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Dear Community Members,
Scroll down to read our September newsletter that contains important emergency preparedness information, opportunities for FREE internet service, details on the County's Senior Nutrition Farm, and more!
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Time to Make a Plan
Disasters often occur without warning. Having a plan and emergency supply kits handy will help provide peace of mind and allow you to better handle any emergency you’re faced with.
If you’re away from your family when disaster strikes, it’s important to know how to reach each other and where to meet if you can’t get home. Visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org now to get started on your family’s emergency plan.
A basic emergency supply kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
View additional items you may wish to include in your kit. Consider keeping an extra supply kit in your car and at work in case you’re stranded.
And make sure to sign up for VC Alert to receive local emergency alerts by phone, text and/or email.
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Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Being prepared in an emergency situation is critical. Over the last 10 years, Ventura County residents have experienced wildfires, floods, mudslides, windstorms and earthquakes.
Ventura County Fire Department, in coordination with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), continues to assist residents with disaster preparedness education and training through the CERT program. When you enroll in the CERT program, you’ll learn about potential disasters that can affect your area and how to prepare and safely respond to them.
During the program, you’ll receive hands-on training in:
- Reducing fire hazards in the home and workplace
- Setting up medical treatment areas
- Assisting emergency responders
- Treatment and triage evaluation
- Conducting light search and rescue
- Organizing and managing a CERT Team
The CERT program takes about 24 hours to complete. For complete details, including a list of upcoming CERT trainings near you, visit the Ventura County Fire Department website.
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Learn How to Prevent Falls
After being held virtually the last three years, the Fall Prevention Forum returns in person this year. The forum offers community members information and resources to help reduce falls among older adults.
This event is free to attend and will be held at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m.; however, pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited.
This year’s theme is “Fall Back to the ‘70s.” So, boogie on over to enjoy a free lunch and hear from local fall prevention experts. The event will also feature Zumba and Tai Chi demonstrations, free immunizations and health screenings, prize drawings, and more!
Visit VCAAA.org/falls now for full details.
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FREE Home Internet Can be Yours With the ACP Discount
Reliable internet access at home is a basic necessity. If you’re struggling with the steep cost of internet service, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help by offering discounts on internet service and devices:
- Up to a $30 per month discount on high-speed internet service through participating internet providers.
- Up to a $75 per month discount on high-speed internet service for those on qualifying Tribal lands through participating internet providers.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer when purchasing from a participating provider.
Households that are low-income or participate in certain assistance programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, Lifeline or other programs may qualify. In many cases, combining the ACP discount with the right plan means FREE internet service for your family.
Learn more about the program and find out if you qualify. If you’d like to apply by phone, call 866-745-2805 to speak with an ACP coordinator.
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount allowed per household.
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Emergency Shelter Homes Needed
The Human Services Agency’s Children and Family Services Department is looking for individuals to serve as Emergency Shelter Homes (ESH). ESH parents are certified and trained to care for children and teens who have been temporarily separated from their families for safety reasons. Emergency Shelter parents welcome these youth into their homes under emergency situations for short periods of time, usually between 30-60 days.
If you are willing and able to provide a loving environment for a child experiencing a traumatic event, call (805) 654-3220 or visit StrengtheningVCFamilies.org.
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Attention Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) Program Participants!
Your EBT food benefits must be renewed. The TNB recertification process will restart November 2023. Your recertification form will be sent to you between October 2023 and September 2024 depending on your renewal month.
You can apply any time for CalFresh benefits if there have been changes to your household or income. If you have any questions, please visit BenefitsCal.com or call 888-472-4463 to speak with a CalFresh worker.
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Home-Grown Produce for Seniors in Need | |
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The County of Ventura’s Senior Nutrition Farm, located in Oxnard, gives community members of all ages and abilities the opportunity to collaboratively grow fresh fruits and vegetables for Ventura County’s older adults and people with disabilities. The farm, which spans 2.5 acres, yielded nearly 10,000 pounds of produce last year. That's over 56,000 servings for community members who otherwise do not have access to fresh produce. Meals are distributed through congregate and home-delivery programs.
The farm, established in 2009, is a collaborative effort between local government, nonprofits and private businesses. Over 50 kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown on the farm, which is mostly sustained by volunteers who range from 16 – 86 years old.
Along with providing healthy food to older adults and those with disabilities, the farm also exposes volunteers to sustainable gardening practices. In addition to the ability to grow food locally and reduce costs, the farm boasts chickens for egg production, clean energy solar panels, and a greenhouse to maximize crop growth and prevent pests.
Learn more about the Senior Nutrition Farm at VCAAA.org/farm. If you’d like to volunteer at the farm, email VCAAAvolunteers@ventura.org or call 805-477-7354.
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988 Lifeline Is Here When You Need It
Are you struggling emotionally? Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts? No matter what you're going through, 988 Lifeline is here for you 24/7.
Simply call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor who is ready to listen and provide support. You can also visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a counselor online.
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Is It Time to Renew Your Medi-Cal? | |
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Medi-Cal members: Be sure to check your mail for important Medi-Cal renewal information. If you’ve moved in the last three years, make sure to update your contact information.
Renewing Medi-Cal coverage is FREE and can be done by mail, phone, in person or online to avoid a gap in health coverage.
For additional information, including instructions on how to complete your renewal form, visit: KeepMedicalCoverage.org
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For more updates, visit the Ventura County Human Services Agency website: VCHSA.org | |
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