Hundreds of people, including SEIU 1021 members, gathered at the Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) in Stockton on Friday, October 10, to enjoy a cultural resource fair that takes place at the site every year. It’s a festive occasion celebrating diversity and giving a chance for employees to better bond with the community they serve, while also connecting clients with additional resources. 

There were dozens of vendors who lined the parking lot providing information to clients and their families who may otherwise not have known about the options available to them. Groups involved included San Joaquin Public Health Services, Health Plan San Joaquin, and other service providers who help with things like navigating the conservatorship process, handling SSI, and signing up for recreational sports. 

SEIU 1021 member Naomi Nelson is a service coordinator with VMRC. She shared the importance of the event, saying, ”A lot of people come here because they want to learn more information and get into the community and meet other people like them.” 

Chinse Daniels, an SEIU 1021 COPE chair for the Central Valley Region, said, “The cultural fest is so important because everybody needs to be involved, including SEIU 1021members. But also just to know that everyone has a place in this world and they definitely have a place to come to and get the services that they need.”

“As a union member, it’s important because we all come together in our work environment to show that we care for our clients outside of our usual services,” said SEIU 1021 member James Rosales, a participant choice specialist of self-determination at VMRC.