Resources for Independence Central Valley

Want to work? Don't let SSI/SSDI benefits stop you. Here's your ticket. July 16th and 30th from 10-11 a.m. #RICV is offering "Ticket to Work" virtual sessions to boost understanding of working while collecting SSI/SSDI. Learn the ins and outs, gain resources, and get your questions answered. Contact Michael Esquibel at [email protected], or Michael Mendez at [email protected] to register. #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Celebrate safely. Stay cool and calm. In observance of the 4th of July, RICV will be closed on Monday, July 5th.

It's your time to get CREATIVE! In Celebration of July's Disability Pride Month, RICV invites youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14-28) to create a poster representing what Disability Pride means to them. Snap a pic of you with your poster and send it to [email protected] BEFORE July 30th. All participants will be featured on our Facebook page and also entered into a prize drawing on July 30th. PLUS--Be sure and join in for TODAY's Be About It at 3:00 p.m. #DisabilityPride #BeAboutIt #RICV #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Let’s Celebrate! Disability Pride Month is an annual and worldwide observance holiday during the month of July. It is used to promote awareness of disability as an identity, a community, a culture, and the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. It directly challenges the systemic ableism and discrimination people with disabilities face. Get ready for Disability Pride in the Park, a RICV signature event coming to Fresno in the Fall of 2022.#RICV #DisabilityPride2021 #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Read all about it! It's all in the summer issue of RICV's E-News. Learn how one TikToker is trying to normalize limb difference. Understand why the COVID-19 vaccine is important for persons with disabilities. Meet RICV's newest team member--Hai Normen. Get information on the three parts of self-advocacy for people with disabilities, and so much more. 16-pages of all the news important to the disability community. Visit: http://www.ricv.org/assets/enews_summer2021.pdf The Alt Text version is in process-stay tuned.

Are you ready to win? Protect yourself, your family, and your community all while having a chance to win a Great America trip package. The first 50 people vaccinated get a $25 gift card, and everyone vaccinated at the Vaccination Extravaganza is entered for weekly drawings as well--iPads or AirPods anyone? Walk-ins are welcome at this cool, indoor event hosted by #RICV. Need more information? Call 888.468.9115 or visit depfresno.com. #ItsYourTurn #GetVaccinated

The safest way to celebrate the new year is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you or virtually with friends and family. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Stay home and stay safe so we can be together next year at this time. #CovidCantStopRICV

RICV is one of several organizations providing help to persons with disabilities affected by COVID-19. The Disability Equity Project is funded by Fresno County's Department of Public Health. Call 888-468-9115 or visit www.depfresno.com. #CovidCantStopRICV #DisabilityEquityProject #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

We are looking for an energetic and engaging person to join our team. RICV has an opening for an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Learn more at: https://www.indeed.com//emergency-preparedness-coordinator

All of us at RICV wish you a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season. We know this year is different, and we need to celebrate differently. As we are in the middle of a COVID-19 surge, we must be vigilant in order to protect ourselves and others. So, stay home for the holidays. Do not gather with other households, even though they may be family members. Celebrate via a Zoom gathering. Stay home. Wear your mask. Stay physically distanced--at least six feet. Wash and disinfect often. We will get through this. #CovidCantStopRICV

Two for Tuesday on Dec. 22--Attend the Disability Action Team meeting at 1:00 p.m., and then enjoy the Cooking for Independence class at 2:30 p.m. Crockpot Cinnamon Rolls and Baked Ziti are on the menu. Email Tanesha at tmorris@ricvorg for more information and the Zoom link. For the Zoom link to the DAT meeting, email Vidal at [email protected]. #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives #RICV

On Tuesday at 2 p.m., RICV is joining with other organizations for a special Zoom presentation to share resources with the Hmong community. Anthem Blue Cross, California's Low Cost Auto Program, and The Fresno Program will be joining RICV in this collaboration. Contact May Ly at [email protected] for more information. #RICV #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Are you ready to stand up and speak out? Tuesday at 1 p.m. Zoom In for the Disability Advocacy Team meeting. Get engaged. Get involved. Get empowered. Email Vidal Medina at [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Weather is colder--the perfect time for a hot bowl of soup. Tuesday's Cooking for Independence Erika and Shoua will focus on Vegetable Quinoa soup and Zuppa Toscana. Email Erika at [email protected] for the Zoom link and recipe list. #CookingForIndependence #RICV #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Zoom in for today's youth-led group, Be About It! Youth ages 16-28 will gather virtually at 3:30 p.m. Don't be left out. Contact Jordan at [email protected], or Sarah at [email protected] for more information or the Zoom link.

