @calscdd, Kimo launched his own micro-business successfully marketing and selling his artwork. 

He enjoys running a business though he notes it takes patience and dedication. People always ask if his artwork is original and he is proud to share that all pieces are from his own artwork and one-of-a kind. Kimo is a talented artist with a passion for photography and especially enjoys capturing sunrises during his visits to home to Hawaii. 

Check out Kimo’s art at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/james-briones 

Learn more about the support and services offered by VMRC at: www.vmrc.net 

Community Services

VMRC wants input from you about what is needed to best support our community! An unmet need is when VMRC needs more service providers or when VMRC does not offer this service. Your feedback will help us identify supports that are most needed. 

Unmet Needs Survey Link

Human Resources

Now HIRING!

We are actively hiring Service Coordinators (SC). This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about making a positive impact in our community. Our SC’s play a vital role in connecting consumers with essential services and support. If you or someone you know may be interested, please visit our careers page or scan the QR below.  

June Staff Promotions:

We’re proud to celebrate four exceptional team members who earned promotions in June. Congratulations to Michele Poaster, Victoria Moreno, James Rosales, and Krystal Chavez! These promotions highlight the incredible talent within VMRC. We’re confident they will continue to thrive and make positive impacts in their new roles.  

Upcoming Events

California Memorial Project 

September 15, 2025 - The 23rd Annual Remembrance Day Ceremony sponsored by the California Memorial Project will be held at the VMRC Campus in Stockton and Parkview Cemetery in Manteca to honor the individuals who lived and died in California State Institutions. Over 45,000 people with developmental disabilities have been buried, without recognition, after passing away at a Developmental Center or State Hospital in California. With this event, we pay our respect and restore dignity to all people who lived and died in California state institutions. 

We are thankful to everyone who has contributed to this important event, including: The Self Advocacy Council 6, Valley CAPS, Disability Rights California/Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, Grupe Huber at University Park, State Council on the Developmental Disabilities, and Valley Mountain Regional Center.