Case Management Updates
Overview of Resources for Basic Needs during COVID-19
The recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the VMRC catchment area has brought about an increase in need for basic necessities. Food, health, housing and financial security are top priorities for our consumers and families. Many state agencies are offering additional assistance and extensions for those needing assistance. Here is a summary of some resources that may be of help during this difficult time:
·
FOOD
o The Presentation Food Pantry located in Stockton has been instrumental in the donation of over 200 food bags to VMRC’s neediest consumers and families. The most recent donation occurred on June 20, with deliveries taking place in all of our five counties. VMRC’s Cultural Specialist Gabriela Lopez coordinates this wonderful effort. The next delivery is scheduled for July 16.
·
HEALTH
- Testing (when available) and treatment for COVID-19 is covered at no cost for all Californians.
- COVID-19 testing is already free for the majority of Californians with private insurance or Medi-Cal. Testing and treatment will not be used against anyone in a Public Charge analysis.
- Applications for Medi-Cal will be accepted without proof of income documentation during the COVID-19 crisis. This is also true for those seeking to renew existing coverage. Your Medi-Cal will not be cut off if you are unable to provide paperwork right now.
- Everyone is encouraged to seek care if they are sick, regardless of income or immigration status.
·
HOUSING
·
FINANCIAL SECURITY
- An executive order has been issued to allow current recipients of safety net programs in California (CalWORKs, CalFresh, In-Home Supportive Services, Medi-Cal, and Cash Assistance for Immigrants) to continue receiving them without interruption during this time.
- Governor Newsom announced an executive order requiring the exemption of federal, state, or local government financial assistance from debt collection and garnishments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Governor Newsom signed an executive order restricting water shutoffs for homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also directs water agencies to restore water to those who had it cut off.
- To ensure households keep essential Lifeline wireless and home phone service, the California Public Utilities Commission has temporarily suspended its rule requiring people with low-incomes to re-enroll in the Lifeline program. This will allow hundreds of households to retain service during the pandemic.
Five-County Transportation Updates
There have been a few changes in transportation services due to directives, local requirements and safety protocols. Wilma Murray, our Transportation Manager has developed the following service outline for the five-county area during this time. Recent updates are highlighted:
Amador County
(ARTS) ph # 209-267-9395 or 1-877-704-4297
Regular Fares are being charged. Service is available Monday thru Friday. Currently, masks are recommended – not required
Dial A Ride is operating as usual. No changes – full operation. Reduced fixed route service - “Micro Transit” Limited service for Jackson, Sutter Creek and Upcountry. All other routes are on an On-Call Basis. Riders can call at least 24 hours in advance of need and ARTS will do their best to accommodate. This change is in effect thru 7/3/202. Full service resumes on July 6, 2020. Rides will be free that week.
Calaveras Transit
ph # 209-754-4450
Rides are free of charge. Service is available Monday thru Friday. No weekend service. Masks are required. Regular service has been suspended but CTC is providing on-demand service with ¾ mile deviation of normal routes. Riders need to call ahead to schedule rides.
This will remain in effect until further notice.
Tuolumne County Transit
– ph #209-532-0404
Rides are free of charge. Service is available Monday thru Saturday. At this time, masks recommended.
Regular fixed route is eliminated and Dial A Ride service – open to all – is being provided. Riders need to call the reserve trips.
Ceres Transportation
– ph #527-4991
Service is now run thru Modesto MAX and Modesto Dial A Ride. Rides on the regular fixed route (CAT) are free thru July 31st. Dial A Ride fares are enforced. Modesto MAX and Modesto Dial A Ride tickets must be used starting July 1
st
.
Website is not updated with COVID-19 information. Call for updates.
Modesto MAX
ph # 209-521-1274
Normal full service, Monday thru Sunday, has been restored as of May 18
th
. Rides are free thru July 31
st
. Masks are required.
New Commuter service from Modesto to the Stockton Transit Center, with a stop at the Manteca Transit Center, starts on July 1
st
. There will be 3 northbound routes leaving Modesto at 6:30 am,. 10:30 am and 5:00 pm and 3 southbound route leaving Stockton at 7:30 am, 11:30 am and 6:00 pm. Cost is $5 for a 1-wy ride and $7 for a round trip.
Modesto Dial A Ride
ph # 209-527-4900
No service changes or reductions. Regular service, hours and fares are being charged. Masks are required.
