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Self-Help Probate Resources

Probate Resources

This section tells you about programs and services that can help you. Please contact them directly.

Click on a link below for more information:

  1. The Public Guardian
  2. The Public Administrator
  3. Adult Protective Services (APS)
  4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal
  5. Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
  6. Services for People with Brain Injury and/or Mental Impairment
  7. Services for People with Mental Illness
  8. Services and Benefits for Veterans
  9. Services for People With Specific Diseases and Disabilities, like:
  10. Housing and Living Services, like:
  11. Help with Transportation
  12. Sourcewise Online Resource Directory (previously Council on Aging Silicon Valley)
  13. Job Training
  14. More Agencies and Information
  1. The Public Guardian/Conservator

    The Court sometimes appoints the Public Guardian of Santa Clara County as conservator for an adult who cannot care for him/herself or his/her finances. The Court can also appoint the Public Guardian as trustee for an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated person when no friend or relative can be trustee.

    If you are worried about an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated adult, you can ask the Public Guardian for help. For more information or to ask for help, call: (408) 755-7610 . If you think there is financial abuse, call the APS (Adult Protective Services) hotline: 1-800-414-2002 .

  2. The Public Administrator
     

    The Santa Clara County Public Administrator handles estates for decedents (people who die) when no family member or other person can do it. The Public Administrator can take control of the decedent’s estate right away to make sure that nothing gets lost.

    The Public Administrator can:

    • find (locate) family,
    • make burial arrangements,
    • manage assets,
    • pay creditors,
    • pay administration costs, and
    • distribute the rest of the estate to the decedent's heirs or beneficiaries.

    If the decedent leaves a Will, the Court may also appoint the Public Administrator as executor. But, only if the original executor can’t or does not want to serve. For more information, call: (408) 755-7610 .

  3. Adult Protective Services (APS)

    Adult Protective Services (APS) helps elder and dependent adults who may have been hurt by abuse or neglect. APS services are free if you need them.

    Services include:
     

    • investigation,
    • assessment,
    • counseling,
    • help developing a service plan,
    • case management, and
    • referrals to community agencies.

    APS wants to help adults:

    • protect their own interests,
    • increase their personal strengths, and
    • set up support systems.

    If you are worried about someone because you think there is physical, emotional or financial abuse, call the APS hotline: 1-800-414-2002 .

    In cases of financial abuse, APS works with the Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST). FAST helps the DA prosecute these cases.

  4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal

    SSI gives money to:
     

    • low-income seniors (65 years old and over),
    • the blind, and
    • people with disabilities.

    Whether or not you can get SSI depends on how much money you make and what you own. If you get Social Security, you may also be able to get SSI. To see if you or a family member can get SSI, call or visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in your area:

    For Santa Clara (except Gilroy) call: (800) 772-1213
    For Gilroy, call: (408) 842-4485

    Or, go to the Social Security District Office: 280 So. 1st Street Room 244, 2nd Floor San Jose, CA 95113 Hours: 9 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday.

    Website: www.ssa.gov Medi-Cal helps pay for medical care for:

    • low-income seniors,
    • the blind, and
    • people with disabilities.

    Anyone who can get SSI can also get Medi-Cal. For more information on Medi-Cal and Adult/Elder Services, go to the Medi-Cal section of this website.

    For information and application forms, contact: Social Services Agency Medi-Cal Eligibility Unit 751 South Bascom Avenue, Bldg. T-25 San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 793-6709 .

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday.

  5. Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

    Here is a list of places to get help for a person with a developmental disability in Santa Clara County:
     

    Abilities United
    525 East Charleston Road Palo Alto, CA 94306-4247
    Tel: (650) 494-0550

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday

    Website: www.AbilitiesUnited.org

    		Information, referrals and legal help for people with developmental disabilities. Services include:
    • Home Companion Program (gives help to caregivers),
    • Residential Program for adults over 18,
    • Adult Development Center (helps people learn life skills and how to work with others),
    • Creative Recreation Program (for young adults during summers and after school),
    • Contract and Employment Services (provides work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities)
    • Swimming lessons and a therapeutic swimming program at the Betty Wright Swim Center in Palo Alto
    • Family support and services for the benefit of the developmentally disabled (including acting as an advocate when needed)
    Area Developmental Disabilities Board VII 2580 North First Street, Suite 240 San Jose, CA 95131
    Tel: (408) 324-2106
    Fax: (408)324-2108

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday

    		 Provides information, referrals and legal help for people with developmental disabilities. There are 13 "Area Boards" in California. Board VII serves Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Contact Board VII if you:
    • have trouble getting a service a family member needs,
    • think the rights of a person with a developmental disability are being violated, or
    • have ideas about how to improve the services of agencies that help the developmentally disabled.

    Easter Seals Bay Area
    Early Intervention - South Bay
    4320 Stevens Creek Blv. Ste. 190
    San Jose, CA 95129
    Tel: (408) 654-9311
    FAX: (408) 654-9847

    Website: easterseals.com/bayarea (for the Bay Area)

    		 Comprehensive therapeutic services to help individuals w/disabilities gain greater independence and mobility. Therapeutic services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy.
    Employment and Community Options
    1922 The Alameda, Suite 210
    San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 423-9484
    FAX: (408) 423-9607

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday

    Website: http://www.communityoptions.org

    		Services include:
    • Integrated or supported employment.
      • Integrated - group of 3 individuals with 100% employment coaching
      • Supported - 1 individual, starting with 100% coaching, then drops off as individuals ability increases.
    • Mobility training,
    • Assistive technology services - technology specific to the individuals needs, hearing or site impaired technology
    • Independent Living Skills (ILS) program (gives different levels of help for independent living).
    Greater Opportunities Serving the Developmentally Disabled
    900 Lafayette Street, #700 San Jose
    Santa Clara , CA 95050
    Tel: (408) 248-1221

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday

    		 Several centers in Santa Clara county with services like:
    •  
    • training in self-care and community safety,
    • pre-academic and leisure activities, and
    • structured day programs for adults (18 years and over) with developmental disabilities.

