The Independent
1 st Quarter 2014
Published by Resources for Independence Central Valley
Vol 38 issue 1
The Independent published quarterly volume 38 issue 1 printed and published by Resources
For Independence Central Valley 3008 North Fresno street, Fresno, Ca 93703 tel 559 221
2330 www.ricv.org, editor : Casandra Eastwood
RICV in South Korea
During Executive Director Robert Hand’s second trip to Korea he
made a few presentations and met several significant individuals. Among
them, Margaret Hawley, Cultural Affairs Officer, and Geon Cho, Cultural
Affairs Specialist from the U.S. Embassy in Korea attended the
presentation on leadership he gave.
He also had the opportunity to meet Byun Seung Il, Director General
of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion, Oh Yong Kweon,
Secretary General of the Korean Association on Mental Illness (KAMI), and
numerous other individuals working in this field.
Daily Points of Light
We are proud to say that Resources for Independence Central Valley
was chosen as an honoree for Daily Points of Light! RICV was recognized
for Community Leadership Academy and its successes.
President George W. Bush created the Daily Point of Light Award in
1990 to honor those individuals and groups working toward improving and
changing communities across America.
For more information visit their website, http://www.pointsoflight.org/
US Embassy Supports CLAIC
Brent D. Byers, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs U.S. Embassy
Seoul on the CLA for International Cooperation:
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations for the opening of the
Community Leadership Academy for International Cooperation and for the
publication of this program book.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has conducted a number of programs in
partnership with the Korea Differently Abled Federation (KODAF) to
highlight the importance of an inclusive society that values equally all of its
members and their contributions. It’s a real pleasure to work with KODAF
on another great initiative to foster engagement of the differently abled in
international cooperation. This program is based on a concept jointly
proposed by the U.S. Embassy Seoul, KODAF, and the GongGam Law
Foundation in January last year. These three organizations worked
together to launch a new exchange program between the United States
and The Republic of Korea focused on disability rights. Our efforts were
rewarded by the Empower Partnership for Inclusive Communities
Professional Exchange Program, a U.S. State Department sponsored twoway international exchange for organizations working on disability-related
issues and inclusion as articulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. Robert J. Hand from Resources for
Independence Central Valley, one of the authors of this book, visited Korea
as an American program partner in August. The Korean counterparts
visited the United States in October. The U. S. and Korean delegations
worked together to create sustainable organizational partnerships between
our two countries, expanding the capacity of each organization to promote
disability inclusive communities and to advance disability rights. This
seminar and the accompanying book are a follow-up project to amplify the
outcome of that exchange program. I am proud the U.S. Embassy Seoul
could play a role in initiating and developing this project. Over the past
year, the U.S. Embassy has supported a number of programs to support
greater inclusion and civil rights of persons with disabilities. In two visits to
Korea, Judy Heumann, the Special Advisor for International Disability
Rights at the State Department and an internationally known civil rights
activist, underscored the importance of disability-inclusive diplomacy. As
we begin 2014, the U.S. Embassy Seoul will continue its efforts to promote
civil rights and an inclusive global society. With very best wishes to the
Leadership Academy for 2014!”
Inspiration Park Re-Bids
Inspiration Park is close to becoming a reality. The re-bids have come
back and RICV is now waiting to hear back on the bid results.
Inspiration park is planned as a completely accessible park with all features
accessible to persons with disabilities. Once completed, it will be the only
park of its kind in the region.
The City of Fresno had $7 million to construct the park. In 2012 RICV
entered into an agreement with the City to become the lead agency for
developing and maintaining the park. Several community organizations
agreed to lend their support to RICV to raise funds and assist in helping
RICV develop the park.
Chief among them were HealthNet, CalViva, University of Phoenix,
ARC of Fresno, Whitney Foundation, Children’s Hospital Central California
and Central Valley Regional Center. Jim Santos, who has organized many
Special Olympics events, spearheaded another major fundraiser for RICV.
Through him, the Baltimore based League of Dreams and Major League
Baseball Players Alumni Association joined hands with RICV.
The Swing With the Legends Golf Tournament has had two
successful annual events in Fresno to raise funds for the park.
RICV is raising funds through the sale of bricks and naming rights to the
park as well.
