SELF ADVOCACY & FAMILY SUPPORT
Self Advocacy
The mission of WRC’s self-advocacy movement is to empower all people to make life choices and to be part of their home communities. Self advocacy groups strive to empower individuals to become active and influential members of their communities, as well as agents of change concerning their rights and wishes. At self advocacy meetings, personal rights are discussed and individuals have an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns. Group members learn from each other and gain confidence to stand up for themselves.
There are currently 17 active self advocacy groups in the WRC area. These groups meet at various community locations including restaurants, malls and community rooms. Meetings offer a great opportunity for members to make new friends and maintain lasting friendships. The frequency and duration of meetings varies depending on the group’s wishes. Attendance at self advocacy meetings is encouraged for all individuals served by WRC.
Self Advocacy Groups
*Please contact Linda Butler, Consumer Advocacy Coordinator, to confirm— (310) 258-4245 or view the monthly Self Advocacy Calendar. Date, time and location vary each month.*
| Name of Group | Information | Meeting Location | Day/Meeting Time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Network | Quiznos 6257 Bristol Pkwy, Culver City, CA 90230 | 2nd Monday of each month 5:00 to 7:00 pm | |
| Go-Getters | Hamburger Habit 11223 National Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 | 3rd Monday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| People First | El Pollo Loco 5529 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City (Cross Street – Berryman) | 1st Tuesday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| Self-Determination | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. Culver City, CA 90230 | 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:00-8:00 pm | |
| Shakers | Howard Hughes Center 6081 Center Dr. Los Angeles | 3rd Tuesday of each month 4:00-7:00 pm | |
| Movers | Hamburger Habit 11223 National Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 | 4th Tuesday of each month 5:00-7:00pm | |
| WRC Consumer Advisory Committee | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. Culver City, CA 90230 | 1st Wednesday of each month 3:30 – 8/9:00 pm | |
| Winners | Quiznos 6257 Bristol Pkwy, Culver City, CA 90230 | 2nd Wednesday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| Wellness Group | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. Culver City, CA 90230 | 3rd Wednesday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| P.I.A. | Ono Hawaiian BBQ 10814 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City | 1st Thursday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| Independent Group | Fox Hills Park 5809 Green Valley Cir, Culver City, CA 90230 | 5:00-7:00pm | |
| Fox Hills Group | Fox Hills Park 5809 Green Valley Cir, Culver City, CA 90230 | 3rd Thursday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm | |
| Travel Club | El Pollo Loco #3541 5529 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 | 5:00-7:00pm | |
| Let’s Talk Self-Advocacy | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. Culver City, CA 90230 | 3rd Tuesday of each month 3:00-4:00pm | |
| Mock IPP Meeting | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. Culver City, CA 90230 | 2nd Monday of each month 5:00pm-7:00pm | |
| Volunteering | Burger King Westfield Mall 6000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 | 5:00-7:00pm | |
| Know Your Legislators | Hamburger Habit 11223 National Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 | 5:00-7:00pm | |
| Peer Support Group (27+ Years) | This is an exciting group for clients of WRC who are 27+ years of age, are interested in peer support and in assisting and empowering not only themselves, but also their peers. Please contact your service coordinator to discuss referral and current availability. | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Please contact your service coordinator. |
| Peer Support Group (Transition Age Youth: 17-27 Years) | This is a vibrant group for clients of WRC who are between the ages of 17 to 27 years and who are interested in empowering themselves and their peers – in a supportive, welcoming environment. Please contact your child or young adult’s service coordinator to discuss referral and current availability. | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Please contact your service coordinator. |
Peer Mentor Lifestyle Coach Agency – Healthy Lifestyles
The Peer Mentor Lifestyle Coach Agency (PMLCA) is a non-profit organization that specializes in training people with development disabilities to serve as Peer Mentors. The unique feature of PMLCA is that Peer Mentors are responsible for training and assisting others with development disabilities. Peer mentors are trained to provide independent living support, mobility training, community inclusion, socialization and health lifestyle coaching. Peer mentors are responsible for training and assisting others to develop the sills necessary to live as independently as possible. Peer Mentors also provide skills training in: budgeting, shopping, meal planning and preparation, household maintenance, time management, community access, mobility, self-advocacy, developing effective communication skills and locating social and recreational opportunities.
PMLCA Healthy Lifestyle Change Program
The Healthy Lifestyle Change program is a service for Peer Mentor Lifestyle Coach Agency. The healthy Lifestyle Change program is another peer mentoring venture which was established to identify and support adults with disabilities who are at risk for or who have a diagnosis of Type II diabetes as well as supporting people who wish to develop a more healthful lifestyle. The groups meet at the Westside Regional Center located in Culver City. Peer Mentors, fitness and nutrition facilitators support people to incorporate exercise and good nutrition education into their daily routines.
| Name of Group | Activities | Day/Meeting Time | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Lifestyle Change | Fitness & yoga | Every Tuesday and Thursday of the week 2:00-4:00pm | (424) 703-0728 Click here for the monthly calendar. |
| Healthy Cooking & Eating Class | Nutrition and cooking demonstration | Every Wednesday of the week 3:30-5:00pm | (424) 703-0728 Click here for the monthly calendar. |
Networking and Life Skills Group
- Who comes to this fun group? Anyone who wants to be social and have fun!
- May I bring a friend? Of course! Bring a friend and you will also make friends at the group.
- Is there food? YES! We have tasty refreshments.
