Thursday, April 24, 2008

ELARC VAC MEETING 4/24/08

1. OPENING ROUND: ALHAMBRA AND WHITTIER OFFICE

2. CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES
CAC rep for next month: Dan Merrell
FAC rep: Esmeralda Gomez

3. PRESENTATION: Board Presentation on Employment: Community Inclusion
Presenter Cathay Liu discussed Employment First Policies that will affect community Inclusion for persons with developmental delays (handout available).

Examples of Successful Micro enterprise are featured in the latest ELARC Community Report booklet.

Discussed Process and Obstacles with Department of Rehab (DR) and how ELARC collaborates with consumers and vendors.
Tony has referral names for DR Counselors: Deborah Grimm; Steve Thompson in Pasadena, CA; Carmen in Whittier; Debbie Williams in West Covina office; Tony will forward names to Cathay.

4. WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?
ECF runs art programs for consumers with DDs; integrated new site in Downtown LA. Grand Opening Fall 08. Reception for artists in San Pedro, CA on Sat. May 10.

5. ON-GOING ISSUES
Information on Survey is requested to have vendors give feedback.
FAC/VAC Vision Dialogue discussed

6. MEMBER INPUT FOR NEXT AGENDA
Recommendation made by FAC: OT assistants, There is movement on this isssue and Community Services has been contacted on this.

VISION DIALOGUE: Bring ideas to suggest for next VAC meeting to be included in
Sherry Brady, Linda, and Liz took notes.

Sample Questions to be discussed. VLF is available for for pre-planning for this group. Conferences calls are also available. WE need to keep VLF going to improve services and provide training to families. You need be a part of change that is happening. DIVERSIFICATION is the key to be a successful vendor.

VLF: Vendor Leadership Forum meets at 9:00 am before VAC meeting. Meeting Wizard available for conference calling. VLF (subgroup) mission is to give information to vendors: way to make sure services are meeting the broad needs of consumers, expand outreach, and discuss strategic planning and envisioning.

7. CLOSING ROUND

THANK YOU TO MARILYN RAGER & DAN MERRELL FROM MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICE FOR DONATING RAFFLE PRIZE AND BREAKFAST ITEMS.

MAY 22, 2008 - HOSPITALITY & RAFFLE PRIZE: LAURA RUESGA FROM FIESTA EDUCATIVA
2ND RAFFLE PRIZE: MERCEDE SHAMLO EASTER SEALS
DRINKS: ESMERALDA GOMEZ FROM ELS (ENRICHED LEARNING SERVICES, INC.)