    Get a referral from SARC (see below).
    Hope Services
    30 Las Colinas Lane San Jose, CA 95119

    Tel: (408) 284-2850

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday

    Website: www.hopeservices.org/

    		Provides job training, sheltered workshop experience and counseling in several centers located in Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

    In addition, provides

    • training in self-care,
    • community safety,
    • pre-academic activities and
    • leisure activities

    depending on the individual's program plans.

    Manages the Senior Activity Center, which provides special structured day programs to developmentally disabled adults age 50 and over.
    Housing for Independent People (HIP)
    481 Valley Way Milpitas, CA 95035
    Tel: (408) 941-1850 or 941-1855
    Tel (Watsonville): (831) 722-3322
    FAX: (408) 941-0294

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.hip4housing.org/

    		Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include:
    • adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities
    • low-income seniors
    • people with HIV/AIDS and
    • persons with very low income
    Jack Douglas Center
    1290 North First Street
    San Jose, CA 95112

    Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Services include:
    • day programs,
    • instruction,
    • socialization, and
    • behavioral training.

    In a structures, but least restrictive, environment.

    Get a referral from a social service professional or SARC (see below).
    Law Foundation of Silicon Valley Mental Health Advocacy Project (MHAP)
    152 North Third St., 3rd Floor
    Tel: (408) 293-4790
    FAX: (408) 294-0206

    Hours: 9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 5 pm, Monday through Thursday
    Friday 9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 4 pm
    Click for Website

    		Services include free:
    • legal help,
    • information,
    • advocacy to make mental health and developmental services better, and
    • help and representation on public benefits, economic rights, patients rights, housing rights, discrimination and general legal problems
    Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) 1880 Pruneridge Ave.
    Santa Clara, CA 95050
    Tel: (408) 245-3400
    FAX: (408) 260-7267

    Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.pacificautism.org/

    		Special instructional classes in speech and language development, occupational skills and behavior management for autistic people or people who have a developmental disability. There are 3 residential homes for adults 18-59+ years of age, in Sunnyvale and in San Jose, and 2 homes in Cupertino for children 3-18 years of age. Call for more information on if you qualify.
    Parents Helping Parents
    1400 Parkmoor Ave, Ste. 100
    San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 727-5775
    FAX: (408) 286-1116

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday Website: www.php.com/

    		For parents of children with special needs (like Down's Syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, autism, attention deficit disorders and premature birth, to name a few). You can find:
    • information,
    • training,
    • mentoring,
    • parent to parent contacts,
    • referrals,
    • networking and support groups,
    • a lending library, and
    • information on helpful technological devices and other local resources.
    San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)
    300 Orchard City Drive, #170 Campbell, CA 95008
    Or, mail to: P.O. Box 50002 San Jose, CA 95150-0002
    Tel: (408) 374-9960
    FAX: (408) 376-0586

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday Website: www.sarc.org/

    		Information and help for people with developmental disabilities. SARC helps people in Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Services include:
    • diagnosis and evaluation,
    • counseling and advocacy,
    • help finding a place to live in the community,
    • help going to (or leaving) a State Developmental Center,
    • coordinating services,
    • referrals to other agencies, and
    • payment for some services.
    Santa Clara County Office of Education
    1290 Ridder Park Drive San Jose, CA 95131-2304
    Tel: (408) 453-6500
    FAX: (408) 453-6656 (Special Education Dept.)

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.sccoe.org/

    		Special education programs for people with severe handicaps. The programs are for people from birth to age 22. Contact the school district you live in to get more information.
    Social Vocational Services (SVS)
    124 Blossom Hill Road, Suite F
    San Jose, CA 95123
    Tel: (408) 574-3950
    FAX: (408) 574-3954

    471 Gianni Street
    Santa Clara CA 95054
    Tel: (408) 727-3370
    FAX: (408) 727-3593
    Hours: 7 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday

    8080 Santa Teresa Blvd. Ste. 240
    Gilroy, CA 95020
    Tel: (408) 848-6040
    FAX: (408) 848-6035

    		 Help with work skills and finding a job, for adults with developmental disabilities (with a referral from the San Andreas Regional Center or the Dept. of Rehabilitation), SVS also has a local behavior treatment program.
    Special Olympics Northern California
    1445 Koll Circle, Suite 104
    San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 392-0170
    FAX: (408) 392-0158

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website:
    www.sonc.org/

    		Athletic training and competition programs in various sports, for developmentally disabled children and adults.
    United Cerebral Palsy Association
    National Website: www.ucp.org     		Help for family members and people who have:
    • Cerebral Palsy,
    • mental retardation,
    • autism,
    • epilepsy,
    • learning disabilities,
    • Muscular Dystrophy,
    • Spina Bifida, and
    • Multiple Sclerosis.
  6. Services for People with Brain Injury and/or Mental Impairment

    Here is a list of places to get help for people with brain injury and mental impairment in Santa Clara County:
     

    Family Caregiver Alliance
    180 Montgomery Street, Suite 900
    San Francisco, CA 94104
    Tel: (415) 434-3388
    or (800) 445-8106

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.caregiver.org

    		Services for people caring for adults who are brain-impaired (because of an accident or a disease such as Alzheimer's).
    Regional Medical Center, San Jose Rehabilitation Services Department
    225 N. Jackson Avenue San Jose, CA 95116

    Tel: (408) 729-2882
    Website:
    www.regionalmedicalsanjose.com

    		Rehabilitation services for patients recovering from spinal injuries, head trauma and brain injuries.
    Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center 751 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128

    Tel: (408) 885-2000
    Click for website

    		Provides training in independent living skills (in preparation for leaving hospital care) to clients recovering from spinal cord or head injuries.
    Services for Brain Injury, Transitional and Development Programs
    60 Daggett Drive, San Jose, CA 95134
    Tel: (408) 434-2277
    Fax: (408) 434-2278

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Thursday, closed on Friday
    Website: www.sbicares.org/

    		Services include:
    • a day-treatment program for survivors of head injury (to learn as much independence as possible),
    • help with personal plans, job training and support, and information and referrals.
    Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
    2202 N. First St. San Jose, CA 95131
    Tel: (408) 894-9041
    TTY: (408) 945-2205
    Fax: (408) 894-9050

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.svilc.org

    		Services that promote independence in jobs, housing and living at home. You can get:
    • counseling,
    • advocacy,
    • information,
    • referrals, and
    • loans of equipment for persons with disabilities in order to promote independence
    Skills Plus Santa Clara Adult Education
    1840 Benton Street Santa Clara, CA 95050
    Tel: (408) 423-2102
    FAX: (408) 423-3665

    Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday

    		 The primary program is designed for stroke survivors and individuals who suffer from neurological disorders or physical disabilities. Taught by occupational therapists and speech therapists. Classes include:
    • mobility training,
    • upper body exercises,
    • memory training,
    • perceptual skills,
    • language skills,
    • listening skills, and
    • speech skills.

    There are also independent living classes, like

    • basic food preparation,
    • leisure activities, and
    • arts and crafts.
    VTF Services
    918 North Rengstorff Avenue
    Mountain View, CA 94043
    Tel: (650) 934-9091
    FAX: (650) 493-9092    		 Local rehabilitation program. VTF gives supervised jobs and training in Janitorial Services, Grounds Maintenance and Assembly Packaging. The program is for high-functioning people with disabilities and for mentally impaired people.

    For more help you can go to other listings, like veterans benefits and services, out-of-home placement for supervised care, etc.

  7. Services for People with Mental Illness

    Here is a list of places to get help for a person with mental illness in Santa Clara County:
     

    Community Solutions
    9015 Murray Ave., #100 Gilroy, CA 95020
    (408) 842-7138

    16264 Church St. #103 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
    (408) 779-2113

    5671 Santa Teresa Blvd., #s202, 203 San Jose, CA 95123
    (408) 225-9163

    24-Hour domestic violence crisis line: (877) END-SADV (877-363-7238)

    Website: www.communitysolutions.org

    		Programs include:
    • Behavioral Healthcare Services, individual, group and family counseling. Supportive Housing Services for Mentally Ill Adults and Sober living environment residence.
    • Prevention and Education Services, home based support for overburdened families with at least one child under 5 years old
    • Solutions to Violence Services, 24-hour Rape Crisis Line, support groups for assault survivors. Women’s Shelter for battered women.
    Law Foundation of Silicon Valley Mental Health Advocacy Project
    152 North Third St. 3rd Floor
    San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 293-4790

    Hours: 9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 5 pm Monday through Thursday
    Friday: 9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 4 pm
    Website:
    www.lawfoundation.org

    		Information and advocacy for mentally ill people and people with developmental disabilities. The project wants to protect the legal rights of the mentally ill and developmentally disabled. You can get free legal advice, referral and representation for:
    • daily living problems (like care and treatment,
    • education and employment (information and referral only)
    • public benefits
    • economic rights,
    • housing rights,
    • consumer issues (information and referral only)
    • discrimination
    • general legal questions

    Call or stop by the office.
    Momentum for Mental Health
    Main Offices:

    2001 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 261-7777 (established clients)

    438 North White Road San Jose, CA 95127 Tel: (408) 254-6828 (established clients)

    206 California Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306
    Tel: (650) 617-8340 (established clients)

    General information: (408) 260-4040
    FAX: (408) 260-4057
    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    After hours emergency service:
    1-800-260-4057
    Website:
    www.momentumformentalhealth.org

    		Mental health services for youth and adults recovering from emotional or mental illnesses. Residential programs – help people transition from hospital care to everyday life. Vocational services - training and help for people getting work or going back to work. Family services –gets families involved by giving them support and information. Self service – helps people share experiences and get emotional support through groups (like Schizophrenics Anonymous, and Peer Counseling). Specialized and culturally competent services - for African American, Asian and Latino people. Other services and programs:
    • Adult long-term and short-term homes
    • Independent supported housing programs
    • Places to get day treatment and rehabilitation
    • Teams that help individual cases
    • Teams that help people find and keep work
    • Community support and prevention programs
    NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Santa Clara County
    1150 S. Bascom Ave, Ste 24,
    San Jose, CA 95128
    Tel: (408) 453-0400
    FAX: (408) 453-2100

    Hours: 10 am - 2 pm Monday through Friday Local website: www.namisantaclara.org National website: www.nami.org

    		Services include:
    • information and referrals,
    • advocacy for the mentally ill, and
    • a library of helpful information for sale or to look at.

    You may have to pay a fee.
    Santa Clara County Mental Health Services Santa Clara County Bascom Mental Health Center
    Administrative Office (not clinic): 828 South Bascom Ave, Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95128
    Tel: (408) 885-5770 (Administration)
    Tel: (800) 704-0900 (Mental Health Call Center)

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.sccmhd.org

    		Santa Clara County Mental Health Department provides screening and referrals for mental health treatment for families who receive Medi-Cal benefits.
  8. Services and Benefits for Veterans

    Here is a list of places to get help for a veteran in Santa Clara County:
     

    Office of Veterans Services, Santa Clara County
    68 N. Winchester Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95050
    Tel: (408) 553-6000

    FAX: (408) 553-6018
    Hours: 8 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 4 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Help getting state and federal benefits for veterans and their families.
    San Jose GI Forum Vida Nueva Alcohol/Drug Sober Living Environment
    2212 Quimby Road San Jose, CA 95122
    Tel:(408) 238-1820
    Click for website     		Vida Nueva helps adult males and their families return to productive lives. Bilingual staff provides peer-level recovery resources. The 120-day minimum program is for men 18 years or older who have had at least 72 hours of abstinence who require no nursing care and who agree to abide by the program regulations. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00pm.
    US Government Department of Veterans Affairs Day Respite Program - San Jose Outpatient Clinic
    80 Great Oaks Boulevard San Jose, CA 95119 Tel: (408) 363-3000

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Veterans can get:
    • medical care
    • mental health and general psychiatric services,
    • case management,
    • substance abuse services.

