DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

GUIDE TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS

WITH DISABILITIES

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.

Updated 9/29/09
 COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISALIA EMERGENCY AID veac.org
The mission of VEAC has survived since those early days of soup lines
Able Industries…………………………………………………… 1 and tents and today guides a thriving and well respected organization: to
Alliance for the Mentally Ill-NAMI ..…………………………… 1 provide emergency food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and at risk
CA Department of Rehabilitation………………….…………….. 1 low-income families giving special emphasis on case management to
California Telephone Access Program…………………………... 2 promote self sufficiency.
Caltrans Disability Advisory Council…………………………… 2
Contact: Iris East
Center for Independent Living…………………………………... 2
217 N.E. 3rd St.
Central Valley Regional Center…………………………………. 3 Visalia, CA 93291
Children’s Medical Services (CHDP)…………………………… 3 Iris@veac.org
City of Visalia-Visalia City Coach (Dial-A-Ride)………………. 3 (559) 859-3682
Community Advisory Committee………………………………. 4
Community Catalysts of California……………………………… 4
Creative Center………………………………………………….. 4
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service Center………………………… 5
Driving Specialty………………………………………………... 5
Employment Development Department (EDD)………………… 5
Exeter Adult Activity Center……………………………………. 6
Family Healthcare Network……………………………………... 6
Fresno State-Services for Students with Disabilities……………. 6
Future Transitions Inc. (Stars for Tomorrow)…………………… 7
Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics…………………………………. 7
Health Insurance, Counseling & Advocacy Program…………… 7
Kings Behavioral Health Administration………………………. 8
Kings County Job Training……………………………………... 8
National Multiple Sclerosis Society…………………………….. 8
No Stigma Speaker’s Bureau (TCMN)…………………………. 9
Porterville Sheltered Workshop…………………………………. 9
Proteus, Inc.……………………………………………………... 9
Self Help Enterprises………………………………………...….. 10
Social Security Administration…………………………………. 10
Social Vocational Services……………………………………… 10
Suicide Prevention Task Force………………………………….. 11
Synchrony of Visalia, Inc……………………………………….. 11
Tail Waggers-Puppy Raisers……………………………………. 11
Talking Book Library for the Blind…………………………….. 12

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED...
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- TCOE Community Advisory Committee………………………..12
bers age 60 and older or a person with Alzheimer’s disease or an adult onset related
disorder with neurological and organic brain dysfunction. Ticket to Work-TCOE………………………………………….. 12
Trinity Ministries Inc…………………………………………… 13
Contact: Yee Vue Tulare Adult School……………….……………………………. 13
3845 N. Clark St. Suite 201 Tulare County Employment Connection (CSET)………………. 13
Fresno, CA 93726 Tulare County Health & Human Services-Adult Protective
yvue@valleycrc.org Services…………………………………………………………. 14
(559) 224-9154
Tulare County Health & Human Services-Adult Services……... 14
Tulare County Health & Human Services-Veteran’s
Services Office……………………………………………….…. 14
Valley Caregiver Resource Center……………………………… 15
VALLEY CENTER FOR THE BLIND valleycenterfortheblind.org Valley Center for the Blind………………………………………15
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
Visalia Adult School……………………………………………..15
living skills, support groups, etc. Visalia Emergency Aid…………………………………………..16

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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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

ABLE INDUSTRIES ableindustries.org TULARE CTY. HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-ADULT PROTECTIVE SVCS.
The major focus of ABLE Industries is to provide opportunities for individuals with Adult protective services assist dependent adults and/or elderly who are in danger
disabilities to improve in vocational, social and interpersonal skills. Areas of pro- and in need of protective service to prevent physical abuse, neglect or exploitation
gram emphasis include but are not limited to, introduction to realistic work envi- by others or from self-neglect.
ronments, improved stamina, increased productivity, enhanced workplace maturi-
ties, enhanced safe work practices, improved fine and gross motor skills, interper- Contact: Odelia Davis
sonal skills development and quality control. 3530 W. Mineral King, Suite E
Visalia, CA 93291
Contact: Kathleen Alonzo (559) 733-6585
8127 Avenue 304
Visalia, CA 93291
kathleen@ableindustries.org
(559) 651-8150

ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL-NAMI nami.org/site TULARE CITY HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-ADULT SVCS.
NAMI is a support and advocacy organization for consumers, family members and Provides in-home supportive services care for elderly and disabled individuals who
friends of people with a mental illness. would otherwise be placed in a higher level of care outside their home. Patients
must be Medi-Cal eligible.
Contact: Denise Nelson
P.O. Box 3655 Contact: Kent Henry
Visalia, CA 93278 3500 W. Mineral King #A
dj1nelson@sbcglobal.com Visalia, CA 93279
(559) 627-1306 jwarren@tularehhsa.org
(559) 733-6111

