Overview of Programs and Services
Resources for Independence Central Valley (RICV) provides a foundation of core consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability and person-focused services. From work readiness to assistive technology training, and much more--RICV is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Through strategic programs and services, the RICV Team strives to empower persons with disabilities achieve maximum potential.
Explore our programs and services:
Information & Referral
RICV believes in creating independence by making connections, which is
why the organization’s Information & Referral program is one of the core
services offered. These services are available to anyone who has a disability-related question or need. RICV will provide information on supports and services available through the organization and assist with connections and information on other services and resources.
To get started in getting connected to RICV Services or other community
resources:
Contact:
Email info@ricv.org , call 559-221-2330 or Click Connect
Independent Living Services
RICV’s Independent Living Services Program works to support community
living and independence for people with disabilities based on the belief all
people can live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in
society. RICV’s IL services provide the tools, resources, and supports for
integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote
inclusion, equity, self-determination, and respect.
RICV is committed to developing person-centered goals and actively
supporting adults to become more independent while living in or preparing to
move out into their own residence. The program offers training and assistance
to achieve greater independence while living with others or to achieve or
maintain independent living.
Contact:
Tanesha Morris, Program Manager, IL & Transition Services
tmorris@ricv.org
Transition and Diversion Services
RICV offers Transition and Diversion services to help individuals with
disabilities live independently. This can mean assisting a person to move from
places such as a nursing home or a hospital to a place in their community to
live independently or assisting a person living independently with services so
they can continue to live safely on their own. This can also mean helping a
young person to move to their next steps after high school.
Contact:
Tanesha Morris, Program Manager, IL & Transition Services
tmorris@ricv.org
WRIL
RICV’s, Work Readiness Independent Living (WRIL) program assists with work readiness, employment goals, and job training. WRIL will prepare you to get, keep and excel at a new job. Our WRIL team will help you develop communication, problem solving, resume building, and interviewing skills. The RICV WRIL program will help you develop the work habits you need to succeed.
Workplace readiness traits describe several commonly expected skills employers seek from most employees. Work readiness skills are a set of skills and behaviors necessary for any job. Work readiness skills are sometimes called soft skills, employability skills, or job readiness skills.
These abilities help employees learn how to interact with supervisors and co-workers. They help reinforce the importance of timeliness and build an understanding of how we are perceived by others. Employers value employees who can communicate effectively and act professionally. No matter what technical skills a job may require, every job requires good social skills/interpersonal skills.
The WRIL Program is in partnership with the Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) and is available to consumers referred by CVRC.
For more information on the WRIL program, contact:
Tanesha Morris
Peer Support Group
RICV’s Peer Support Group offers a consistent and safe place for consumers to discuss topics and issues which are important to them. Facilitated by the Independent Living Specialists team, the weekly meetings are inclusive and engaging, and include presentations, group activities, and special guests. The Peer Support Group takes place virtually every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
Contact:
Michael Esquibel, IL Specialist
Individual & Systems Advocacy
RICV engages in all areas of advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Advocacy is about helping people find their voice and involves promoting the interests or cause of someone or a group of people. RICV is focused on three types of advocacy—self-advocacy, individual advocacy and systems advocacy.
Contact:
Rebecca Donabed, Community Organizer
Youth Empowerment Services (YES)
RICV offers comprehensive Youth Empowerment Services (YES) for youth
and young adults with disabilities ages 14-28. This program offers strategic
opportunities for self-growth through person-centered methods of setting
achievable, realistic goals through direct and indirect services and youth-
driven programs. Some services include financial literacy, pre-employment
skills training, driver’s license support, civic duty education, healthy living
training, IEP support, and empowerment through advocacy. YES also
conducts ongoing workshops, summer programming, an annual self-advocacy
summit, and an advocacy symposium.
“Don’t Just Talk About It, Be About It!” youth and young adult peer group
meets virtually every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Join to make connections and more.
Youth Empowering Youth (YEY): YEY brings youth facilitators to your
Classroom to give youth driven presentations that complement the
classroom curriculum. YEY’s target audience is high school and adult
transition program classes with youth ages 14-22. For more information and
to get connected email yey@ricv.org.
Program Contacts:
Aubrey Alfano, Youth Empowerment Specialist
aalfano@ricv.org
Jordan Noble, Youth Empowerment Specialist
jnoble@ricv.org
Assistive Technology Training & Services
RICV offers an Assistive Technology Program which can provide training
and/or products, equipment, and systems to enhance learning,
communication, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.
Assistive Technology is an important part of independent living and can
include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as
hardware, software, and peripherals to assist people with disabilities in
accessing computers or other information and communication
technologies.
RICV accepts gently used assistive technology and durable medical
equipment from the community through its AT Recycle and Reuse
Program. Donated equipment is inspected for quality assurance & are
cleaned and sanitized to be reused. Contact an AT Specialist for
available items.
Contact:
Eli Andres, AT Specialist
eandres@ricv.org
James Bennet, AT Specialist
jbennet@ricv.org
Emergency Preparedness
RICV’s Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) program assists
individuals with disabilities and older adults in disaster readiness and
recovery. This program provides information and assistance, disaster
readiness training, personal preparedness planning assistance, public
awareness and assessments for back up electricity support.
DDAR program services include receiving support in the event of a Public
Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or disaster, assistance in signing up for the
Medical Baseline Program to lower the rate on monthly energy bills for those
requiring use of a medical or life support device or depend on power for
certain medical needs, providing assessments around portable backup
batteries for those who require life-sustaining power for medical reasons, and
providing tools to assist in the creation of a disaster plan and personal
disaster kit. For more information and to apply for services Click E-Prep.
Contact:
Hai Normen, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
hnormen@ricv.org