    They also have many special services for HIV infected and AIDS veterans.
    US Government Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office
    1301 Clay Street, 12th Floor, North Tower of the Oakland Federal Building
    Oakland, CA 94612-5209

    Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday
    Tel: (800) 827-1000 (Main number for information and referral listing for veteran benefits and services)
    Website: www.va.gov

    		Information and referrals for veterans’ benefits and services.
    United States Government, Department of Veterans Affairs "Vet Center"
    278 North 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 993-0729
    FAX: (408) 993-0829

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Services are only for veterans of foreign wars. They include:
    • information on benefits,
    • referrals to other agencies,
    • counseling services for the vet and his/her family, and
    • bereavement counseling for families of veterans lost in war zones

    The following services are available from the Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

    Addiction Treatment Services (ATS), Menlo Park Division
    795 Willow Road, Bldg. 321 Menlo Park, CA 94025
    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 22734
    (866) 717-1978 (Hotline)

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Services include:
    • help if you are addicted but ready to quit,
    • withdrawal day treatment or partial hospitalization,
    • a relapse prevention program, and
    • referrals to other help.
    Ambulatory Care Service
    3801 Miranda Avenue, Building 101 Palo Alto, CA 94304

    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 65895

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
    • primary evaluation and assessment point for medical services to eligible veterans
    • comprehensive medical services provided with preference to military service-connected disabilities or illnesses and to low-income veterans
    Hospital Based Home Care Program (HBHC) Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 62140
    or (800) 455-0057

    Mail to: 3801 Miranda Avenue, Bldg. 100, Unit 2C Palo Alto, CA 94304

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Services for home-bound veterans include:
    • medical,
    • social,
    • psychiatric and
    • case management.

    HBHC has people trained to help:

    • make treatment plans,
    • get adaptive equipment,
    • figure out proper diet, and
    • refer you to other community resources.

    Volunteers give companionship and respite. Apply by phone.
    Menlo Park Division, Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic
    795 Willow Road, Bldg. 321, 170A Menlo Park, CA 94025

    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 22236
    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
    • serves as the entry point for veterans seeking mental health and psychiatric services
    • offers outpatient services
    • does assessments and makes referrals to day treatment programs
    • provides treatment for acute and chronic conditions
    Menlo Park Division, Respite Care
    795 Willow Road, Bldg. 324 and Bldg. 331 Menlo Park, CA 94025
    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 23217

    Hours: 8 am - 8 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Limited relief for caregivers of veterans who:
    • are disabled
    • are chronically ill
    • are elderly
    • live in their home and require 24-hour care
    Menlo Park Division, Transitional Care & Nursing Home Care Unit
    795 Willow Street, Building 331 Menlo Park, CA 94025

    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 27193 or 27185

    Hours: 8 am - 8 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Care for veterans who need temporary or long-term skilled nursing services.
    Mental Health Emergency Unit
    3801 Miranda Avenue, Building 100, Room 320 Palo Alto, CA 94304
    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 65577

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Emergency psychiatric evaluations and referrals.
    Older Adult, Family Research and Resource Center Caregiver Assistance Program
    795 Willow Road, 182C- MP Menlo Park, CA 94025
    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 22011
    (800) 943-4333 (voice mail)

    Hours: 9 am - 6 pm Tuesday through Thursday

    		 Classes for caregivers of adults aged 50 and over. Caregivers learn how to deal with stressful situations. Hispanic caregivers can take a special class.
    Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Menlo Park Division, Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic
    795 Willow Road, Bldg. 321, 170-A Menlo Park, CA 94025
    Tel: (650) 617-2678 , or
    (650) 493-5000 ext. 22234

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Starting point for veterans who need mental health and psychiatric services. They
    • have inpatient and outpatient services,
    • give referrals to day treatment and sheltered workshop programs,
    • do assessments,
    • focus on chronic and long-term conditions.
    Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Hospice Care
    3801 Miranda Avenue, Building 100, Ward 4A Palo Alto, CA 94304
    Tel: (650) 849-0550 (24-hour service)    		 Tries to make life comfortable and pain-free for terminally ill veterans. Helps both inpatients and outpatients.
    Western Blind Rehabilitation Center
    3801 Miranda Avenue, Bldg. 48 Palo Alto, CA 94304
    Tel: (650) 493-5000 ext. 64359 or 64363

    Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Residential treatment program for blind or visually impaired veterans.
  9. Services for People with Specific Diseases and Disabilities

    Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
     

    ADD/ADHD Resources

    Website: www.addresources.org

    		National non-profit organization helping people with ADD/ADHD develop their full potential. At their site - the National ADHD Directory, which lists:
    • ADD/ADHD service providers and products on the Internet
    • Articles by national authorities, as well as individuals with ADD/ADHD, for free downloading

     

    HIV/AIDS or Related Diseases:

    AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC)
    2684 Middlefield Rd.,
    Redwood City, CA 94063

    Tel: (650) 483-4187

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    Website: www.acrc.org/

    		Provides programs that are responsive to the changing needs of those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV) by offering:
    • innovative outreach education
    • prevention
    • case management
    • food
    • transportation
    • clinical trial services
    Center for Disease and Control Information Line