Stanislaus Regional Transit
Ph # 800-262-1516
Resumed full normal schedules, effective June1st. Rides are still free on regular fixed route thru July 31st. Shuttle service and ADA services are regular fare. Masks are required.
www.srt.org
Turlock Transit
ph #209-668-5600
Rides are free of charge. Masks are required. Fixed Route and Dial a Ride* services are running Monday-Saturday 9 am to 7 pm. *DAR special hours for senior citizens: 7am -9am Monday –Saturday.
San Joaquin Regional Transit District
(SJRTD)
ph # 209-943-111
Rides are free of charge on fixed route. Regular fares are being charged for Dial A Ride and VanGo! Masks are required. Regular fixed route is running on weekend schedules 7 days a week.
VanGo! is operating 6am – 8pm 7 days a week. VanGo should be used for rides going out of the Stockton city limits only. Proposed service changes will be announced soon.
Dial A Ride: Regular service hours and fares are still in place. Service is only available for rides within the Stockton city limits. Some commuter routes are running. Check website for times and routes.
www.sanjoquinrtd.com
Lodi Transit Grapeline
(regular bus routes) and
Vineline
(ADA/DAR) ph #209-333-6806
Regular Fares are being charged for all rides. Masks are required. No Sunday service for regular or DAR services. Monday thru Saturday service is on a reduced schedule for 8:30am – 4:30 pm. Express routes are suspended until further notice.
Manteca Transit
ph 209-456-8888
Rides are free of charge until further notice. At this time, masks are recommended but not required. Regular routes and Dial A ride are running Monday thru Saturday. DAR is limited capacity (medical priority) on Saturdays.
Tracy Tracer
ph # 209-831-4287
Regular fares are being charged for all services. Masks are required. No change in service hours for regular bus or Dial a Ride. Temporarily suspension of commuter peak service routes E,F &G.
For our contracted transit providers
: All have developed tentative plans to address COVID-19 directives for health and safety as well as inclusion of any local County health directives and adjust those requirements as updates are given. This will allow for quicker start-up once specifics are available for re-opening of day programs.
SDP Informational Zoom Series Offered
VMRC’s Self Determination Program (SDP) is progressing well. Through remote meetings, we have been able to move forward with our goals. And, this time next year all consumers and families interested in the program can opt to participate. To better equip everyone with the information and knowledge to make the decision of whether to participate or continue accepting traditional services, the Self Determination team made up
of Elizabeth Diaz, Tania Candelaria, David Narbona, Michele Poaster and Angelique Shear
will provide an Informational Zoom Series.
There are currently four different sessions scheduled, one during each upcoming month. The first one will introduce the local FMS providers, Person Centered Planners and Independent Facilitators. The second session will highlight people and community agencies providing services to individuals in the SDP. The third session will be an overview of the VMRC SDP Budget Tool and how it is used, explaining the difference between the Certified Budget and Spending Plan. The final session of the series is going to be a parent panel of individuals who are participating in different phases of the SD Program. This series is open to anyone who would like to attend via Zoom.
o Part 1: Friday July 31, 2020 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Password: 864928
o Part 2: Monday August 24, 2020 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Password: 603333
o Part 3: Tuesday September 8, 2020 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Password: 800817
o Part 4: Wednesday October 14, 2020 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Password: 380639
IHSS Virtual Training on July 2
VMRC is offering an IHSS webinar via Zoom on Thursday, July 2 from 9am to 11am for VMRC staff and families. Maria Iriarte, an attorney for Disability Rights of California will present the information. Please join us.
Meeting ID: 930 0164 7188 Password: 2020
Vote in 2020
Voter Registration is available through your VMRC Service Coordinator. Each year at the annual planning team meeting, Service Coordinators are asking individuals and/or families if they would like to register to vote. This is because Valley Mountain Regional Center is considered a Voter Registration Agency (VRA). In 2012 SB 35, authored by now Secretary of State Alex Padilla, was passed to codify the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) into state law.
NVRA has two major aspects related to voter registration: maintaining accurate voter rolls through list maintenance and ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and designated NVRA Voter Registration Agencies (VRAs). NVRA is often referred to as Motor Voter, because it requires DMV offices to offer customers an opportunity to register to vote when they apply for or renew their driver licenses or state ID cards, or change their addresses. Under the NVRA, many other state government offices, also known as VRAs, and private entities under contract with those offices are also required to offer people the opportunity to register to vote. This means that VMRC is required to offer voter registration services and assistance each time a person starts services, has an annual review or changes their name or address.
We will also provide you any assistance in completing the voter registration cards and mail them in for you (if you would like). If at any time you would like to register to vote please contact your Service Coordinator who can provide you with a voter registration card and/or assist you in completing it. Since this is an election year, this is the perfect opportunity to register. Make your voice heard!
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/nvra/
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services