Why a family resource guide?

To anyone caring for a child or adult with special needs, please know
you are not alone. I am pleased to introduce Barbara Nunez, who has
prepared this resource to assist you and other parents and family
members as you navigate the complex, confusing, and, at times,
frustrating world of Medi-Cal and IDD services in California.
Thanks to Barbara’s efforts, you now have a road map. This document
aims to instill a sense of hope in your journey.
Barbara understands the challenges firsthand. Her son faces ADHD, as well
as depression and anxiety. Her daughter has medically complex needs
stemming from a rare disorder called Menke-Hennekam Syndrome, along
with multiple intellectual and developmental delays as well as seizures.
Barbara has overcome significant obstacles with her children. Along the
way, she has gained valuable insights that we hope will benefit others in
similar situations.
At Legacy Health Endowment, our goal is to help parents and families with
special needs children and to keep you informed and educated. That’s
why we created this guide. We hope you will find it useful, but please
keep in mind an essential lesson Barbara always shares: never hesitate
to ask anyone and everyone who works with your family member about
resources or support they might know of to assist your family.
We also encourage you to conduct thorough research and, most
importantly, to advocate for your family member who may not be able to
advocate for themselves or need assistance learning how to do so.
I want to thank Barbara; Chris Martin, the head of UCP of Stanislaus County;
and LHE consultant Amy Wolfe for bringing this document to fruition.
Good luck on your journey and remember to enjoy each small step of
progress—time passes all too quickly.
Sincerely,

Jeffrey Lewis
President and CEO
Legacy Health Endowment

If you have questions or need guidance, please reach out to Barbara Nunez via email at bnunez@ucpstan.org