    Tel: (800) 232-4636 (English/Spanish)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348

    Website: www.cdc.gov/

    		Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to:
    • answer questions,
    • provide referrals, and
    • send free publications through email and postal mail
    Family Caregiver Alliance
    180 Montgomery Street, Ste. 900
    San Francisco, CA 94104
    Tel: (415) 434-3388
    (800) 445-8106 (California only)

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.caregiver.org

    		Services like: Workshops for caregivers of brain impaired adults and victims of AIDS dementia.
    Health Trust
    1400 Parkmoor Ave. Ste. 230
    San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 961-9850

    FAX: (408) 961-9856
    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm (closed 12 - 1), Mon-Friday
    Website: HealthTrust Website

    		Serves anyone in living with HIV/AIDS in Santa Clara County by assuring access to all services needed to promote health, dignity, and quality of life, thereby preventing the spread of HIV.
    Necessities and More
    65 West Rincon Avenue Campbell, CA 95008 FAX: (408) 378-4445    		 Food, clothing, utilities and emergency rent money for poor people with AIDS or related diseases.

     

    Blindness and/or Visual Handicaps:

    Books Aloud, Inc.
    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 150 E. San Fernando Street San Jose, CA 95112

    Or mail to: P.O. Box 5731 San Jose, CA 95150
    Tel: (408) 808-2613
    FAX: (408) 808-2625

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.booksaloud.org

    		Library of fiction and non-fiction audiocassettes you can borrow for free. Serves all disabilities.
    California State Department of Rehabilitation, Blind Services
    100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 324 San Jose, CA 95113
    Tel: (408) 277-1355

    Hours 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.dor.ca.gov/ (Dept. of Rehab.)

    		 Services include:
    • education,
    • job training,
    • classes in mobility, adaptive techniques and devices, and transportation training.
    • counseling.
    Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Merged with National Association for Visually Handicapped - NAVH)
    214 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102
    Tel: (415) 431-1481

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.lighthouse-sf.org

    		Services include:
    • rehabilitation skills training,
    • resources for recent vision loss
    • employment placement services
    Prevent Blindness: Northern California
    1388 Sutter Street, Suite 408 San Francisco, CA 94109
    Tel: (415) 567-7500

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    Website: www.eyeinfo.org

    		Teaches safety and how to prevent blindness. Offers resources and vision screening for students.
    Santa Clara Valley Blind Center
    101 North Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128
    Tel: (408) 295-4016

    Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday Website: visionbeyondsight.org

    		Services include:
    • classes,
    • recreational activities and other activities that encourage socialization,
    • special products for sale (white canes, talking watches and clocks, large print games and reading equipment).
    Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Handicapped (was: Peninsula Center)
    2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107 Palo Alto, CA 94306
    Tel: (650) 858-0202

    Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.vistacenter.org

    		Services include:
    • low-vision clinics,
    • counseling and support groups,
    • Braille classes,
    • computer skills classes,
    • in-home training in daily living skills, orientation, and mobility,
    • employment program,
    • youth group,
    • store with products for the visually impaired.
    Return to Top

    Deafness and Hearing Problems

    Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Pgm
    Tel: (800) 806-1191  (Voice - English)
    Tel: (800) 949-5650  (Voice - Spanish)
    TTY: (800) 806-4474 (English)
    TTY: (800) 949-5650 (Spanish)
    FAX: 1-800-889-3974

    Hours: 7 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday
    9 am - 4 pm Saturday
    Website: www.ddtp.org/ 

    Free special equipment and services. To qualify, you must live in California and have a land line, and have problems with your:

    • hearing,
    • vision,
    • mobility,
    • speech, and/or
    • ability to understand information.

    You might be able to get home installation and special training. Just ask.

    You can get services in English or Spanish.
    Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
    650 N. Winchester Blvd. Suite 3 San Jose, CA 95128
    Tel: (408) 260-1993 
    TTY: (408) 260-1973

    Hours: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm Monday through Friday
    Website: www.dcara.org 

    		 Services include:
    • information and referral,
    • peer counseling,
    • advocacy in discrimination cases,
    • training in independent living skills and job development, and
    • interpreting services.

    Programs include:

    • Communication Skills for Foreign-Born Deaf Adults,
    • Deaf Latino Program, and
    • Captioned Movie Night.

    Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California (previously called the San Francisco Hearing and Speech Center)
    1234 Divisadero Street San Francisco, CA 94115
    Tel: (415) 921-7658 
    TDD: (415) 921-8990

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.hearingspeech.org 

    		 Services include:
    • educational programs,
    • speech/language therapy,
    • auditory training,
    • assessments, and
    • counseling.
    Hearing Loss Association of Silicon Valley (Was: Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People) 369 Manila Drive San Jose, CA 95119-1934

    Tel: (408) 229-1041 (voice)
    Websites: www.hearinglossca.org  and the San Jose Chapter 

    		 Support for people with reduced hearing. Services include monthly meetings and information.

     

    Strokes

    Foothill College Reach Program
    4000 Middlefield Road, Building P
    Palo Alto, CA 94303
    Tel: (650) 949-6960 
    Website:
    www.foothill.fhda.edu/al/reach.php     		 Educational activities for adult stroke patients.
    Skills Plus: Santa Clara Adult Education Center
    1840 Benson Street Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: (408) 423-2102 

    Hours: 9:15 am - 4 pm Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am - 12:15 pm Wednesday & Friday

    		 Classes for neurologically impaired adults. Classes include:
    • training in mobility,
    • communication, and
    • independent living skills.

