Dear Community Members,
Scroll down for important benefits information; tips to avoid Medicare and Medi-Cal fraud; employment and volunteer opportunities; upcoming events; and more!
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Observed every year in June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary and intersex community. It also recognizes the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals. This month and always, we celebrate equality and respect for all and proudly support our LGBTQ+ community members. | |
New Summer Grocery Benefits for Kids
Starting this summer, families can buy more food for their child(ren) with California SUN Bucks! SUN Bucks works just like CalFresh and provides each eligible child $40 per month for food from June through August ($120 total).
Some children will be automatically enrolled in the program. Others will need to complete a school meal application or Alternative Income Form through their school.
Learn more about the SUN Bucks program.
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Farmworker Resource Program Seeks Community Feedback
Community members are invited to share their thoughts about our Farmworker Resource Program (FRP) at two upcoming town hall events. Click on either event below for more details and to register:
We are eager to hear about community members' experiences, including any challenges to receiving services, and ideas to improve services. Childcare, light dinner, and interpretation from Spanish to Mixteco and English will be provided.
Visit the FRP website for more information about the program.
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Free Phones for Foster Youth
iFoster Phones for Foster Youth is a California LifeLine Program available to current and former foster youth between the ages of 13 and 26 whose case originated in California or who currently reside in California.
The free new smartphone features unlimited voice, text and data.
Apply now or contact iFoster for more information:
855-936-7837
phone@iFoster.org
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Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is a state-funded program designed to provide monthly cash benefits to older adults and adults with disabilities who do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to their immigration status.
Visit our website for full details, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and more services available.
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Recently, there have been many reports regarding hospice fraud in Ventura County. Hospice care is an important Medicare and Medi-Cal benefit. Established in 2022, Medicare Fraud Prevention Week focuses on raising awareness of the actions everyone can take to prevent Medicare/Medi-Cal fraud, errors and abuse.
Watch out for the following on billing statements:
- Charges for services or medical supplies that were not provided.
- Misrepresenting a diagnosis, patient's identity, or other facts.
- Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services.
- Billing out of pocket for services covered by Medicare and/or Medi-Cal.
Tips to prevent and report fraud:
- Only share Medicare/Medi-Cal or Social Security number with trusted individuals.
- Only carry Medicare/Medi-Cal card when needed.
- Keep a record of all medical visits and procedures.
- Review Medicare/Medi-Cal statements for mistakes like incorrect charges or duplicate billing.
- If you suspect fraud, call your health care provider, Medicare (800-633-4227), or the Medi-Cal fraud hotline (800-822-6222) to report.
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Volunteers Needed for Senior Nutrition Farm
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. At its peak, the 2.5-acre farm has produced 28,000 pounds of produce in a year. That’s 185,000 servings for community members who otherwise do not have access to fresh produce.
Along with providing healthy food to older adults and those with disabilities, the Senior Nutrition Farm introduces volunteers to sustainable gardening practices.
If you have a few hours to give, please consider volunteering at the farm. To learn more and sign up to volunteer, email VCAAAvolunteers@ventura.org or call 805-477-7354. Farm hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.
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Getting Help Is Easy With BenefitsCal
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.
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.
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Launched in 2006, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed annually on June 15. WEAAD is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons.
Last year in Ventura County, Adult Protective Services (APS) received more than 6,000 referrals of abuse and neglect. Financial abuse remains one of the most reported types of abuse against elders in our county.
Here are some ways to prevent elder abuse:
- Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect.
- Encourage elders to remain physically and mentally active.
- Keep elders engaged with their community and loved ones.
- Encourage elders to consult multiple trusted individuals (relatives, friends, attorneys and/or financial professionals) when major financial decisions are made.
- Bank statements, bills, and financial transactions should be regularly reviewed for unusual activity.
- Make elders aware of phone and online scams.
- Elders should avoid sharing personal information with unknown parties.
- Elders should use only licensed and bonded caregivers who have had background checks.
If you suspect elder or dependent adult abuse, neglect or self-neglect, call the 24-hour abuse reporting hotline at 805-654-3200, or make a referral online.
Visit the Adult Protective Services webpage or WEAAD website for more information.
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Virtual Veteran Services Orientation
The Employment Development Department and America's Job Center of California (AJCC) invites veterans and their family members to attend an orientation of services available to veterans. This event will take place on Zoom, Tuesday, June 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. and will include information 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 to register and receive the Zoom meeting link.
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We're Looking for Client Benefit Specialists to Join Our Team
Watch this video to learn more about our agency and the Client Benefit Specialist position. Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Educational and bilingual incentive pay
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid sick and vacation leave
- 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
- Flexible workweek and telework schedules
- And more!
Submit your application today at: Ventura.org/jobs
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How to Apply for a County of Ventura Job
Join the County of Ventura recruitment staff for a FREE workshop, where you'll learn:
- About the application process.
- How to review a job bulletin to help you understand what recruiters are looking for.
- How to complete an application.
- Application do’s and don’ts.
Upcoming workshop dates:
Wednesday, June 26 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Location:
America’s Job Center of California
2901 N. Ventura Rd., 3rd Floor
Oxnard
Individuals who require a disability accommodation (including interpreter, sign language translation, alternate document format, or other auxiliary aid) should contact the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) staff at 805-477-5306 at least 5 business days prior to the meeting in order to ensure the availability of the requested accommodation.
If you have questions about the workshop, please contact HSA-Info.WDB@ventura.org. For information about the WDBVC, visit: WorkforceVenturaCounty.org
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Fresh Start Legal Clinics
The Ventura County Public Defender invites you to attend one of their upcoming Fresh Start Legal Clinics at 4601 Telephone Rd., Suite 102, in Ventura:
Wednesday, July 24, 4-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4-7 p.m.
Volunteer attorneys from the Public Defender's office can help you dismiss misdemeanor convictions that are eligible for expungement. An expungement can help clear your record and help to secure better employment, education and housing opportunities. View the expungement application.
The Public Defender's office also provides access to Homeless Court sessions, which give eligible applicants an alternative option to perform community service or treatment hours in lieu of paying fines/fees owed to the court. View the Homeless Court application.
For more information, call 805-654-2201.
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Is It Time to Renew Your Medi-Cal? | |
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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If Applying for or Renewing Your Medi-Cal ...
Watch this video to learn about the income questions on the Medi-Cal application or renewal form and how to answer them. For more information, visit the Medi-Cal website.
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For more updates, visit the Ventura County Human Services Agency website: VCHSA.org | | | | |