A special message from the Executive Director - February 22, 2021
FROM: Anthony Hill, M.A. J.D. Esq., Executive Director
RE: Meeting your Needs is important for Us!
Dear San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) Community:
Your health and safety is very important to us. We have demonstrated, resoundingly throughout the pandemic and before it began, that we are a united community and SG/PRC is committed to meeting your needs through its strategic partnerships and with principled leadership.
We have remained open for business on an appointment basis. Impressively, we have safely offered and conducted full scope in-person intake and eligibility services and Early Intervention Clinics at our business office throughout the pandemic as the only regional center to do so.
Throughout the pandemic, we have continuously made contact with you to assess your Individual Program Plan (IPP) service needs, arrange and fund services and to connect you with our partnering agencies. As expected, your Service Coordinator will be in contact with you again, offering assistance with securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and with locating COVID-19 testing services and COVID-19 vaccine administration locations to protect your health and wellness. This specific contact is in addition to the contact that we engage with you quarterly, semi-annually, and annually or more frequently according to your choice specified in your IPP. Please do not wait to contact your Service Coordinator when you need assistance. You can reach us at (909) 620-7722 anytime of the day or night, and every calendar day.
Weekly, since the onset of the pandemic we have held Zoom Community Meetings on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. as forum to keep you informed and updated regarding evolving public health policy, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) directives, information regarding COVID-19 resources, and data that gives you insight on how COVID-19 has impacted our community. Please join us. Also, we recommend and encourage that you visit our website www.SGPRC.org as it is a one stop destination where you will find information regarding community resources, events, training, and learning opportunities that are intended to support you.
The COVID-19 vaccines are here. They are being rolled out according to guidance recommended by the Los Angeles County of Public Health (LACDPH). Dr. Ferrer and her team have done a great job! We are supporting vaccination prioritization for our community. We have provided letters for non-residential service providers and their staff, regional center staff , family member health caregivers, and individuals served living in Family Home Agency settings or that receive either Independent Living Services or Supported Living Services designated by SG/PRC in conformity with LACDPH guidance within Phase 1A (tier 1) and (tier 2). If you fit within one of the above designations, please contact your Service Coordinator. Within Southern California, SG/PRC holds the distinction of being the only regional center that have not received any reported rejections of its letters at vaccination administration sites.
We are pleased to announce and affirm that our shared advocacy was a compelling chorus that shifted [state] public health policy. Effective March 15, 2021 individuals with developmental disabilities will have access to the COVID-19 vaccines. Specific details are available within a DDS Directive found at our website www.SGPRC.org. Your Service Coordinator will help answer any questions you might have when they contact you and will support your efforts with scheduling COVID-19 testing or vaccination appointments.
We have exciting news to share. SG/PRC has entered into a partnership with the State of California Health and Human Service Department and Valencia Laboratories. SG/PRC will begin offering COVID-19 testing at our business office during March 2021 for you and your family, our service providers and our staff. Also, we are currently holding strategic conversations with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Home Health Agencies and pharmacy partners encouraging our efforts to make SG/PRC a place of distribution for COVID-19 vaccines. Our partnerships and the intended outcome will offer an efficient alternative for scheduling and receiving the vaccine. We will keep you informed.
Our weekly Community Meetings and our website www.SGPRC.org are great resources that will keep you connected with us and informed regarding SG/PRC’s programs and services intended to support you.
On Thursday, February 25, 2021 through Zoom from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dr. Larry Yin, SG/PRC Consulting Physician will host a conversation regarding COVID-19 vaccines with a question and answer session.
On Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in lieu of our “Community Meeting” through Zoom from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Mr. Chris Littlefield, an inspirational speaker, will support all of us. He will provide us with the tools for “Being Resilient in a Pandemic.” Mr. Littlefield’s clients include the United Nations, U.S. Army, U.S. Airforce, MetLife, Kraft foods, Salesforce, L.L. Bean, Fidelity Investments and many others.
On Friday, March 19, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in partnership with Azusa Pacific University, SG/PRC is hosting a virtual dance party for individuals served 18 years and older. The theme is the ‘80s. There will be a costume contest, music and a lineup of fun activities and prizes.
Parents’ Place is a valued strategic partner. Parents’ Place is simply a place for parents to connect with each other and support each other. Parents’ Place staff host seminars, support groups, trainings, and delivers PPE and iPads for our families. Ms. Elena Sanchez and her staff at Parents’ Place are always ready to serve you and can be reached at (626) 919-1091. Please visit Parents’ Place website www.parentsplacefrc.com a place that holds a reservoir of information regarding its programs, services and resources that are offered through its partnering agencies.
SG/PRC is exceedingly committed to meeting your needs. Your health and wellness are important to us. We cherish all of you! Please stay safe and remain well.
With best regards,
Anthony Hill, M.A. J.D. Esq.
Executive Director, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
February 22, 2021 – Community Letter (PDF)
22 de Febrero del 2021 – Carta a la Comunidad (PDF)