CA DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION TULARE CTY. HEALTH & HUMAN SVCS.-VETERAN’S SVCS. OFFICE
DOR’s vocational rehabilitation services program assists Californians with The Veteran’s Service program provides assistance and services to veterans and their
disabilities obtain and retain employment and maximize their ability to live family members, which include outreach, counseling and referrals to ensure that
independently in their communities. The DOR develops, purchases, provides and veterans are aware of and able to obtain entitlements and benefits for which they are
advocates for program and services in vocational rehabilitation, habilitation and eligible.
independent living with a priority on service for people with the most significant
disabilities. Contact: Dan Britton
205 N. “L” St.
Contact: Ray Offutt Tulare, CA 93274
4930 W. Kaweah Ct. Ste 100 dbritton@tularehhsa.org
Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 685-3300
roffutt@dor.ca.gov
(559) 735-3838

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

TRINITY MINISTRIES INC. tmicounseling.org CALIFORNIA TELEPHONE ACCESS PROGRAM ddtp.org

A Christian-based mental health organization providing counseling and therapy. The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) distributes telecommunications
equipment and services to individuals certified as having difficulty using the tele-
Contact: Marla Jackson phone due to hearing, seeing, moving, speaking, and remembering difficulties.
4034 S. Demaree Dr. CTAP is a California State mandated program, under governance of the California
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 738-0700
TMi 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

TULARE ADULT SCHOOL tulare.k12.ca.us/adultschool CALTRANS DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL disabilityaccessinfo.ca.gov

Provides postsecondary education in a number of vocational areas. Purpose: Promote and enhance opportunity and accessibility to departmental
programs, services and activities for employees and applicants with disabilities.
Contact: Marie Pinto Mission: Through partnership with Caltrans, ensure that Caltrans addresses
575 W. Maple the needs and abilities of employees and applicants with disabilities.
Tulare, CA 93274 Goal: Help ensure the Caltrans’ qualified, motivated workforce, just as represented
(559) 686-0225 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

TULARE CTY. EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION (CSET)employmentconnect.org CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING cilfresno.org
Assistance in finding employment, job interests, training and/or schooling. The Center is dedicated to serving, educating, representing and empowering
persons with disabilities in pursuit of independent living. Services provided
Contact: Carol Therrien include peer support, housing resources, advocacy, community education,
4025 W. Noble, Suite B. financial benefits counseling, assistive technology, independent living skills
Visalia, CA 93277 training and client assistance programs (CAP).
(559) 713-5000
carol.therrien@cset.org Contact: Rick Perez
2606 E. Valley Oak
Visalia, CA 93291
r_perez@cil-fresno.org
(559) 622-9276

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL CENTER cvrc.org TALKING BOOK LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND fresnolibrary.org/tblb
Serves the developmentally delayed population from infancy through adulthood. Provides free books and magazines on cassette tape and in Braille to individuals who
Oversees day programs, community CARE facilities and elderly facilities. are blind, visually impaired, or have physical disabilities that prevent reading.

Contact: Gary Levrets Contact: Wendy Eisenberg

5441 W. Cypress 770 N. San Pablo
Visalia, CA 93292
GLEVRETS@cvrc.org
(559) 738-2272
Fresno, CA 93728
wendy.eisenberg@fresnolibrary.org
(559) 488-3217
TBLB

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES-CHDP TCOE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SPECIAL SVCS tcoe.org

California children's services. Child Health and Disability Prevention Program. Pro- The Tulare County Office of Education Community Advisory Committee advises
vides free health checkups for people birth to age 21 who are on Medi-Cal. Check- community members interested in services provided to those with disabilities in the
ups can be obtained also for a fee using income guidelines. Free health exams for educational system. Among these services are Child Find, Community Advisory
children under the age of 21. Assistance for families with large medical bills and Committee and Early Intervention.
children with severe disabilities. Dental list of dentist that see kids.
Contact: Linda Hess
Contact: Rosemary Miranda 2637 W. Burrel
115 E. Tulare Ave. Visalia, CA 93278-5091
Tulare, CA 93274 lindah@tcoe.org
rmiranda@tularehhsa.org (559) 733-6300
(559) 685-2533
Fax: 685-4707

CITY OF VISALIA-VISALIA CITY COACH (DIAL-A-RIDE) ridevcc.com TICKET TO WORK tcoe.org/tickettowork

Visalia City Coach operates both fixed route service and Dial-A-Ride service for The goal of the Ticket Program is to give disability beneficiaries the opportunity to
individuals with disabilities. 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
Contact: Gamaliel Anguiano that previously influenced people’s choices between healthcare coverage and work.
425 E. Oak Ave. Ste. 101 Additionally, this program provides job services to those with disabilities, assists
Visalia, CA 93291 clients with work incentives and other resource information and assists employers
transit@ci.visalia.ca.us with tax credit information to hire those w/ disabilities.