- How much does it cost to go? It’s FREE! That’s right, FREE!
- What if I’m looking for a roommate? Attend a “Networking” meeting and one of the peer mentors can assist you.
| Name of Group | Activities | Day/Meeting Time | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Networking and Life Skills Group | Fun Activities, Yummy Snacks, Get Social – Hang out with your Friends and Meet new ones. Participate in Interactive Presentations | 2nd Thursday & 3rd Wednesday of each month 4:30-6:30pm | (424) 703-0728 Click here for the monthly calendar. |
Family Support
Families of the individuals that we serve play a key role in their child’s life. In addition to nurturing, caring and providing for a child’s well-being, your responsibilities include understanding special needs and the services that are available to help. Family members often find that sharing their feelings and experiences in a supportive setting can be meaningful and helpful. Participating in support groups is one way families obtain information, education, training and emotional support.
Westside works closely with our Family Resource and Empowerment Center (WFREC) to develop and offer a number of support groups for our community. Our WFREC also maintains resources of groups in the community, information regarding a wide variety of support groups in our community, and national organizations. Click HERE to visit the Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center website.
If you need additional information, contact your WRC Service Coordinator, or call WFREC at 310-258-4063.
WFREC Family Support Groups
| Name | Information | Meeting Location | Meeting Date &Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| African American/Black Families Support Group | Let’s make it happen, TOGETHER! Be part of the conversation: our safety, our resources, our concerns, our needed services and more. Phone: (310) 258-4063 Must RSVP for childcare via WFREC. | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30-8:30pm |
| Alianza Familias Especiales (A.F.E.) | This group offers support for Spanish speaking parents of infants, toddlers, and children who have special needs. Phone: 310-695-6941 Contact: Francis Gomez Must RSVP for childcare via WFREC. | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 2nd Wednesday of the month 7:00-9:00pm |
| Los Angeles Asperger Syndrome Parents’ Support Group | An off-site support group for parents of children diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Phone: 310-636-0101 Email: laasperger@gmail.com Contact: Jim & Fran NO CHILDCARE | Community Room, Outpatient Counseling Center 3200 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, 90064 | Every 2nd Wednesday of each month 7:00-9:00pm |
| Parents of Ethiopian Children with Special Needs | This group offers support for Ethiopian parents with children who have special needs. Phone: 310-447-5111 Contact: Feben Fantu Must RSVP for childcare via WFREC. | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 3rd Friday of each month 6:30-8:30pm |
| Siempre Amigas | This group offers support for Spanish speaking parents of infants, toddlers, and children with special needs. Phone: 310-258-4063 NO CHILDCARE | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 3rd Monday of each month 10:30am-1:00pm |
| West L.A. CHADD | Provides support for families of children, youth, or adults with ADD/ADHD. Phone: 310-995-7953 Contact: Regina Lark NO CHILDCARE | Westside Regional Center 4th Floor, Conference Room 4A 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 3rd Tuesday of the month 7:00-8:30pm |
| Westside TIGERs | Workshops on Special Education advocacy for parents of infants, toddlers, and children with special needs. Phone: 310-674-2690 Email: westsidetigers4@gmail.com NO CHILDCARE | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Every 3rd Friday of the month 9:00am-12:00pm |
| Therapeutic Support Group for Parents of Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities | This therapeutic group focuses on improving our ability to cope with stress and feel less overwhelmed in our journey as parents, while improving our collective resilience together. Please contact your child’s service coordinator to discuss referral and current availability. | Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Please contact your service coordinator. |
WFREC Monthly Workshops
The following workshops are for WRC families ONLY. For additional workshops, view our workshop calendar.
| Name | Information | Meeting Location | Meeting Date &Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informed Education Partners (IEP) | Provides information and strategies to assist parents to become stronger advocates for the Individualized Education Plan meeting with the school district. RSVP Line: 310-258-4063 Must RSVP for childcare via WFREC. | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. | 1st Thursday of each month 6:30-8:30pm |
| In-Home Support Services Workshop: Orientation to the IHSS Program | Introduction to IHSS for individuals who are initially applying or need to learn basic information about the IHSS program. Please reserve your space prior to the IHSS Workshop. No “drop-ins” will be allowed in during the workshop. Training starts promptly. Doors close after 20 minutes. RSVP Line: (310) 258-4063 | Westside Regional Center 3rd Floor, Boardroom 3A/B 5901 Green Valley Circ. Please follow signs day of | Spanish: 1st Tuesday of each month English: 2nd Tuesday of each month 10:00am-12:00pm |
| In-Home Support Services Workshop: Advanced IHSS Trainings | For individuals who need more in-depth information about the IHSS program and who may be appealing, requesting more hours, or re-evaluations. Bring your IHSS Notice of Action (NOA) and any other documentation you want to share pertaining to IHSS. Please reserve your space prior to the IHSS Workshop. No “drop-ins” will be allowed in during the workshop. Training starts promptly. Doors close after 20 minutes. RSVP Line: (310) 258-4063 | Westside FREC 3rd Floor, FREC Library 5901 Green Valley Circ. | Spanish: 1st Tuesday of the month English: 2nd Tuesday of each month 1:30-3:30pm |
| Sibshops | Support program for siblings who have brothers or sisters with any special needs who are WRC clients. Program runs from October to June RSVP Line: 310-258-4063 | Westside FREC 3rd Floor, FREC Library 5901 Green Valley Circ. | 2nd Saturday of each month (October to June) 9:00am-1:00pm |