Creating opportunities for adults with disabilities since 1974 | |
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NOVEMBER 2023 E-NEWSLETTER | |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | |
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Happy Holidays from Everyone at Vocational Visions!
First, I am happy to announce that we have been awarded a full three-year accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). We were visited by two surveyors from CARF for two days in October. They reviewed both our Supported Employment program and our overall administration. They looked at our plans, goals, policies, and practices. They spoke with staff, persons served, and other stakeholders. They evaluated our financial records and files of persons served. We have been preparing for this accreditation all this year, and we were eager to discuss our accomplishments with the surveyors. So many of our staff, managers, and directors worked very hard to achieve this accreditation, and I am grateful for everyone’s hard work. Now our organization is well-positioned to build on these strengths, evaluate our progress, revise our goals, and meet the needs of the people we serve. That is what makes all of these efforts worthwhile. It is why we are here.
As the end of the year approaches, I want to wish everyone very happy holidays! However you celebrate this time of year, I wish for everyone a season of joyous memories, of time with loved ones, of moments to stop and appreciate what is most important in our lives. This is also a time to offer support to those who are experiencing challenges in their lives. I am not only referring to people we serve, who can often experience loneliness and isolation during the holiday season, but for anyone who is struggling or experiencing a loss. Those little things that we can do to brighten someone’s holiday season also brings joy and enrichment to our lives. As I said above, it is why we are here!
We look forward to working with you, our community of friends, in the coming year. This will be a special year for all of us, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. We have achieved our many successes because you have believed in us. That faith will guide us as we plan for the future, to create more opportunities for people we support. On behalf of everyone at Vocational Visions, thank you for believing in us and our mission!
Sincerely,
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My name is Brandon Pasek. I am a friendly and cheerful adult, diagnosed with Moderate Intellectual Disability and Epilepsy. I live with my parents and my younger brother in Mission Viejo. I attend DTAC program at Alambre over 6 years. Every day, I am looking forward to attend the day program, where I can meet friends (my peers and staff) and engage activities with them. You can ask my taxi driver, the same friendly driver who gives me rides to/from the Vocational Visions every day. I am non-verbal, but I can communicate my wants and needs through gestures, facial expressions, and guiding others to what I want. Please be patient with me. Although I hunch over and spin while I walk, don’t worry, I seldom fall down. I require one-on-one supervision at all times because I might wander away from staff. I can perform a lot of activities myself (such as sitting, standing, walking, eating with my fingers, and drinking from a cup, etc.), I am very grateful with what I have because not many of my peers at the day program can perform all these daily activities.
I enjoy doing things with my staff, such as walking, playing ball games, community outings, and rocking my body while sitting on a chair, etc. I prefer going to parks and beaches where they are not crowded. I enjoy handshakes and high-5 a lot.
Finally, I would like to thank my parents. They are wonderful, they provide me with different opportunities so I can live and enjoy my life in full. For example, they always take my brother and I for hiking, camping, or a family vacation at least once a year. They also know that I cannot and will not sit still for more than 5 minutes (except during my meal time), any outdoor activity will be my favorite thing to do for the day. Finally, if I could say “thank you” to my parents, I would like to thank them to choose Vocational Visions for me as my day program where I can meet, engage and learn new things with my staff and peers while having fun!
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Want a great way to support the programs? Click on the link below and see what each program has on their "Wish List"
Program Wish Lists
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Vocational Visions Increases
Starting Pay Rate to $19 per Hour!
We are very pleased to announce that, as of June 1st, we will be increasing our Direct Support Professional (DSP) starting pay to $19.00 per hour! Starting wage may be up to $20.50 per hour depending on qualifications and prior experience!
Join Us!
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Like to make a donation to benefit Vocational Visions?
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Got an old car, truck, RV, boat, or even a plane you're looking to get rid of? Donate it to Vocational Visions! It's quick and easy, and we handle the pick up and paperwork at no charge to you. Plus, you can get a tax deduction once your donation sells, and all proceeds benefit Vocational Visions. Win-Win!
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50th Anniversary Gala
April 13, 2024
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Vocational Visions celebrates its 50th Anniversary
on April 13, 2024 at the beautiful
Aliso Viejo by Wedgewood event center.
Mark your calendars!
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BUY GROCERIES AT RALPHS
EARN DONATIONS FOR VV
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Shop for your groceries and earn donations for Vocational Visions! Simply link your free Ralphs Grocery Store shopper's card account to Vocational Visions as part of this program:
Then, swipe your shopper's card (or enter your associated phone number) during the checkout process and Ralphs will make a quarterly donation to us on your behalf.
It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up. Click on the link above or the image below to sign up and make a difference in an unassuming but important way.
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Purchases excluded from earning a donation include: alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy, postage stamps, gift cards and gift certificates, CRV, fluid milk and milk products, lottery and promotional tickets, fuel and fuel center purchases. | | | | |