(559) 713-4100 Contact: Linda Singleton

Lsingleton@see.tcoe.org
(559) 730-2737

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SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE tulareselpa.org/pages/cac.html

This organization is a resource for suicide prevention & resources. Additionally, The Community Advisory Committee seeks to 1) Support and promote a free, appropri-
they assess for 5150 hospitalization. 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-
Contact: Carla Sawyer tors of Special Education Committee on special education issues; 4) Recognize and
2611 N. Dinuba Blvd. honor people, agencies and businesses that support the principles of special education;
Visalia, CA 93291 5) Become familiar with current trends and issues in special education.
CSawyer@tularehhsa.org
(559) 624-1089 Contact: Norma Erwin
2637 W. Burrel Ave
Visalia, CA 93278
normae@tcoe.org
(559) 730-2910

SYNCHRONY OF VISALIA, INC. synchronyofvisalia.com COMMUNITY CATALYSTS OF CALIFORNIA communitycatalystcalifornia.org

Synchrony is a mental health counseling and education center providing individ- Community Catalysts of California is a not for profit, charitable organization that pro-
ual, marital, child, adolescent, adult and group therapeutic services. Synchrony vides vocational counseling, job placement, community-living skills training, residen-
also provides parenting and parent leadership training. 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
Contact: Francesca Eidson
1124 N. Chinowth St. Synchrony their communities and to reach their highest level of self-sufficiency and independence.
Visalia, CA 93291
Francesca@synchronyofvisalia.com
of Contact: Shelley Cook
(559) 635-4252 Visalia Inc. 3200 Fairway Suite H
Visalia, CA 93277
catalyst_visalia@sbcglobal.net
(559) 738-5555

TAIL WAGGERS-PUPPY RAISERS CREATIVE CENTER thecreativecenter-visalia.org

Tail Waggers raises puppies for 8 weeks to 16 months in preparation for final The Creative Center is a community arts center for developmentally disabled adults
guide training in San Rafael. Guide Dogs for the Blind provides the visually im- with the mission of fostering self-expression, self-worth, personal growth and inde-
paired community, dogs at no charge to improve their independence and mobility. pendence. The center offers a complete program of visual arts, performing arts and life
skills at all levels.
Contact: Judy Landers
gdbpups4me@yahoo.com Contact: Teresa Douglas
(559) 733-3556 606 N. Bridge St.
Visalia, CA 93279
teresad@thecreativecenter-visalia.org
(599) 733-9329
Fax: 733-3031

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DEAF & HARD OF HEARING SERVICE CENTER dhhsc.org SELF HELP ENTERPRISES selfhelpenterprises.org
DHHSC provides advocacy, independent living skills, peer counseling, parenting Provides ownership opportunities for first time home buyers. This organization
skills and referral services. This organization is of, by and for the Deaf. also has a self help housing program for first time home buyers.

Contact: Shelly Stout Contact: Michael Lane

1739 S. Church St. PO Box 6520
Visalia, CA 93277 Visalia, CA 93290
shellys@dhhsc.org oliviag@selfhelpenterprises.org
(559) 302-7979 (559) 651-1000

DRIVING SPECIALTY drivingspecialties.com SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION socialsecurity.gov

We provide products and services that enable persons with disabilities to either be This organization assists people in filing claims for retirement, disability and survi-
transported or drive vehicles that allow them complete accessibility such as hand vor benefits, assists beneficiaries in filing social security, SSI and Medicare claims
controls, wheelchair lockdowns, turning/lift seats; wheelchair and scooter lifts and and issues social security numbers and informs the public and employers of their
wheelchair accessible vehicles. responsibilities for accurate reporting of wages.

Contact: Jerry Johnson Contact: Shelly Parreira

2563 N. Fordham 1901 E. Noble
Fresno, CA 93727 Visalia, CA 93292
jerry@drivingspecialties.com shelly.parreira@ssa.gov
(559) 291-2563 (866) 964-7310
Fax: 291-2566

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (EDD) edd.ca.gov SOCIAL VOCATIONAL SERVICES socialvocationalservices.org