     

    Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

    AL-ANON Family Groups; ALATEEN
    Campbell Community Center 1 W. Campbell Avenue, Room Q82 Campbell, CA 95008
    Tel: (408) 379-9375  (Al-Anon office)
    (888) 425-2666  (Toll-free information)

    Hours: 8 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday Websites: www.ncwsa.org/scvafg  (Santa Clara Valley); www.al-anon.alateen.org/  (national site)

    		 Provides supportive services to families of alcoholics.
    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    274 East Hamilton Avenue, Suite D Campbell, CA 95008
    Tel: (408) 374-8511 

    Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, 9:30 am -12 noon Saturday
    Websites: aasanjose.org  (Santa Clara County); www.aa.org  (National)
    AA Groups in Spanish (Grupos A.A en español)
    Tel: (408) 975-0826  (San Jose)
    Website: aaespanolsanjose.org 

    		 Daily support program to help alcoholics keep from drinking.

    Listed are phone numbers and websites with information on local groups in English and Spanish (Alcohólicos Anónimos Del Area De Santa Clara).  
    ARH – Recovery Homes, Inc.
    PO Box 21826 San Jose, CA 95151
    Tel: (408) 281-6570  (Corporate office)
    Tel: (408) 224-7778  (Transitional housing units men/women)

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    House on the Hill
    9505 Malech Road San Jose, CA 95138 or P.O. Box 21826 San Jose, CA 95151
    Tel: (408) 281-6570 

    Provides residential treatment programs for alcoholics and drug addicts. Also provides transitional housing for men and women, including women with children.

    House on the Hill is for women with young children (infants to 5 years)
    Department of Alcohol and Drug Services (DADS), Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System - Gateway
    976 Lenzen Avenue, 3RD Floor San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 792-5680  (Administration)
    Tel: (800) 488-9919  (Gateway)

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.sccdads.org 

    		 Information and referrals to county programs and to providers that have a contract with the county. There are other branches across the country. Most have:
    • screening,
    • evaluation, and
    • outpatient services.

    Different centers focus on different problems.
    Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
    Tel: (408) 998-4200 (meeting times and locations)

    Websites: www.na.org  (national) and
    www.sjna.org  (local)

    		 Daily support programs to help recover from addiction. Volunteer phone numbers for support.  
    Voices United
    1415 Koll Circle, Suite 101 San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 292-7292  (Office)

    Hours: 8 am - 6 pm Monday through Thursday
    8 am - 5 pm Friday

    http://voicesunited.net/ 

    		 Provides education and training about alcohol, nicotine, and other drug related issues.

    Alzheimer’s:

    Alzheimer’s Activity Center
    2380 Enborg Lane San Jose, CA 95128
    Tel: (408) 279-7515 

    Hours: 7 am - 6 pm, Monday through Friday

    		 Services include:
    • a day program with a noon meal,
    • social and recreational activities, and
    • counseling and referrals for families.

    People who may be agitated, wander, or have problems of incontinence are welcome.
    Alzheimer’s Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
    1060 La Avenida Mountain View, CA 94043
    Tel: (650) 962-8111 
    or (800) 272-3900 

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    Click for website 

    		 Services include:
    • information,
    • referrals to service agencies and family support groups, and
    • a network for caregivers.
    Daybreak Respite and Caregiver Support Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
    5111 San Felipe Road San Jose, CA 95135

    Tel: (408) 270-4900 
    Hours: 10 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday
    Website: www.ccsj.org/services/older_adults/ daybreak.htm 

    		 Offers
    • center and home based respite (temporary care)
    • escorted transportation for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia
    • caregiver support groups
    • community education
    • case management
    Family Caregiver Alliance, Resource Center 180 Montgomery Street, Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 94104
    Tel: (415) 434-3388 
    (800) 445-8106  (California)

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.caregiver.org 

    		 Services include:
    • temporary care so families can have a break (respite care),
    • classes that teach how to lessen frustration and burnout for caregivers, and
    • legal help.

    Help with Other Diseases and Disabilities:

    American Cancer Society
    747 Camden Ave. Suite B Campbell, CA 95008 Tel: (408) 871-1062 
    (800) 227-2345  (24-hour number)

    Hours: 9 - 5 Monday through Friday Website: www.cancer.org 

    		 Services include:
    • information and education (including a library of videos and printed materials),
    • help with rehabilitation equipment,
    • transportation,
    • support groups for survivors of prostate cancer, mastectomy, lumpectomy and laryngectomy,
    • some home-care, and
    • a "wig-bank".

    American Diabetes Society
    111 W St John St Suite 1150
    San Jose, CA 95113
    Tel: (408) 241-1922 
    Click for website 
    Hours: are: 8:30 - 5 Monday through Friday
    Saturday & Sunday: Closed

    		 American Diabetes Association’s Silicon Valley location
    American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate
    One Almaden Blvd., Suite 500 San Jose, CA 95113-2214
    Tel: (408) 977-4950 

    Hours: 8:30 - 5 Monday through Friday Website: www.heart.org 

    		 Educational materials on:
    • heart diseases,
    • stroke prevention, and
    • nutrition.
    American Lung Association Website:
    www.lungusa.org     		 National and statewide organizations working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
    Breathe California
    1469 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126
    Tel: (408) 998-5865 
    Fax: (408) 998-0578

    Hours: 8 - 5 Monday through Friday

    		 Breathe California of the Bay Area fights lung disease in all its forms and works with its communities to protect lung health. Services include:
    • breathing improvement training for people with COPD,
    • training in how to stop smoking,
    • a special program for people with asthma, and
    • educational materials.
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    2589 Scott Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: (408) 988-7557 , or
    (800) 344-4867 

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Websites: www.nmss.org  (national)
    Northern Calif. Chapter website 

    		 Services include:
    • referrals to community resources,
    • education,
    • counseling,
    • Self Service groups,
    • temporary care so families can have a break (respite care), and
    • equipment loans.
    Parkinson's Patients Support Groups (PPSG) PO box 60188 Sunnyvale, CA 94088
    Tel: (408) 542-5610 

