915 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ADA requirements, this publication can be made available in an alterna-

tive format as a reasonable accommodation. To request a copy in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center

(559) 730-3805.

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY GUIDE TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Updated 9/29/09

Able Industries…………………………………………………… Alliance for the Mentally Ill-NAMI ..…………………………… CA Department of Rehabilitation………………….…………….. California Telephone Access Program…………………………... Caltrans Disability Advisory Council…………………………… Center for Independent Living…………………………………... Central Valley Regional Center…………………………………. Children’s Medical Services (CHDP)…………………………… City of Visalia-Visalia City Coach (Dial-A-Ride)………………. Community Advisory Committee………………………………. Community Catalysts of California……………………………… Creative Center………………………………………………….. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service Center………………………… Driving Specialty………………………………………………... Employment Development Department (EDD)………………… Exeter Adult Activity Center……………………………………. Family Healthcare Network……………………………………... Fresno State-Services for Students with Disabilities……………. Future Transitions Inc. (Stars for Tomorrow)…………………… Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics…………………………………. Health Insurance, Counseling & Advocacy Program…………… Kings Behavioral Health Administration………………………. Kings County Job Training……………………………………... National Multiple Sclerosis Society…………………………….. No Stigma Speaker’s Bureau (TCMN)…………………………. Porterville Sheltered Workshop…………………………………. Proteus, Inc.……………………………………………………... Self Help Enterprises………………………………………...….. Social Security Administration…………………………………. Social Vocational Services……………………………………… Suicide Prevention Task Force………………………………….. Synchrony of Visalia, Inc……………………………………….. Tail Waggers-Puppy Raisers……………………………………. Talking Book Library for the Blind……………………………..

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY VISALIA EMERGENCY AID veac.org The mission of VEAC has survived since those early days of soup lines and tents and today guides a thriving and well respected organization: to provide emergency food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and at risk low-income families giving special emphasis on case management to promote self sufficiency. Contact: Iris East 217 N.E. 3rd St. Visalia, CA 93291 Iris@veac.org (559) 859-3682

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY VALLEY CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER valleycrc.org Valley Caregiver Resource Center is a non-profit agency that is part of a statewide program that provides information and assistance to people caring for family mem-bers age 60 and older or a person with Alzheimer’s disease or an adult onset related disorder with neurological and organic brain dysfunction. Contact: Yee Vue 3845 N. Clark St. Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93726 yvue@valleycrc.org (559) 224-9154 VALLEY CENTER FOR THE BLIND valleycenterfortheblind.org The Valley Center for the Blind is committed to helping their clients become more independent. They do this by providing classes and services such as independent living skills, support groups, etc. Contact: Gely Pichay 1060 Fulton Mall, Ste. 315 Fresno, CA 93721 info@valleycenterfortheblind.org (559) 222-4844 VISALIA ADULT SCHOOL vusd.org/vas/ The Visalia Adult School provides an opportunity to complete the high school di-ploma or achieve a GED. We also offer career and technical education in business, nursing/medical office, welding and auto body repair. Contact: Sally Rogers 3110 E. Houston Avenue Visalia, CA 93292 srogers@vusd.org (559) 730-7646

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TCOE Community Advisory Committee……………………….. Ticket to Work-TCOE………………………………………….. Trinity Ministries Inc…………………………………………… Tulare Adult School……………….……………………………. Tulare County Employment Connection (CSET)………………. Tulare County Health & Human Services-Adult Protective Services…………………………………………………………. Tulare County Health & Human Services-Adult Services……... Tulare County Health & Human Services-Veteran’s Services Office……………………………………………….…. Valley Caregiver Resource Center……………………………… Valley Center for the Blind……………………………………… Visalia Adult School…………………………………………….. Visalia Emergency Aid…………………………………………..

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED...