For more information and/or to get involved in the development of the
park log on to www.ricv.org and click on Inspiration park, or call RICV
Executive Director Bob Hand at 221 2230.
Consumer Corner
Absolute perfect life is limitless. Love and peace begin with the core
of our common sense and in our humanity that expresses itself in
forgiveness. As we deal with daily challenges and raise beyond negative
distractions, we can believe in the positive. Expressing it through
thoughtfulness, maintaining balance in everything we do, checking in with
ourselves, making the right choice, in knowing when to rest, redirecting our
thoughts and actions when necessary and continuing to improve our lives
and building a future for ourselves. The ultimate purpose of life is to
awaken universal love consciousness by giving everyone the gift of
limitless love and peace—always.
By Amyefaith Servantsergeant
Community Leadership Academy
Interested in learning how to be in a community leadership role
such as a board, council or committee member? APPLY Today!
Starting April 14 – April 30, 2014 on Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:30
pm – 8:30 pm RICV will be holding a course to prepare people with
disabilities to serve effectively on local government and nonprofit
organizations’ boards and trusts.
Please go to www.nationalcla.org to apply. For assistance please
contact Kevin Vu at
S.H.A.R.E.S. Card
The DAT has acquired S.H.A.R.E.S cards to raise funds for DCAD
and other DAT activities. The DAT’s will receive as much as 3% of your
purchases at any Savemart or Foodmaxx store when you swipe your card.
To receive a card, contact Agustina Lopez at (559) 221-2330 or
alopez@ricv.org.
Congratulations Dr. Pitt
Dr. Jenelle Pitt, Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Program in
Rehabilitation Counseling at Fresno State, was recently nominated for two
outstanding awards!
Dr. Pitt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor
Education and Rehabilitation at Fresno State. She was nominated for the
Rosa Parks Faculty or Staff “Unsung Hero” Award on campus. Also, while
she is still within the first 5 years of her career in academia she was
selected as the Rehabilitation Educator of the Year by the National Council
on Rehabilitation Education. Generally the nominees for this award are
those beyond the 5 year mark that are tenure seeking or tenured faculty, so
it comes as a great surprise and honor to Dr. Pitt to be selected to this
award.
We would like to send out a big Congratulations to Dr. Pitt and all her
success!
Central Valley Coalition for Human Services
The Central Valley Coalition for Human Services (CVCHS) is a
group of private nonprofit, government and education organizations that
have come together in an effort to provide more effective and efficient
human services in the Central Valley.
Quarterly CVCHS meetings promote networking among local CBO
professionals, opportunities for collaborative grant applications, marketing
and outreach, as well as provide staff training and peer mentoring
opportunities.
For past training resources, Partner information and other details,
visit www.CentralValleyCHS.org
Disability Capitol Action Day
Disability Capitol Action Day is an annual event where people with
disabilities and their allies come together for a day of unity and advocacy.
For many years, RICV has hosted a charter and accessible buses for
consumers from the Central Valley to attend. This year, our consumers are
raising funds to pay for a portion of the transportation costs, a test of their
true independence.
You can show your support through one or more of the following
opportunities below.
Fragrance Crystals
All three of RICV’s Disability Advocacy Teams are selling
Fragrance Crystal Sets
(Fresno, Merced, Visalia)
The $10 set includes:
(1) Luminary Ceramic Holder
(2) Tea Candles
(2) Bags of Scented Crystals (choose from 6 fragrances)
If you are interested contact Advocacy Team Leader,
Agustina Lopez
(559) 221-2330 x54
alopez@ricv.org
Rummage Sale
The Visalia DAT is holding a Rummage Sale on April 26, 2014 from
8:30am-1:30pm in the Visalia Chamber of Commerce parking lot (220 N
Santa Fe St.)
Those who can’t attend can also help by donating items ahead of
time.
Contact Visalia DAT facilitator, George Curtis for more information.
(559) 627-9015 or gcvisalia@sbcblobal.net
BRIDGES Spring Dance
BRIDGES will be holding a Spring Dance for youth and young adults in late
April to raise funds for DCAD! For details, contact Youth Services
Coordinator, Suzanna Gamez. (559) 221-2330
RSVP for DCAD
If you are interested in attending this year’s DCAD event on May 21,
2014 contact Community Organizer, Joanna Zamora at (559) 221-2330 x12
or
jzamora@ricv.org.
