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Dear County of Ventura Community Members,
This month marks many traditions and celebrations. In May we give special tribute to our military community, our Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and the older adults in our community. We also recognize the difference CalFresh can make in people’s lives and share important information about mental health, updates on health coverage, training opportunities, and more.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, you are encouraged to apply directly to the County of Ventura Human Services Agency for cash aid and services for families with children (vchsa.org/CalWORKs), food assistance (vchsa.org/CalFresh), and health insurance (vchsa.org/Medi-Cal). You may apply online at vchsa.org/apply, by phone at 888-472-4463, fax at 805-658-4530, mail or drop-off services, and in person.
Remember to routinely check our Agency's Community-Based Resources page at vchsa.org/community-resources for up-to-date links to basic needs services and other free or low-cost resources.
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Apply for CalFresh, CalWORKS, and Medi-Cal benefits all online! Ready to give it a try?
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Visit BenefitsCal.com to find out what programs may be right for you.
- Apply online in a snap!
| Check out more videos on how to apply for benefits, report changes, link a case, reset a password, and more here. | | | | |
📣 Medi-Cal Renewals Start June 1, 2023! To prepare, Medi-Cal members will need to update any change of address to ensure receipt of their renewal packet so that those who are eligible can keep their Medi-Cal coverage or can receive help to transition to another type of coverage. Learn more about how to report changes at: vchsa.org/medi-cal. | |
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Food Resources
Do you know an individual or family in need? Please let them know that they can find additional support via the Food Share map featuring all food pantries across the county: foodshare.com/findhelp
For additional food resources, visit vchsa.org/calfresh.
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SkillUp Ventura County
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is excited to offer a free online training (eTraining) experience through Metrix Learning. Through this online learning portal, you can refresh your existing skills and learn new ones that will help ensure your success in the ever-changing employment market. SkillUp Ventura County is designed to help residents build a workforce environment that supports positive economic development. Job seekers can explore career pathways, view local job postings, register for free online learning, and receive workforce services. Employers can search for qualified candidates, post jobs, and receive in-depth consulting to address hiring and training needs.
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Go to: venturacounty.skillupamerica.org
- Click “JOBSEEKERS” then “REGISTER FOR FREE”
- Fill out your information for instant access
- Take as many courses as you want for 180 days (6 months)
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The County Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening Wednesday, May 31, at 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G. Members of the public will get a chance to test-ride different models of electric bikes (e-bikes), meet local bike vendors, and get hands-on training on how to fix their bikes and follow bike safety precautions.
Learn more about this and other County Sustainability Division events here.
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May is CalFresh Awareness Month. What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is an income-based nutrition program that can help households buy healthy foods. CalFresh clients can use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help buy more groceries at farmers markets and most grocery stores—in person and online—including stores like Vons/Safeway, Ralph’s, Amazon, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. When applying for CalFresh benefits or reporting changes, always use links from trusted sites to avoid potential EBT scams. Learn more at vchsa.org/calfresh.
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Military Appreciation Month
If you served and have questions about your federal and state VA benefits, please contact the dedicated staff of the Veteran Services Office at 805-477-5155 or visit our website at vchsa.org/veterans.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Each May we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and shine a spotlight on a topic that affects everyone’s mental health and wellness. More than half of all Americans will experience a mental illness or disorder in their lifetime and nearly everyone experiences times when we feel stressed out, anxious, or down.
Year-round, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department (VCBH) offers direct services, as well as a variety of resources, such as community education, to support the community’s mental health and wellness needs. Materials focus on topics of importance for children, families, transitional-aged youth, LGBTQ+, adults, older adults, and veterans. Materials and information can be accessed several ways, including through the Mental Health Crisis and Referral Line: 866-998-2243, Suicide Crisis & Lifeline: call, text, or TTY 988, Substance Use Treatment Access Line: 844-385-9200, and the Wellness Everyday website: wellnesseveryday.org.
During the May Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, VCBH is encouraging the public to learn more about what to do to support themselves and their loved ones during difficult times and better manage their mental health year-round.
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Honoring Older Adults
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Aging Unbound,” which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. Join the Human Services Agency in promoting flexible thinking about aging—and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
Many older adults in Ventura County are struggling to afford their housing due to high housing costs and limited incomes, while housing waitlists can be as long as 2 to 3 years. This forces some to have to choose between paying rent and spending money on other basic needs such as food and medicine.
Please remember to check in on the older adults in your life. If you are concerned about the safety of an older adult in Ventura County, you can make a report to the 24/7 Elder Abuse Hotline at 805-654-3200. You can also submit non-emergency or non-life-threatening reports of suspected older adult and dependent adult abuse and neglect at reporttoaps.org.
Did you know? Over the next few months, the Area Agency on Aging will be moving to become part of the Human Services Agency. Their services include many evidence-based programs that teach older adults skills to stay safe and improve quality of life, programs such as Fall Prevention, Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, and Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS). Additionally, all individuals ages 60 years or older are welcome to join friends for a hot meal at any of the Area Agency on Aging congregate meal sites, or seniors unable to participate at a meal site can apply to receive home-delivered meals—all at no cost. To learn more about these and other programs, visit vcaaa.org.
Learn more about how we all can honor and protect the older adults in our community at vchsa.org/aps.
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have long played an essential role in writing the American story. From serving our country in uniform, advocating for civil rights, starting new businesses, and winning Olympic medals, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities represent a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and experiences that enrich and strengthen Ventura County and our nation.
In the month of May and throughout the year, we can together honor all the hard work and sacrifices made by Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and commit ourselves to ensuring everyone an equal opportunity to thrive.
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Register to receive local emergency notifications at: vcalert.org or call 805-648-9283.
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COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 information has been moved to the Ventura County Public Health website. Learn more at vchca.org/covid-19.
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For more Ventura County Human Services Agency Updates, visit our website: vchsa.org
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on important programs and services that may benefit you, your family, and your neighbors. | | | | |
