November 2024

Dear Community Members,

Scroll down for an up-close look at our Farmworker Resource Program; career training opportunities; details on Medicare open enrollment; holiday closure reminders; upcoming events; and more!

Supporting Veterans and Their Families

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, we remember and honor all those who have served our country in the U.S. military. HSA's Veteran Services Office (VSO) helps veterans, their dependents and survivors access benefits from federal, state and local agencies, all at no cost. Veterans and their families may contact the VSO for assistance with the following:

• Claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for service-connected compensation
• Pension for wartime veterans with non-service-connected disabilities
• California Tuition Fee Waiver Program
• Memorial benefits
• VA life insurance
• Medical referrals and information
• Mental healthcare for other-than-honorable (OTH) discharged former service members
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program

The VSO has filed over 2,200 benefit claims this year to date, resulting in over $8.4 million in retroactive payments and over $1.2 million in monthly VA payments to Ventura County veterans.

Call the veteran services team at 805-477-5155 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment online via the VSO's NEW appointment system.

Serving the Farmworker Community

Watch this video to hear Farm Community Labor Relations Coordinator Esperanza Ramirez share how our Farmworker Resource Program (FRP) is making a difference in the community and what she loves most about her job.

If you know a farmworker in need of assistance, contact the FRP team at

HSA-AGFRP@ventura.org or 805-385-1899.

This month and always, we celebrate the multitude of contributions made by America's indigenous peoples past and present, and honor their rich ancestry and traditions. Happy Native American Heritage Month!

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Happening

During the Medicare open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage for the following year. Changes made during open enrollment go into effect on Jan. 1.

For more information, visit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) website or Medicare.gov.

Thank You, Caregivers

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors made its annual proclamation recognizing the month of November as National Family Caregivers Month. 

In Ventura County, more than one in five residents provide informal and unpaid care for family members, and more than 9,000 paid In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers care for more than 9,600 eligible children and adults—nearly 80% of whom are family members. 

Caregivers' work is often demanding, both physically and mentally. In effort to assist caregivers, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), Camarillo Health Care District and Senior Concerns have collaborated to develop Family Caregiver Resource Centers, which offer education, training and support.

To learn more about resources available to caregivers, visit our website or call 805-477-7300.

Free Money for College!

California's CalKIDS Program awards up to $1,500 to eligible low-income public-school students for college or career training.

CalKIDS funds can be used to cover education expenses such as:



• Tuition and fees.
• Books and supplies.
• Room and board.
• Computer equipment.

Visit CalKIDS.org to learn more and claim your account today!

CalFresh Food Assistance

CalFresh helps you buy nutritious food for you and your family when money's tight.

CalFresh benefits come loaded on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a debit card to buy food at most grocery stores, farmers markets, some online grocery sites, and other places that sell food.



Visit BenefitsCal.com to see if you're eligible and apply today.

You can also call 1-888-472-4463 to request a paper application.

FREE Produce, Canned Goods and More at Oxnard Community Market

Community Action of Ventura County (CAVC) offers a drive-thru community market every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until noon (or until food runs out) at their facility in Oxnard, 621 Richmond Ave. Stop by and pick up FREE fresh produce, canned goods, and more.

Visit the CAVC website for more information.

Veteran Services Orientation Tuesday, Dec. 10

The Employment Development Department and America's Job Center of California (AJCC) invite veterans and their family members to attend an orientation of services available to veterans. This event will take place Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. at America's Job Center of California, 2901 N. Ventura Rd. in Oxnard. Attendees will learn about:

• AJCC employment and training programs.
• Counseling and rehabilitation to get back to work and civilian life.
• VA education and medical benefits as well as federal and local benefits.

Call 805-288-8400 for more information and to register for this event.

The BenefitsCal website is an easy way to get the help you need with food, employment, health care, and more! Visit the site to:

• Apply for benefits.
• Upload documents.
• Report changes.
• Connect with a caseworker.
• Request a replacement benefit card.



BenefitsCal will even send you reminders when it's time to renew your benefits, which you can also do online! Visit BenefitsCal.com to create your account today.

For more updates, visit the Ventura County Human Services Agency website: VCHSA.org