What can happen next? Another wildfire? Perhaps an earthquake? A Public Safety Power Shutoff? The continued COVID-19 pandemic? We just never know, so RICV is actively working to get you prepared BEFORE an emergency or disaster strikes. Contact RICV's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Isabella Lo at: [email protected]. She is ready to help you get prepared. Be sure and visit www.ricv.org/eprep/html for more information and tips on emergency preparedness. #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives #EPrep

It's Election Day. Use your Power! REV UP! Make the Disability Vote Count. Today is the day!

2021 Youth Leadership Forum Submit and complete your application to attend the 2021 California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with disabilities. Set for the 11th-16th in July of 2021, the event gives you a chance to develop leadership skills, and learn how to reach your academic, career, and independence goals. This is an exciting virtual week of learning as well as follow-up monthly sessions, and provides the opportunity to make new lifetime friends. In addition, you wi...ll also be able to talk with policy makers and educate them on ways they can improve the lives of young people with disabilities. For more information, and assistance in how to complete the application, e-mail: [email protected]. Click on the following link to learn more and access the application: https://www.dor.ca.gov/home/ylf

Don't be scared. Get prepared! 2020 has been a spooky year--from the COVID-19 pandemic to devastating wildfires. It is more important than ever to get prepared for an emergency BEFORE it happens. Is your emergency plan done? Do you have your to-go bag packed? Is your stay-box ready? RICV's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Isabella Lo, is ready to help you get prepared. Email her at: [email protected]. #EPrep #RICV #EmpoweringIndependence #BePrepared

Zoom In TODAY at 3:30 p.m. for a SPOOK-TASTIC good time. RICV’s youth-led group will be celebrating all things creepy and kooky. Wear your Halloween costume, and bring your favorite candy or sweet treats. We will be telling spooky stories, so join us if you dare! The continuation of Readers Theatre will be led by Jordan Noble. Will Jordan read a scary tale? This weekly gathering is a respectful space for youth with disabilities, age 16-28, to share their thoughts, feelingsan...d in this time of the COVID-19 pandemica needed place for important social interaction in an time of physical distancing. To get the Be About It Zoom link, please e-mail Sarah at [email protected], or Jordan at [email protected]. #BeAboutIt #YouthEmpowerment #RICV #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives

Just because Halloween will look different this year doesn’t mean you can’t look the part. Use the following guidelines as a jumping-off point when deciding how to dress up this year. Low risk: Taking your costume contest online with a video platform A great way to show off costumes to loved ones from the comfort of your couch Moderate risk: Having an outdoor costume gathering or decorative car parade with neighbors Keep the spooky spirit alive while also keeping a safe ...physical distance, and don’t forget to wear a mask High risk: Hosting an indoor costume party with people from outside of your household Avoid this option like you avoid the creepy graveyard around the block. Important reminder: Don’t double up with costume masks over regular face coverings because costume masks may make it hard to breathe. Instead, consider matching your protective mask to your outfit. #YourActionsSaveLives

Join us on TOMORROW at 2 p.m. to learn how to prepare for an emergency or disaster. Feel free to wear your costume (nothing inappropriate or too scary). Email Isabella at: [email protected] to get more information. Click the following link to Zoom in at 2 p.m.: https://ricv.zoom.us/j/82258805207

TODAY at 2:30 p.m., join in and get virtual with Versatile with Veggies. You will learn three healthy recipes using vegetables. There is still time to email Tanesha to get the Zoom link: [email protected] #CookingForIndependence

Zoom in for Tuesday's Disability Advocacy Team meeting where discussion will focus on the upcoming election, and updates from both the Merced and Visalia RICV locations. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Email RICV's Vidal Medina for more information, and the Zoom link: [email protected]

Don't miss the upcoming Cooking for Independence on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. The virtual class will be focused on getting Versatile with Veggies.You will learn three healthy recipes using vegetables, including Stuffed Bell Peppers, Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon, and Zucchini Bread. Zoom in at 2:30 p.m. on October 27th. Email Tanesha at [email protected] to get your list of ingredients and Zoom link. #EmpoweringIndependence #ImprovingLives #CookingForIndependence #RICV

It's scary when you are not prepared for an emergency or disaster. Join us on Thursday to learn how be ready. Attendees will be sent a goodie bag, and feel free to wear your costume (nothing inappropriate or too scary). Email Isabella at: [email protected] to get more information, sign up, and obtain the Zoom link: [email protected]