    Hours: 8:30 - 5 pm Monday through Friday Websites: www.ppsg.org  (local)
     www.thepi.org  (national organization)
    • shares information about
      • the latest treatments,
      • events, and
      • legislation regarding Parkinson's disease
    • helps to put patients and care-givers in touch with local support groups
  10. Housing and Living Services: Out-of-Home Placement for Supervised Care

    If a person who cannot live by him or herself anymore, the person’s doctor may suggest one of the following types of care:
     

    Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF)

    ICFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services Licensing and Certification
    100 Paseo de San Antonio,
    San Jose, CA 95113
    Tel: (408) 277-1784 

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    Licensing website: www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx 

    		 ICFs have more supervision and some nursing care. Contact the Dept. of Health Services Licensing and Certification for a list of ICFs. And, contact them if you have a complaint about an ICF, SNF (skilled Nursing Facility), or any licensed medical institution.
    Residential Care Home (RCH) Facilities

    RCHs are licensed by the: State Department of Social Services 2580 North First Street, Suite 350 San Jose, CA 95131
    Tel: (408) 324-2112 

    Hours: 10 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday Licensing website: https://secure.dss.ca.gov/CareFacilitySearch/ 

    		 People in RCH facilities get:
    • a room,
    • meals,
    • supervised self-care, and
    • supervised taking of medications.

    They do not offer professional nursing care. Contact the State Dept. of Social Services for a list of licensed facilities. And, call them to report any problems in an RCH.
    Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) SNFs have:
    • professional nursing care,
    • physical and occupational therapy and
    • other treatment as prescribed by a physician.

    They are licensed by the State Department of Health (See address for ICFs above).

    Also contact: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (Catholic Charities) 2625 Zanker Road, Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95134-2107 Tel: (408) 944-0567  FAX: (408) 944-0776
    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday; Website: www.catholiccharitiesscc.org/services/older_adults/omb.html

    If you want to learn about the rights of people in nursing homes or need a support group contact: California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform 650 Harrison Street, 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94107
    Tel: (415) 974-5171 ; (800) 474-1116  
    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.canhr.org 

    Housing Services for People with Disabilities:

    Community Housing Developers
    255 North Market St., Ste. 290
    San Jose, CA 95110
    Tel: (408) 279-7677 
    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    Website: www.communityhousingsv.org     		 Apartments for low-income people who qualify, including seniors and physically challenged people

    Community Solutions
    9015 Murray Ave., #100 Gilroy, CA 95020
    (408) 842-7138 

    16264 Church St. #103 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
    (408) 779-2113 

    5671 Santa Teresa Blvd., #s 202, 203 San Jose, CA 95123
    (408) 225-9163 

    Website: www.communitysolutions.org 

    		 Supportive housing services for mentally ill adults. Sober living environments.
    Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara 505 West Julian Street San Jose, CA 95110
    Tel: (408) 275-8770 
    TDD: (408) 993-3041

    Hours: 7:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    (closed every other Friday)
    Website: www.hacsc.org/ 

    		 Services for qualified, low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
    Housing for Independent People (HIP)
    481 Valley Way Milpitas, CA  95035
    Tel: (408) 941-1850 
    Fax: (408) 941-0294

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    www.hip4housing.org/  and
    www.scchousingsearch.org 

    		 Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include:
    • adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities
    • low-income seniors
    • people with HIV/AIDS and
    • persons with very low income
    Momentum for Mental Health
    2001 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126-1136
    Tel: (408) 261-7777 
    Website:
    www.momentumformentalhealth.org 

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Temporary housing and help finding permanent housing for mentally ill people.
    Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center

    See information above. (Ask for a Social Worker at Valley Medical Center.)

    		 Provides training in independent living skills for clients leaving hospital care

    For more help, check other sections. For example, if your family member suffers from alcohol or drug related disabilities, see the section on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services. Also see the resources in the section below.

    Help for Living at Home:

    People with disabilities living at home need different services. You can get these services from many agencies. You can find personal non-medical services on the list below. For more choices, look at the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under “Home Health Services and Nurses” and “Nurses Registries”. Ask if they have homemaker services and how much they cost.  

    Health Trust
    3180 Newberry Drive, Suite 200
    San Jose, CA 95118
    Tel: (408) 513-8700 
    FAX: (408) 513-8736

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: http://healthtrust.org/ 

    		 Non-medical homemaker and personal care services. These services are for physically weak people and people with physical disabilities. Services include:
    • Meals on Wheels (hot meals delivered to the home)
    • Community Wellness: health care professionals provide immunizations, health screenings and wellness training.
    • School based health clinics
    • Family Health Insurance.
    Hospice of the Valley, Santa Clara County 4850 Union Avenue San Jose, CA 95124

    Tel: (408) 559-5600 
    Website: www.hospicevalley.org 

    		 Provides:
    • compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families
    • grief programs for various ages and types of loss

    Services are covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal or other insurance; no one is denied care based on not being able to pay
    In-Home Supportive Services Social Services Agency, Santa Clara County
    333 West Julian Street 4th Floor San Jose, CA 95110
    Tel: (408) 975-4899 

    Click for the IHSS website 
    County Aging and Adult Services website 

    		 Services to help the elderly and people with disabilities stay at home. They include:
    • help around the house (cooking, laundry, cleaning)
    • shopping
    • help with dressing, bathing, and other non-medical personal services

    Any person who is blind, disabled, or older than 65 and has low income is eligible. If your income is higher, you may be able to get services. But, you may have to pay part of the cost.

