Special Needs Resource Fair

On Saturday, Nov. 4, there was a Special Needs Resource Fair at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tehachapi. There were 17 local organizations and agencies present to offer free information to families about their services and resources for special needs and mental health.

Mayor Michael Davies and Police Chief Standridge attended as strong supporters. Resources represented at the fair included: therapy dogs (Bear Valley Springs Tailwaggers Dog Club), therapeutic horseback riding (Rising Star Riders), music lessons (The Well Music and Arts Foundation), play therapy, counseling and LEGO clubs (Healing Connections), social clubs for dinner, dancing and more LEGO clubs (Dudes & Divas and Builders at the Methodist Church), Kern Regional Center, Special Olympics, job coaching and placement services (CSO- Pathways to Work), a day program for adults (CSO- Mountain Pathways), a behavior analyst and BCBA (Hayden Consultants), representatives with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities office that covers our area, supportive services for navigating Self-Determination (Ally Comprehensive Services and First Choice Solutions), mental health services (College Community Services), parent support with HEARTS Connection, and information on supportive services for attending college from Cerro Coso Community College. There was also information on Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships and Guardianships from local Attorney Ciara Martinez and a sign-up for an upcoming free seminar on these topics, as well as more information on Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning from Barry Rosenfeld (Chartered Life Underwriter, Financial Consultant and Lifetime Assistance Planner).

There were also parent advocacy workshops with Q&A sessions run by Advocates Vikki Rice and Beverly Foster. Information to contact these resources can be found on the event's Facebook page in the comments attached to each group's posted picture.

Timaree Torres is the Community Outreach Specialist at LDS Church (Tehachapi tri-ward area).