ABOUT US
Mission
History
Location & Driving Directions
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Values
Accomplishments
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROJECTS
AbilityOne/CalPoly
Opportunities Expo
Elk’s Christmas Party
Worker Appreciation Day
Aktion Club
"Fashion in Aktion” Show
APPROACH TO SERVICES
Person Centered Planning
Customer / Quality Focused
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Click on the graphic above for
more information about the
new building and the
Capital Campaign
AbilityOne/Cal Poly University Senior Projects
VTC Enterprises partners with the Engineering Department at Cal Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo in identifying appropriate projects for their Senior Engineering students. The selection and completion of a project by individual students or a team of students must be typical of problems which engineering graduates would solve in their fields of employment. Projects typically involve assistive technology enabling workers with disabilities to be more productive in their work environment. A chosen project typically involves the student working with persons served and VTC staff members in system design, modeling, analysis and testing. Projects include identifying costs, planning, scheduling, and choosing appropriate research methodology. In recent years Cal Poly students and VTC Enterprises have won top awards in the AbilityOne program’s National Workplace Innovation and Design competition.
The Opportunities Expo Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month In October
In Honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, VTC Enterprises, in coordination with key local organizations, co-sponsor the Annual Santa Maria Opportunities Expo!!
The purpose of this event is to showcase adult service opportunities that are available for individuals living in Northern Santa Barbara and Southern San Luis Obispo Counties. There are employment booths, day program booths, advocacy booths, residential booths and representatives from various programs answer questions. Door prizes and many other free prizes are given away throughout the event.
The fair caters to transition age youth through adults. For example, if an individual is graduating from high school, the Expo is an opportunity to see options that are available from local adult service agencies. For individuals already using adult services, the Expo offers an opportunity to explore a wide variety of programs and work activities.
Congress designated each October as National disability Employment Awareness Month. This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word “physically was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Disability Mentoring Day is a national program started in 1999 in the White House, as a program to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is celebrated every October. The goal of this event is to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands on career exploration.
Elk’s Christmas Party
One of the most eagerly awaited and popular events of the year is the Elk's Christmas party! Every year in December the Santa Maria Elk's Lodge #1538 sponsors a lunch at their lodge for all the staff and persons served at VTC. In addition to a tasty lunch, the day includes a talent contest, dance, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus! The local Elk’s Lodge has been an active supporter of VTC services for many, many years.
Worker Appreciation Day
Another popular event among persons served at VTC is the annual VTC Enterprises Worker Appreciation Day. Held annually in June, the event is designed to spotlight good health and safety and to show appreciation for the hard work everyone puts into their job and skills training day. The day includes a lunch, games, and dancing to the tunes of local radio celebrity Andy Morris, who has donated his time to this event every year since it started. Worker Appreciation Day recognizes the efforts and safe working habits of all workers and persons served at VTC throughout the year.
Aktion Club of Santa Maria
The Aktion Club of Santa Maria was established in 2002. As a part of the Kiwanis family, the Aktion Club is sponsored by the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis and supported by VTC Enterprises. The Aktion Club allows adult members with developmental disabilities the opportunity to give back to the community. The 18 members meet bi-monthly to plan projects, socialize, and have fun. Since its existence, the Aktion club has provided hundreds of service hours to community groups as well as thousands of dollars in fund raising for local organizations.
The Aktion Club of Santa Maria currently has three major projects in addition to the Fashion in Aktion Fashion Show.
- Bi-monthly Aktion Club dinner dances are held for adults with disabilities. Each theme dance is attended by over 100 guests.
- The Aktion Club purchases birthday gifts for CASA children. Gifts are provide on each child’s birthday.
- Aktion Club members hold E-Waste Recycling days at various businesses to provide free e-waste recycling drop off locations to the public in order to encourage recycling.