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY ABLE INDUSTRIES ableindustries.org The major focus of ABLE Industries is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to improve in vocational, social and interpersonal skills. Areas of pro-gram emphasis include but are not limited to, introduction to realistic work envi-ronments, improved stamina, increased productivity, enhanced workplace maturi-ties, enhanced safe work practices, improved fine and gross motor skills, interper-sonal skills development and quality control. Contact: Kathleen Alonzo 8127 Avenue 304 Visalia, CA 93291 kathleen@ableindustries.org (559) 651-8150 ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL-NAMI nami.org/site NAMI is a support and advocacy organization for consumers, family members and friends of people with a mental illness. Contact: Denise Nelson P.O. Box 3655 Visalia, CA 93278 dj1nelson@sbcglobal.com (559) 627-1306 CA DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION DOR’s vocational rehabilitation services program assists Californians with disabilities obtain and retain employment and maximize their ability to live independently in their communities. The DOR develops, purchases, provides and advocates for program and services in vocational rehabilitation, habilitation and independent living with a priority on service for people with the most significant disabilities. Contact: Ray Offutt 4930 W. Kaweah Ct. Ste 100 Visalia, CA 93277 roffutt@dor.ca.gov (559) 735-3838

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY TULARE CTY. HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-ADULT PROTECTIVE SVCS. Adult protective services assist dependent adults and/or elderly who are in danger and in need of protective service to prevent physical abuse, neglect or exploitation by others or from self-neglect. Contact: Odelia Davis 3530 W. Mineral King, Suite E Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-6585 TULARE CITY HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-ADULT SVCS. Provides in-home supportive services care for elderly and disabled individuals who would otherwise be placed in a higher level of care outside their home. Patients must be Medi-Cal eligible. Contact: Kent Henry 3500 W. Mineral King #A Visalia, CA 93279 jwarren@tularehhsa.org (559) 733-6111 TULARE CTY. HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-VETERAN’S SVCS. OFFICE The Veteran’s Service program provides assistance and services to veterans and their family members, which include outreach, counseling and referrals to ensure that veterans are aware of and able to obtain entitlements and benefits for which they are eligible. Contact: Dan Britton 205 N. “L” St. Tulare, CA 93274 dbritton@tularehhsa.org (559) 685-3300

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY TRINITY MINISTRIES INC. tmicounseling.org A Christian-based mental health organization providing counseling and therapy. Contact: Marla Jackson 4034 S. Demaree Dr. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 738-0700 TULARE ADULT SCHOOL tulare.k12.ca.us/adultschool Provides postsecondary education in a number of vocational areas. Contact: Marie Pinto 575 W. Maple Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-0225 TULARE CTY. EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION (CSET)employmentconnect.org Assistance in finding employment, job interests, training and/or schooling. Contact: Carol Therrien 4025 W. Noble, Suite B. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 713-5000 carol.therrien@cset.org 13

TMi

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CALIFORNIA TELEPHONE ACCESS PROGRAM ddtp.org The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) distributes telecommunications equipment and services to individuals certified as having difficulty using the tele-phone due to hearing, seeing, moving, speaking, and remembering difficulties. CTAP is a California State mandated program, under governance of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Equipment and some network services are available at no charge to eligible consumers. Contact: Carmen Garcia 7525 N Cedar Ave #115 Fresno, CA 93270 carmen@csufresno.edu (559) 447-4673 CALTRANS DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL disabilityaccessinfo.ca.gov Purpose: Promote and enhance opportunity and accessibility to departmental programs, services and activities for employees and applicants with disabilities. Mission: Through partnership with Caltrans, ensure that Caltrans addresses the needs and abilities of employees and applicants with disabilities. Goal: Help ensure the Caltrans’ qualified, motivated workforce, just as represented in CA’s greater workforce includes persons with disabilities. Contact: Janice Bowman 2015 E. Shields Ste 100 Fresno, CA 93726 janice_bowman@dot.ca.gov (559) 243-8259 CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING cilfresno.org The Center is dedicated to serving, educating, representing and empowering persons with disabilities in pursuit of independent living. Services provided include peer support, housing resources, advocacy, community education, financial benefits counseling, assistive technology, independent living skills training and client assistance programs (CAP). Contact: Rick Perez 2606 E. Valley Oak Visalia, CA 93291 r_perez@cil-fresno.org (559) 622-9276

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL CENTER cvrc.org Serves the developmentally delayed population from infancy through adulthood. Oversees day programs, community CARE facilities and elderly facilities. Contact: Gary Levrets 5441 W. Cypress Visalia, CA 93292 GLEVRETS@cvrc.org (559) 738-2272

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES-CHDP California children's services. Child Health and Disability Prevention Program. Pro-vides free health checkups for people birth to age 21 who are on Medi-Cal. Check-ups can be obtained also for a fee using income guidelines. Free health exams for children under the age of 21. Assistance for families with large medical bills and children with severe disabilities. Dental list of dentist that see kids. Contact: Rosemary Miranda 115 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 rmiranda@tularehhsa.org (559) 685-2533 Fax: 685-4707 CITY OF VISALIA-VISALIA CITY COACH (DIAL-A-RIDE) ridevcc.com Visalia City Coach operates both fixed route service and Dial-A-Ride service for individuals with disabilities. Contact: Gamaliel Anguiano 425 E. Oak Ave. Ste. 101 Visalia, CA 93291 transit@ci.visalia.ca.us (559) 713-4100

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TBLB

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY TALKING BOOK LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND fresnolibrary.org/tblb Provides free books and magazines on cassette tape and in Braille to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have physical disabilities that prevent reading. Contact: Wendy Eisenberg 770 N. San Pablo Fresno, CA 93728 wendy.eisenberg@fresnolibrary.org (559) 488-3217 TCOE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SPECIAL SVCS tcoe.org The Tulare County Office of Education Community Advisory Committee advises community members interested in services provided to those with disabilities in the educational system. Among these services are Child Find, Community Advisory Committee and Early Intervention. Contact: Linda Hess 2637 W. Burrel Visalia, CA 93278-5091 lindah@tcoe.org (559) 733-6300 TICKET TO WORK tcoe.org/tickettowork The goal of the Ticket Program is to give disability beneficiaries the opportunity to achieve steady, long-term employment by providing them greater choices and oppor-tunities to go to work if they choose to do so. The legislation also removes barriers that previously influenced people’s choices between healthcare coverage and work. Additionally, this program provides job services to those with disabilities, assists clients with work incentives and other resource information and assists employers with tax credit information to hire those w/ disabilities. Contact: Linda Singleton Lsingleton@see.tcoe.org (559) 730-2737

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE This organization is a resource for suicide prevention & resources. Additionally, they assess for 5150 hospitalization. Contact: Carla Sawyer 2611 N. Dinuba Blvd. Visalia, CA 93291 CSawyer@tularehhsa.org (559) 624-1089

SYNCHRONY OF VISALIA, INC. synchronyofvisalia.com Synchrony is a mental health counseling and education center providing individ-ual, marital, child, adolescent, adult and group therapeutic services. Synchrony also provides parenting and parent leadership training. Contact: Francesca Eidson 1124 N. Chinowth St. Visalia, CA 93291 Francesca@synchronyofvisalia.com (559) 635-4252 TAIL WAGGERS-PUPPY RAISERS Tail Waggers raises puppies for 8 weeks to 16 months in preparation for final guide training in San Rafael. Guide Dogs for the Blind provides the visually im-paired community, dogs at no charge to improve their independence and mobility. Contact: Judy Landers gdbpups4me@yahoo.com (559) 733-3556

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Synchrony of

Visalia Inc.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE tulareselpa.org/pages/cac.html The Community Advisory Committee seeks to 1) Support and promote a free, appropri-ate public education for students with special needs; 2) Increase awareness of the needs and abilities of special education students; 3) Advise the SELPA director and the Direc-tors of Special Education Committee on special education issues; 4) Recognize and honor people, agencies and businesses that support the principles of special education; 5) Become familiar with current trends and issues in special education. Contact: Norma Erwin 2637 W. Burrel Ave Visalia, CA 93278 normae@tcoe.org (559) 730-2910 COMMUNITY CATALYSTS OF CALIFORNIA communitycatalystcalifornia.org Community Catalysts of California is a not for profit, charitable organization that pro-vides vocational counseling, job placement, community-living skills training, residen-tial support, in-home respite care, crisis intervention and other services to individuals with disabilities. They have successfully provided services for over twenty years with the fundamental goal of empowering disabled persons to live and work successfully in their communities and to reach their highest level of self-sufficiency and independence. Contact: Shelley Cook 3200 Fairway Suite H Visalia, CA 93277 catalyst_visalia@sbcglobal.net (559) 738-5555 CREATIVE CENTER thecreativecenter-visalia.org The Creative Center is a community arts center for developmentally disabled adults with the mission of fostering self-expression, self-worth, personal growth and inde-pendence. The center offers a complete program of visual arts, performing arts and life skills at all levels. Contact: Teresa Douglas 606 N. Bridge St. Visalia, CA 93279 teresad@thecreativecenter-visalia.org (599) 733-9329 Fax: 733-3031

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY DEAF & HARD OF HEARING SERVICE CENTER dhhsc.org DHHSC provides advocacy, independent living skills, peer counseling, parenting skills and referral services. This organization is of, by and for the Deaf. Contact: Shelly Stout 1739 S. Church St. Visalia, CA 93277 shellys@dhhsc.org (559) 302-7979 DRIVING SPECIALTY drivingspecialties.com We provide products and services that enable persons with disabilities to either be transported or drive vehicles that allow them complete accessibility such as hand controls, wheelchair lockdowns, turning/lift seats; wheelchair and scooter lifts and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Contact: Jerry Johnson 2563 N. Fordham Fresno, CA 93727 jerry@drivingspecialties.com (559) 291-2563 Fax: 291-2566 EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (EDD) edd.ca.gov EDD’s website features services for people with disabilities with resources and links to important programs and services. One valuable resource is the Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) which can assist persons with disabilities to take ad-vantage of available training and employment opportunities, as well as navigate through the complex provisions of the many programs in which they may be partici-pating. DPNs can also provide expertise and serve as a resource for large and small employers and community- and faith-based organizations in reasonable accommo-dations, tax incentives, and other employment-related requirements. Contact: Robert Suhovy 4025 W. Noble Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 713-5152

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY SELF HELP ENTERPRISES selfhelpenterprises.org Provides ownership opportunities for first time home buyers. This organization also has a self help housing program for first time home buyers. Contact: Michael Lane PO Box 6520 Visalia, CA 93290 oliviag@selfhelpenterprises.org (559) 651-1000

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION socialsecurity.gov This organization assists people in filing claims for retirement, disability and survi-vor benefits, assists beneficiaries in filing social security, SSI and Medicare claims and issues social security numbers and informs the public and employers of their responsibilities for accurate reporting of wages. Contact: Shelly Parreira 1901 E. Noble Visalia, CA 93292 shelly.parreira@ssa.gov (866) 964-7310 SOCIAL VOCATIONAL SERVICES socialvocationalservices.org Serves adults statewide who are challenged by various disabilities, which include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and mental illness. Programs designed for individuals who need as-sistance in gaining the experience, training or social skills necessary for successful independent work and community integration. Contact: Tami Grinstead 1814 Dinuba Blvd. Visalia, CA 93291 cbenevides@svsinc.org (559) 739-1416

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY NO STIGMA SPEAKER’S BUREAU-TCMN No Stigma Speaker’s Bureau is a group of volunteers dedicated to dispelling mis-information about mental illness recovery. Family members, consumers and pro-fessional participate in panel discussions as requested by the community organiza-tions. Contact: Luann Baldwin 5957 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 lbaldwin@tularehhsa.org 559-737-4660 PORTERVILLE SHELTERED WORKSHOP pswrehab.com Porterville Sheltered Workshop services are designed to develop or improve basic work skills/behaviors and other individually identified critical life skills, allowing the individual the opportunity to progress to the fullest potential of which he/she is capable. PSW also operates a full range of wheelchair accessible vans and buses to meet individual transportation needs to and from PSW programs. Contact: JoAnn Rogers 187 W. Olive Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 osmus@pswrehab.com 559-784-1399 PROTEUS, INC. proteusinc.org Proteus, Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization specializing in em-ployment, training, education, and community service. Since 1967 Proteus has proudly served special-needs populations throughout the Central San Joaquin Val-ley. Proteus strives for quality and performance excellence in all areas of our busi-ness; from assisting job seekers to providing employers with educated and well-trained applicants. Contact: Terry Cooper 224 N W 3rd Street Visalia, CA 93291 terric@proteusinc.org (559) 627-0100

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY EXETER ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER Exeter Adult Activity Center (EAAC) is a program for developmentally disabled adults. Their mission is to offer real life experiences for all students, creating memories to last a lifetime. EAAC will provide a diverse range of learning activities including recreation, social skills, health and safety and community integrations. Contact: Kathy Cavanagh 200 S. “G” Street Exeter, CA 93221 exeteradultcenter@yahoo.com (559) 594-4646 FAMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORK fhcn.org Provides accessible comprehensive, patient-oriented healthcare services to individuals and families in our community. Provides primary care services which include pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, adult medicine, dental services, and health promotion. Contact: Isabel Olmos 1107 W. Poplar Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 iolmos@fhcn.org (559) 909-4215 FRESNO STATE-SVCS. FOR STUDENTS W/ DISABILITIES csufresno.edu/ssd Offers accommodations for CSUF students with disabilities. Contact: Rima Nijmeddin 5240 N. Jackson Ave. ML 125 Fresno, CA 93740 rnijmeddin@csufresno.edu (559) 278-2811

ramon6973@sbcglobal.net (559) 331-2881

Future Transitions

Inc.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY FUTURE TRANSITIONS INC. A vendor company for CVRC that provides in-home, one-on-one independent liv-ing skills education to adults and children to improve their quality of life. Also provides transportation for doctor appointments. Contact: Ramon Cervantes 2230 W. Sunnyside Ave. Visalia, CA 93277

HANGER PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS hanger.com Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. is a provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) ser-vices and products for individuals with amputations and various muscular and or-thopedic conditions. Contact: John Wettstein 705 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277 064000@hanger.com (559) 732-3957 HEALTH INSURANCE, COUNSELING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM Provides health insurance advocacy with Medicare/Medi-Cal supplemental insurance. Contact: Dori Silveria 3500 W. Mineral King #C Visalia, CA 93292 dsilveri@tularehhssa.org (559) 730-2551

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY KINGS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Provides services for underserved individuals with mental illness. Contact: Anna Delvill 450 Kings Co. Drive Ste 104 Hanford, CA 93230 adelvill@co.kings.ca.us (559) 582-3211 KINGS COUNTY JOB TRAINING kingsworkforce.org Within Kings County and the immediate area, individuals may be able to obtain short term training to prepare for one of more than 70 demand occupations. Training is available at both public and private schools where individuals may attend evening or daytime classes, depending on goals and the availability of classes. Contact: 124 North Irwin Street Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 582-9213 NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY nationalmssociety.org Programs and services for those living with multiple sclerosis, including referrals and financial aid. We also provide public and professional education around MS. We also promote advocacy efforts for people with disabilities. Contact: Susan Wallis 690 E. Bullard Ave. #103 Fresno, CA 93710 susan.mattison@nmss.org 1-800-FIGHTMS