Services available in Nevada County & Yuba/Sutter Counties
This service is available to any individual or organization representative who requests information and referral. Information and referral is delivered by FREED service staff and includes information on products, services, equipment, training, legislation and civil rights. Consumers have the option to use the Internet on the consumers' computer to seek the information they desire.
There are two aspects to this service. The first part, the development and maintenance of a registry of independent providers of personal assistance services is ongoing. Ads are placed in the local media either by FREED or by a consumer who wishes to hire a personal assistant. Those who respond complete a questionnaire designed to identify current skills, experience and desired duties. Three complimentary references must be received before a personal assistant is referred to consumers. Following receipt of the references a prescreening interview takes place between the personal assistant and the independent living specialist to review the questionnaire and clarify the relationship between FREED, consumers and personal assistants.
The second aspect to FREED's Personal Assistance Referral Program is referrals to consumers. Consumers contact FREED for names and phone numbers of personal assistants who are qualified to provide services. Financial arrangements and other conditions of employment are made between the consumer/employer and the personal assistant. Employer training for consumers is made available on a one-on-one basis by the Personal Assistant Coordinator. Advocacy and/or assistance with the In-Home Supportive Services program is available with the Personal Assistance Coordinator or an Independent Living Specialist.
Advocacy services are delivered at the request of and in cooperation with the consumer. When service needs are identified by the consumer, the option of formulating a consumer service plan (goals and objectives) is presented by the Independent Living Specialist. Training is provided on consumers' rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and state and federal benefit programs. Skill development such as budgeting, letter writing and other forms of self-expression are also provided when identified in the consumer service plan.
Working with local and state organizations to promote systems change.
Cross disability peer support services are provided by staff and volunteers. The service is available to persons with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities. Staff-delivered peer support is most often provided in conjunction with other core services.
Monthly training is provided to Peer Support Volunteers and focuses on group process. Volunteers facilitate various support groups and are available to meet individually with consumers.
If, in consultation with an Independent Living Specialist, it is determined that the consumer is in need of therapeutic counseling, he/she will be referred to appropriate professional services.
Computers with Internet Access are available at the FREED offices, for use by people with disabilities, free of charge.
The Senior Companion Program matches senior volunteers with individual consumers for socialization and community integration activities.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
Advocacy service plans will be prepared (or waivers signed) and implementation will be carried out by the consumer with the assistance of the Independent Living Specialist. One-on-one training in budgeting, self-expression or other identified skill will be provided.
FREED staff encourages consumers to participate in the advocacy oriented Consumer Group or a peer support group, to consider performing volunteer work, to investigate the services of the Department of Rehabilitation and explore available Social Security work incentive programs. Often these options are considered following completion of the original independent living goals.
Board, staff and volunteers take an active role in community related activities such as awareness speeches at schools, churches and service clubs. Similarly, they provide direction and assume roles in putting on the Nevada County Fair programs and school programs designed to increase awareness among students, teachers and administrators.
This program is designed to assist seniors over 60 and persons with disabilities regardless of age who have home repair problems they cannot resolve which threaten health and safety.
The program uses volunteers who are experienced in home repair. The volunteers can:
A list of reputable contractors is also available for those needing a referral.
The Fix It Program is funded by Area 4 Agency on Aging, City of Yuba City and the County of Nevada .
The FREED service staff is available to assist consumers with issues concerning their right to equal access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, trained ADA advisors are available to provide technical consultation with businesses on a fee-for-service basis.