EDD’s website features services for people with disabilities with resources and Serves adults statewide who are challenged by various disabilities, which include
links to important programs and services. One valuable resource is the Disability mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities, traumatic
Program Navigators (DPNs) which can assist persons with disabilities to take ad- brain injuries and mental illness. Programs designed for individuals who need as-
vantage of available training and employment opportunities, as well as navigate sistance in gaining the experience, training or social skills necessary for successful
through the complex provisions of the many programs in which they may be partici- independent work and community integration.
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- Contact: Tami Grinstead
dations, tax incentives, and other employment-related requirements. 1814 Dinuba Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93291
Contact: Robert Suhovy cbenevides@svsinc.org
4025 W. Noble (559) 739-1416
Visalia, CA 93292
(559) 713-5152

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NO STIGMA SPEAKER’S BUREAU-TCMN EXETER ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER

No Stigma Speaker’s Bureau is a group of volunteers dedicated to dispelling mis- Exeter Adult Activity Center (EAAC) is a program for developmentally disabled
information about mental illness recovery. Family members, consumers and pro- adults. Their mission is to offer real life experiences for all students, creating
fessional participate in panel discussions as requested by the community organiza- memories to last a lifetime. EAAC will provide a diverse range of learning activities
tions. including recreation, social skills, health and safety and community integrations.

Contact: Luann Baldwin Contact: Kathy Cavanagh

5957 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
lbaldwin@tularehhsa.org
TCMN 200 S. “G” Street
Exeter, CA 93221
exeteradultcenter@yahoo.com EAAC
559-737-4660 (559) 594-4646

PORTERVILLE SHELTERED WORKSHOP pswrehab.com FAMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORK fhcn.org

Porterville Sheltered Workshop services are designed to develop or improve basic Provides accessible comprehensive, patient-oriented healthcare services to
work skills/behaviors and other individually identified critical life skills, allowing individuals and families in our community. Provides primary care services which
the individual the opportunity to progress to the fullest potential of which he/she is include pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, adult medicine, dental services, and health
capable. PSW also operates a full range of wheelchair accessible vans and buses promotion.
to meet individual transportation needs to and from PSW programs.
Contact: Isabel Olmos
Contact: JoAnn Rogers 1107 W. Poplar Ave.
187 W. Olive Ave. Visalia, CA 93291
Porterville, CA 93257 iolmos@fhcn.org
osmus@pswrehab.com (559) 909-4215
559-784-1399

PROTEUS, INC. proteusinc.org FRESNO STATE-SVCS. FOR STUDENTS W/ DISABILITIES csufresno.edu/ssd

Proteus, Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization specializing in em- Offers accommodations for CSUF students with disabilities.
ployment, training, education, and community service. Since 1967 Proteus has
proudly served special-needs populations throughout the Central San Joaquin Val- Contact: Rima Nijmeddin
ley. Proteus strives for quality and performance excellence in all areas of our busi- 5240 N. Jackson Ave. ML 125
ness; from assisting job seekers to providing employers with educated and well- Fresno, CA 93740
trained applicants. rnijmeddin@csufresno.edu
(559) 278-2811
Contact: Terry Cooper
224 N W 3rd Street
Visalia, CA 93291
terric@proteusinc.org
(559) 627-0100

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FUTURE TRANSITIONS INC. KINGS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

A vendor company for CVRC that provides in-home, one-on-one independent liv- Provides services for underserved individuals with mental illness.
ing skills education to adults and children to improve their quality of life. Also
provides transportation for doctor appointments. Contact: Anna Delvill
450 Kings Co. Drive Ste 104
Contact: Ramon Cervantes
2230 W. Sunnyside Ave. Future Hanford, CA 93230
adelvill@co.kings.ca.us
Visalia, CA 93277
ramon6973@sbcglobal.net Transitions (559) 582-3211

(559) 331-2881
Inc.

HANGER PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS hanger.com KINGS COUNTY JOB TRAINING kingsworkforce.org
Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. is a provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) ser- Within Kings County and the immediate area, individuals may be able to obtain
vices and products for individuals with amputations and various muscular and or- short term training to prepare for one of more than 70 demand occupations. Training
thopedic conditions. 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: John Wettstein
705 S. Mooney Blvd. Contact: 124 North Irwin Street
Visalia, CA 93277 Hanford, CA 93230
064000@hanger.com (559) 582-9213
(559) 732-3957

HEALTH INSURANCE, COUNSELING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY nationalmssociety.org
Provides health insurance advocacy with Medicare/Medi-Cal supplemental Programs and services for those living with multiple sclerosis, including referrals
insurance. and financial aid. We also provide public and professional education around MS.
We also promote advocacy efforts for people with disabilities.
Contact: Dori Silveria
3500 W. Mineral King #C Contact: Susan Wallis
Visalia, CA 93292 690 E. Bullard Ave. #103
dsilveri@tularehhssa.org Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 730-2551 susan.mattison@nmss.org
1-800-FIGHTMS

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