Tell Your Story, Win a Prize
Hello, high school age youth and young adults with disabilities. We
want to hear your story!
There is power in storytelling and sharing how you have been
successful in accomplishing your personal goals. Your story can bring hope
and inspiration to others. Express your success through art, story writing,
poems, photographs, paintings, drawings, etc. Its your choice how you
want to do it.
Topics include employment, volunteer experience, developing social
skills, recreation activities, independent living, transportation and education.
Selected stories will be printed in a book and there are prizes too.
Categories for winning prizes are best book title, best idea for cover
page and first person to submit a story!
Deadline to submit your story is May 23, 2014. Questions? Call our
BRIDGES staff on 559 221 2330. The book is made possible through the
Cultural Arts Rotary Club mini grant.
Healtcare website in Spanish
The US government has debuted the Spanish-language version of
the healthcare website that will help Latinos to shop and sign up for new
insurance plans under President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law.
The site, www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov was soft-launched in December
2013. Over the next month, the Department of Health and Human Services
will boost its promotional efforts to introduce the site to Spanish-language
speakers.
The department will rely on feedback from Spanish-language
organizations that use the site during the initial stage to improve it before it
is mass marketed, said department spokeswoman Joanne Peters.
Accessibility Lawsuit
Trader Joe’s will be making alterations to all its stores in California to
make them more accessible.
According to a release from Simpluris, Class Action Settlement
Administration, this is part of its lawsuit agreement.
Trader Joe’s has entered into an agreement to settle a class action
lawsuit, concerning accessibility to its stores for individuals who use
wheelchairs or scooters for mobility and/or are vision and/or hearing
impaired.
Trader Joe’s will also pay $460,000 to a Damage Fund. If a class
member shopped at a Trader Joe’s location in California between June 22,
2009 and December 13, 2013, they may be eligible for monetary recovery.
To qualify for the payment you must submit the claim before May 31, 2014.
For additional information visit
www.CATJAccessSettlement.com or call
888-836-1697.
Staff Training on Team Building
Team building was the topic of the first training this year for staff at
RICV. It was held on January 6th during the quarterly staff potluck.
Our Youth Services Coordinator, Suzanna Gamez, facilitated the
event. She set up a training with Rodrigo Gomez, from the College
Assistance Migrant Program at Fresno State. The training was on “Building
a Teamwork Morale within Staff.”
The training consisted of various activities where staff had to work
together in small groups or as one collective group. Rodrigo covered topics
such as, listening to each other and communication, dealing with conflict,
providing feedback in an effective manner, and teamwork. He also pointed
out how people have a tendency to work against each other when there is
a sense of competitiveness but explained how to best work together.
The activity that stood out the most was called TRUE COLORS. This
identified the staff’s personality and work style as individuals but also
allowed them to see who they were alike. Rodrigo described in detail each
groups strengths and weaknesses and explained how to best interact with
each type to form a positive working relationship. It was a good reminder
that it is beneficial to have a diverse group of people working together.
Fundraising Committee
Ready to spread the word? Join our Fundraising Committee!
RICV’s Fundraising Committee is actively seeking committed
experienced individuals to join!
Please contact Maria Valencia at 559-221-2330 to Apply!
Holiday Dinner
Staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors of RICV came together to
celebrate the holiday season on December 6, 2013.
The RICV holiday dinner, which was organized by RICV staff Agustina
Lopez, came complete with delicious food, a DJ, and dancing!
Staff that had served at RICV for five or more years were honored on the
occasion.
