March 2024

Dear Community Members,

Scroll down for important information on how to protect your EBT benefits; where to find free food; employment resources and free tax filing assistance; upcoming events around the county; and more!

Celebrate Women's History Month

This Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to Director Melissa Livingston. Melissa has been with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency (HSA) for over 40 years, starting her career as a student worker. She has dedicated her life’s work to improving the well-being of the community we serve and is an inspiration and guiding light to over 1,400 team members.

We thank Melissa for her inspirational leadership and commitment to equitable access and outcomes for all.

Social Work Month Spotlight

March is National Social Work Month. This month and every month, we celebrate our social workers here at HSA and throughout the County. We're grateful for their commitment and dedication to the community. Their work is essential to helping HSA fulfill our mission of providing support, hope and opportunity to community members in need and improving their well-being.

Watch the video below to hear Monica Solis-Hernandez, who works in Children and Family Services' Family Preservation Unit, share what inspired her to become a social worker and what she loves most about her job.

If you have a passion for helping people and experience in the social work field, consider applying for one of our open social worker positions.

Beware of Phishing Scams

Be on the lookout for email or text offers to receive SNAP, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Program or CalFresh in California, or other social services. The California Department of Social Services issued a statewide alert for a phishing scam telling students they are eligible for SNAP benefits. The Human Services Agency and California Department of Social Services do not provide services this way.

Scammers purchase your phone number or email address from online retailers who sell data. Safeguard yourself by not clicking links and scrutinize what you received. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is!

If you suspect you received a scam text or email for SNAP benefits, forward the information to: CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov

Protect Your Benefits With the ebtEDGE App

The FREE ebtEDGE mobile app provides new features for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders, allowing them to better protect their CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits.

New features include:

• Ability to block transactions from occurring out-of-state and/or internet purchases, either temporarily or permanently

• Ability to turn your card “off” (freeze) and “on” (unfreeze) when you want, and as often as you like

• Ability to request a replacement card if your card is damaged, lost or stolen

• Ability to change your PIN when you want, and as often as you like, to keep it secure

• Fingerprint or facial recognition on your mobile device

ebtEDGE is available for download at the Apple and Google Play stores. Visit the ebtDGE site for web-based access.

Come out to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 9, to learn about family resources for your child, and speak to a professional about your concerns and your child’s needs. English, Spanish and Mixteco speakers available.

The Child Development & Family Resource Fair also includes activities for kids, music, food, and raffle prizes! For more information, contact Liliana Manriquez at 805-825-5876.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available Through April 30

If you earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may be eligible for FREE tax preparation and filing as well as state and federal earned income tax credit.

Self-employed workers, families and those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) earning up to $30,000 are eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC).

Tax preparation assistance is available in person, online and via secure document drop-off.

Visit our website for full details.

For more information, including a list of documents needed to prepare your return, visit: VCHSA.org/tax-preparation

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; and
• Application do’s and don’ts.

2024 workshop dates:

Tuesday, March 19 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

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

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.

Find Free Food NOW

If you are struggling to put food on the table, please take a look at Food Share of Ventura County's Find Food Now Map, where you can find hot meals and pick up a food box at participating locations throughout the county.

Free Dental Check-up Screenings

Camarillo Health Care District and Clove Dental are offering free 15-minute dental check-up screenings on Wednesday, March 20, between 2-3 p.m. in Camarillo.

Call 805-388-1952 now to register for an appointment. All ages are welcome and space is limited.

Visit the Camarillo Health Care District website for more details.

Free pregnancy and childbirth education classes are being offered in English and Spanish this year. The next English session begins Wednesday, March 13. All sessions are from 6-8 p.m. Join on Zoom.

BenefitsCal is an online portal where you can easily request and manage medical benefits and food and cash assistance. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.

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

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