The San Diego Regional Center

Join us this month as we recognize and uplift Native voices and highlight a few of our staff and their indigenous cultures.? Meet Brenda, SDRC's Cultural Specialist!? Brenda's family is Nahua, an Indigenous community in Mexico.? She shared that the Nahua people have historically lived in southern Mexico, spanning across several states. Her family is from Guerrero, Mexico, and her father's lands are located in a mountainous area a few hours outside of Iguala, the capital of Guerrero. Nahua people are one of the largest Indigenous communities in Mexico. Nahuatl is also the second most commonly spoken language in Mexico after Spanish. Nahua people sustained themselves primarily by growing maiz or milpas. Our people have also been known to make beadwork and embroidered fabrics. Though November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, we encourage everyone to continue learning, honoring, and uplifting about Native communities, cultures, and histories.

What an incredible event this past weekend for the?Foundation for Developmental Disabilities's Season of Sharing! SDRC staff, board members, and so many others gathered at Stone Brewing?to celebrate FDD's Season of Sharing Fundraiser. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event so special. Your support brings holiday magic to families who need it most.

Happy National Entrepreneurs Day! We’re so proud of our clients who’ve turned their dreams into thriving businesses—from bakers and photographers to artists and makers, the talent is endless. Today, we’re celebrating those who follow their passions, and make it happen! ?? Check out just a few of our incredible client entrepreneurs making waves in the world of business ownership.

Meet Lulu, the queen of confidence. Lulu's sister, Audrey, shared that Lulu is the most confident person she knows and it shows! Lulu is a varsity cheerleader, fashion guru, and aspiring model, and actress. She has big dreams and we're so excited to see where her unwavering confidence and passions take her. We know it's bound to take her far. Join us in wishing Lulu the best of luck on her journey!?

November is National Native American Heritage Month! Join us this month as we recognize and uplift Native voices and highlight a few of our staff and their indigenous cultures.? Meet Emmanuel, Program Manager of Unit 7! Emmauel is from the Wailaki tribe. He shared how the Wailaki language is complex and intricate, and how members are working to preserve this important history.? Stay tuned to meet more of our staff representing their tribes!

Exciting news! ?? In partnership with Options For All?and Project SEARCH, we've launched a new worksite at LEGOLAND California Resort! Through Project Search, a community integration training program held right in the workplace, participants get hands-on experience and cross-training in different roles like retail, ride operator, play area attendant, and admissions. In our first cohort, we successfully placed a total of 11 participants. Please join us in celebrating and wishing the very best to the new LEGOLAND team members!

Matthan is a big San Diego Padres fan, but his team and biggest supporters are his family! With the love and support of his parents, William and Viviana, his two older brothers, and the Self-Determination Program, Matthan has accomplished so much—and he’s only eleven! ?? Want to learn more about how the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can make a difference? Visit https://www.sdrc.org/sdp

Meet Joelee, an Education Advocate at Viejas Tribal Education Center! Joelee collaborates with our Tribal Outreach Specialist, Bernadette, to host events and provide resources to families, such as developmental screenings. She offers valuable advice on supporting Native families and emphasizes the importance of one key element: listening. We're grateful to partner with Viejas Tribal Education Center to support their families.?

November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Native American and Alaska Native communities. As of 2021, California is home to 110 federally recognized tribes, with 18 in San Diego County alone—while many other tribes continue their journey toward recognition. Join us this month as we recognize and uplift Native voices and highlight a few of our staff and their indigenous cultures.? First up, Bernadette, our Tribal Outreach Specialist! Bernadette is Kumeyaay, Acjachemen, Payókawichum, and a member of the La Jolla Band of Luise?o Indians.? She shared that when she's presenting or sending out all staff emails, she often uses the greeting “Howka” which means, “hello” in Kumeyaay. Howka is the phenetic spelling and is also written as Haawka. The Kumeyaay language has undergone an immense amount of language loss. As of 2020 only 45 speakers have been identified in the 12 Kumeyaay reservations and 6 communities in Baja California. Language connects people to their cultural identity and there are massive movements for language revitalization happening in tribal communities. Her goal has always been to take both Kumeyaay and Luise?o language classes to strengthen her connection to her culture.? Stay tuned to meet more of our staff representing their tribes!

Earlier this week, we celebrated the 5th anniversary of Jay's Program — a collaborative effort with the County of San Diego?, PRIDE Industries?and GT Independence. Jay's Program offers part-time paid internships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to build key job skills and gain real-world experience. Congratulations to all the graduates from the past five years! We’re thrilled to continue supporting each intern on their journey ahead. Read more below.