Staff honored were:
Robin Shaw: 23 yrs
Barney Morris: 15 yrs
Reyes Sandoval: 11 yrs
Vidal Medina: 10 yrs
Suzanna Gamez: 10 yrs
Jennifer Coke: 7 yrs
Ileana Perez: 7 yrs
Ellissa Anaya: 5 yrs
Maria Olivarez: 5 yrs
Patrick Atkins: 5 yrs
Board of Directors
President
Selina Escobar
(Sr. Public Programs Administrator, HealthNet)
Vice president
Gayle Black
(Vice President, California Bank and Trust)
Secretary
Susan Thompson (Graduate, California State University Fresno)
Treasurer
Frances Reyes Acosta (Consultant)
Members
Russell Ryan
(Attorney, Motschiedler, Michaelides, Wishon, Brewer & Ryan LLP)
Anthony Gracian
(Graduate, Fresno Pacific University)
Art Olvera
(CEO, Life Goes On-Home Improvement)
Jennifer Wynveen
(Graduate, California State University Fresno)
Shail Lopez-Ortiz
(Director, Wayfinders, Fresno State)
Oscar Hinojosa
(Graduate, University Of Phoenix)
Williams, Marvin
(AT Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities CSUF)
Events Column
Fresno Advocacy Team
3rd Friday
[1pm-3pm]
Joanna Zamora [jzamora@ricv.org]
Peer Support Group
1st & 3rd Wednesday
[2:00 pm-3:30 pm]
Barney Morris [bmorris@ricv.org]
All above events held at
RICV Conference Room
2940 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93703
Merced Advocacy Team
United Way, 658 West Main St. Merced, CA.
2nd Friday [2pm-4pm]
Visalia Advocacy Team
RICV, 220 Santa Fe Avenue, Visalia, CA.
2nd Tuesday [2pm-4pm]
Visalia Peer Support Group
3rd Wednesday
[3:00pm -4:00pm]
Nalor See
[nsee@ricv.org]
220 N Santa Fe St.
Visalia, CA 93292
Conference Room
Central Valley Coalition for Human Services
Quarterly Meetings
Joseph Cody
[jcody@ricv.org]
Appreciation
Dear Sir,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Borunda and RICV for
the outstanding job they did on re-creating my resume. They did a
professional job and made my resume stand out.
RICV was also responsible for teaching me many good interview tips and
skills, and many other helpful hints that played a key role in obtaining a job.
I am please to say that it was my new resume along with the tools that I
utilized, that really helped me secure a government job.
I am happy to share that I was hired at the V A Hospital of the federal
government. Not only did your agency enable me with tools, but your staff
encouraged me as well.
Thanks to Michael Borunda and RICV, I am a federal employee and
entitled to full benefits with good pay.
Again, I am grateful for all your help and support.
Javier S. Meza.
Chandra’s Closet
Chandra’s Closet is up and running! It is a closet specifically for
people who are interviewing for jobs and need a professional outfit. People
are welcome to come in and pick out an outfit for their interview. Please
contact our Independent Living Specialists or Job Developers for more
information at 559-221-2330.
More donations are always welcome!
News in Brief
-Fifty per cent of the yellow medallion taxicabs in New York will be
wheelchair accessible by 2020. Four disability rights organizations, the
New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and the Mayor’s
Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) reached this historic settlement
agreement to phase-in wheelchair accessible taxicabs that will be
accessible to men, women, and children who use wheelchairs and
scooters. The agreement is the first of its kind in the country and would
make New York’s yellow taxi fleet the most accessible in the nation and
one of the most disability-friendly in the world. [Source: Disability Rights
Advocates (DRA), NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, NYC
Law Department Office of the Corporation Counsel, NYC Taxi & Limousine
Commission]
-Motivation, a UK based charity in Backwell, Bristol has designed a
lightweight wheelchair aimed specifically at persons with disabilities
affected during natural disasters. This affordable, lightweight emergency
wheelchair can meet the needs of injured persons with disabilities who are
unable to access basic relief services like shelter, food and water.
Normally, wheelchairs that arrive at disaster areas are hospital seconds
and arrive too late, per David Constantine, co-founder of Motivation.
Building Inspiration Park Brick By Brick
A heartfelt THANKS to our Donors featured below. Choose a brick or
tile for your name or message at the Inspiration Park. To reserve a brick or
tile, log on to www.ricv.org or call (559) 221-2330.
Donors:
Russ and Nita Ryan
Tai Chi for Health
Robert & Jean Hand
Fresno Disability Advocacy Team
Arthur & Anuradha Garjaraj-Lopez
Disability is not a barrier, limited perception is
D.M. & A.C. Kimball
The Woolcock Family 2013
With love to the Bud Stanley Family
Don’t Quit SMS (2 bricks)
You somehow found this brick and now what? Whatever you dream – The
Parkers
Life Goes On – Home Improvement Inc.
Esther Cabrera Olvera “Simply the Best”
Robin Malby Healthful Balance Tai Chi, Supports the dream