DPSS News June 2020

LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY CHURCH HONORS RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOSTER YOUTH CLASS OF 2020

LOBBIES EXPANDING PUBLIC HOURS BUT FOCUS CONTINUES ON SELF-SERVICE OPTIONS s Self-Sufficiency lobbies start to phase in new business hours this month, customers will still be asked to use telephone and online self-service options whenever possible. “Applying for food, cash and medical assistance at C4Yourself.com or on the C4Yourself mobile app helps customers manage their applications and benefits 24 hours a day from home without having to visit an office,” said Assistant Director Allison Gonzalez, program director for Self-Sufficiency. “Our communities have significant needs right now and the available self-service options are an easy and convenient way for our customers to have immediate access to their case information.” Self Sufficiency has processed more than 100,000 new applications since the coronavirus pandemic surfaced in March. Cal-Fresh applications have doubled in that time, with 4 out of every 5 customers accessing services through the C4Yourself portals. Supporting and encouraging customers to access self-service options will help DPSS re-open its lobbies with new safety measures in place, said Special Investigations Unit Chief Shawn Ferris, who is heading the Department Operations Center. “These enhancements are intended to provide additional safeguards for the health of our customers and employees as we deliver quality and timely services,” Ferris said. Near term plans include the installation of clear plexiglass barriers in main interview and customer service areas. Employee and visitors will be required to maintain physical distancing and employees will be required to wear facial coverings over their noses and mouths; visitors will be asked to wear facial coverings as well. Screening questions will be asked at the door. The number of people allowed in lobbies will be limited and set by the size of the space. Customers and staff can find videos about the benefits of self service and how to use these options on the DPSS YouTube Page. Stay connected for more information on our website and follow us on social media @RivCoDPSS HOURS OF EXPANDED LOBBY SERVICE (Effective June 15th) DIVISION OFFICE ADDRESS HOURS A

or the past nine years, volunteers from La Sierra University Church have been committed to creating special gifts for each Riverside County youth in foster care who graduates from high school. Foster youth represent one of the most vulnerable and academically at-risk student groups. Their high school graduation rate is 56% compared to the statewide average of 85%, according to the California Department of Education. This year, close to 100 foster youth in Riverside County are graduating from high school and 10 will be going on to a four-year college. “This is often the only celebration for such an amazing accomplishment of graduation or completion of a GED that our youth in care experience,” said Carrie Mosiello, DPSS Regional Manager for Youth and Community Resources. “They are to be congratulated and celebrated for all their hard work and dedication. Our community partners help us do that!” Youth volunteers spent the past few weeks creating 130 candy leis with suppl ies contributed by La Sierra University Church (LSUC) in Riverside. Dave Toogood, youth pastor from LSUC, purchased 50 pounds of candy and delivered supply bags to church volunteers to assemble the leis from home. The leis were individual ized for each graduate, with a personal message and $30 gift card attached. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 PASTOR DAVE TOOGOOD holds up candy leis made by volunteers F

Blythe

1125 Hobson Way

Hemet

541 N San Jacinto St

8:00am - 10:00am (Walk- Ins) 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Appt. Only)

Indio

44-199 Monroe St

Self Sufficiency

La Sierra

11060 Magnolia Ave

Moreno Valley

12625 Heacock St

Adult Services

Moreno Valley

12125 Day St

8:00am - 5:00pm (Appt. Only)

Child Services

Riverside

11070 Magnolia Ave

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES