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Message from the Executive Director



Tony Anderson

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month the San Joaquin Children's Services Coordinating Commission and the San Joaquin County Office of Education held the 23rd Annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium "Complex Care & Diverse Needs". We were honored to be asked to present a panel discussion on Prevalence and Prevention for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Our panelists shared stories witnessed from dentists and other health professionals, foster care and licensed settings, family homes, the effects of bullying, and how to look for signs of abuse like fawning, and dramatic changes in behavior. We presented the unique circumstances and characteristics of child victims with IDD and factors that contributed to the disproportionate prevalence of abuse of children with IDD. We also described the many system protections we have in place to protect our children such as mandated reporting and quality assurance. We highlighted the priority we place on family resilience through the use of respite, behavioral supports, and parent training just to name a few.

In the end, though children with IDD are more likely to be victimized than some other children and we are committed to their safety and justice, when we all work together to protect all children, everyone benefits from the collective power of a community simultaneously committed to the welfare of all children.

Thank you to Doreen Bestolarides, national advocate and local mom in our community, and to our team at VMRC Dr. Wright, Dr. Lazaro, and Val Harris, BCBA for a wonderful presentation. And special thank you to Doug Bonnet, for your many years of advocacy for child abuse prevention.

The Director's Travels

The April 17, 2023 board communication on the director's activites...

Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings

Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 6:00 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Click Here for Zoom Information

Case Management Update - Adults

Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

2023 Transition Fairs are on Schedule!

San Joaquin County

Stanislaus County

Calaveras/Amador/Tuolumne Counties

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Early Start Part C Grant

Accepting Public Comment

Dear Early Start Stakeholders:

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is providing the public the opportunity to review and comment on California’s draft IDEA Part C Grant application for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023, on the DDS website. The Grant will fund a portion of the state’s Early Start Program from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

This year, the Grant application includes California’s responses to US department of Education’s questions regarding each state’s strategies to identify and address barriers and the steps taken to ensure equitable access to Early Start. 

DDS will accept public comment on the application through Tuesday, May 23, 2023. 

View the DRAFT Part C Application Here

For more information, visit:

https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/annual-part-c-grant-application

Questions? Email: Early Start@dds.ca.gov



Clinical Update



Dr. Claire Lazaro

Clinical Director

FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray[1]

On March 29^th, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, use – the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription.¹ Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for opioid overdose.¹ This action paves the way for the life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose to be sold directly to consumers in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.¹ 

[1] FDA. March 29, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray

Community Services Update



Brian Bennett

Community Services Director

Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services, VMRC is happy to announce that DINOS (Disabled Individuals Needing Opportunities) will be hosting “Bowling with DINO’s FRIENDS” event on May 6^th from 1-5 at Pacific Bowl!   Persons served by VMRC, and their families can attend.

Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services, VMRC is happy to announce Saturday April 22^nd at Camp Taylor, Family Fun, Community Day!  Registration required. 

Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC)

Self Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC)

EVERYONE is WELCOME At Our Meetings!

We meet each month on the 3^rd Thursday from 3:30pm-5pm on Zoom

(until we are able to meet in person at the VMRC Stockton Office)

Our Meeting Dates for 2023

January 19          February 16

March 16            April 20

May 18               June 15

July 20                August 17

September 21   October 19

November 16   December 21

For the zoom links for each meeting these are posted 10 days before the meetings at https://www.vmrc.net/self-determination-advisory-committee/  

You can APPLY to be on this committee- links here and on www.vmrc.net and www.scdd.ca.gov

In English: 

https://znc7f6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/VMRC-SCDD-SD-Adv-Com-2021Eng-Application.pdf

In Spanish: https://znc7f6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wpcontent/uploads/2021/06/NVH-VMRC-SCDD-SD-Adv-2021Application_Spanish.pdf

SCDD: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU3zu0qt2l9Xg48JPx6sJKTGil6RO0LJALHoDy6q8u3KAqSA/viewform

North Valley Hills Update

   Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

Save the Date

The California Memorial Project and Valley CAPS Present...

21st Annual Remembrance Day September 18, 2023

This annual event is to remember and honor people with disabilities who died while living in California state institutions

Ceremony Details:

Time: 10:30 AM

Locations:

Parkview Cemetery

3661 French Camp Road

Manteca, CA 95336

and

VMRC Campus

(Memorial rock/water area)

702 N. Aurora St.

Stockton CA. 95202

For more information call Rachelle Munoz at (209) 239-7072 or email Rachelle@valleycaps.org

Family Resource Network (FRN) Update



Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Family Resource Network (FRN) is hiring! Full and part-time positions, multiple openings available. Help other parents and family members with the knowledge and skills you've gained as a parent or close family member of a child with disabilities. College degree not required, and extensive training is provided. Bilingual (Spanish) and non-Bilingual positions available. To request job description or with questions, or to send cover letter and resume, email to: lisaculley@frcn.org.