    Meals On Wheels and County Senior Nutrition Program
    Tel: (408) 975-4860 

    Web page for Meals on Wheels 

    		 Services for people over 60 years old (and their spouses). Provides:
    • meals planned by dietitians, including ethnic meals
    • senior day care programs
    • Meals-on-Wheels program

    May provide a microwave oven if you need one.
    Pathways Home Health Hospice
    585 North Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085

    Tel: (408) 730-5900
    (888) 755-7855 (toll-free)

    Website: www.pathwayshealth.org 

    		 Provide low-cost services:
    • Temporary/Continuous homecare. Nursing.
    • Hospice care

    They accept Medi-Cal payment or for those who need hospice care, but do not have insurance, the Hospice Foundation will provide free Hospice care.
    Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
    Main office:
    2202 N. First St. San Jose, CA 95131
    Tel: (408) 894-9041 
    TTY: (866) 945-2205
    FAX: (408) 894-9050

    South County Branch:
    7800 Arroyo Circle Ste. A
    Gilroy, CA 95020
    Tel: (408) 846-1480 
    TTY: (866) 945-2205
    FAX: (408) 842-2321

    Website: www.svilc.org 

    		 Programs and services at SVILC are designed to meet various independent living needs.

     

    Home Equity Programs:

    You may need to use the equity in your home or a family member’s home to get money to pay for the services and equipment needed for you or a family member to live at home. You can do this by arranging a simple equity line of credit, a sale leaseback or a reverse mortgage. For Home Equity Loan Programs, contact your bank or real estate broker.

    House Repair and Rehabilitation Loans:

    Most cities in Santa Clara County have specific requirements for loans and grants. Cities below are linked to their website home page. Call your city for information:

    Campbell 
    (408) 866-2137 

    Cupertino 
    (408) 777-3251 

    Gilroy 
    (408) 846-0290 

    Los Gatos 
    (408) 441-0261 

    Milpitas 
    (408) 586-3071 

    Morgan Hill 
    (408) 776-7373 

    Mountain View 
    (650) 903-6459 

    Palo Alto 
    (650) 329-2428 

    San Jose 
    (408) 535-3860 

    Santa Clara 
    (408) 441-0261 

     Saratoga 
    (408) 441-0261 

    Sunnyvale 
    (408) 730-7442 

    For Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and all unincorporated areas of the county, call Housing and Community Development Department of Santa Clara County, (408) 441-0261 .
     

    Avenidas (Senior Home Repair)
    450 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301
    Tel: (650) 289-5400 

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    Click for website 

    		 Minor home repair services for senior homeowners (50 or older) at below market rates in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Stanford, Portola Valley and Woodside.
    Palo Alto Housing Corporation
    725 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301-2403
    Tel: (650) 321-9709  
    Fax: (650) 321-4341

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.paloaltohousingcorp.org 

    		 Housing and information/referral services for low- and medium-income families, people with disabilities and seniors in Palo Alto.
    Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (Was: Christmas in April)
    2885 Aiello Drive, Suite A San Jose, CA 95111
    Tel: (408) 578-9519 

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.rebuildingtogether-sv.org 

    		 Free services for low-income senior homeowners who qualify. Services include:
    • electrical,
    • plumbing,
    • painting and
    • greater-accessibility work.

    Work is done in April and October. A year-round program does repairs that improve accessibility and mobility within the home.

    Turn your application as early as possible. They are considered on a first come-first served basis.
  11. Help with Transportation

    You can get help if your disability makes it impossible for you to take public transportation to medical appointments or other important reasons.
     

    American Cancer Society
    Tel: (408) 879-1032     		 Drives some cancer patients to medical appointments. 24-hour service, Monday through Sunday (free of charge).
    Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos
    Tel: (650) 968-0836     		 Low-cost transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities in Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Call to see if you qualify and to set up an appointment. Ask for the senior department.
    El Camino Health Care System (Roadrunners) Tel: (650) 940-7016 

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.elcaminohospital.org 

    		 Transportation to El Camino Hospital from anywhere 10 miles away or less.
    Heart of the Valley
    Tel: (408) 241-1571

    Hours: 9 am - 1 pm Monday through Friday
    Website: www.servicesforseniors.org/

    		 Transportation to:
    • appointments,
    • errands, and
    • social events.

    Volunteers stay with clients during medical appointments. Services are for seniors (59 and older) in Santa Clara, West San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell and Monte Sereno. There are no financial eligibility requirements. But, they cannot transport people in wheelchairs or people who need walkers or canes.
    Japanese American Community Senior Services (Yu-ai-kai)
    Tel: (408) 294-2505 
    Website: www.yuaikai.org     		 Volunteers give very limited transportation help. They can take seniors in San Jose to medical appointments. And, they can help translate to and from Japanese.
    Outreach
    926 Rock Ave. Suite 10 San Jose, CA 95131 Tel: (408) 436-2865  (San Jose), or
    (800) 400-6222  (South County)

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

    		 Provides pre-schedule transportation to medical appointments and limited shopping for people who qualify under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Outreach serves all of Santa Clara County. It is the cities' Consolidated Para-transit Service Project.
    VTA (Bus and Light Rail) ADA Transportation
    Website:
    www.vta.org/accessibility/index.html     		 Information on VTA bus and light rail services accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  12. Sourcewise Online Resource Directory (previously Council on Aging Silicon Valley)

    Since 1973, the Council on Aging Silicon Valley has provided services and support to seniors in Santa Clara County. Now called Sourcewise , they state that they continue to support seniors and caregivers as they expand their reach to include persons with disabilities and all adults in Santa Clara County.

    Search for services using the Online Resource Directory .
     

  13. Job Training
     
       
    California State Department of Rehabilitation 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Room 324
    San Jose, CA 95113
    Tel: (408) 277-1355 
    Fax: (408) 277-1270
    TTY: (408) 277-1043

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday Website: www.dor.ca.gov 

    		 Helps people with disabilities get a job and keep it. They want to help people live independently. Services include:
    • diagnostic and testing services for people with physical and mental impairments (like alcoholism and drug dependence),
    • counseling,
    • job training and placement, and
    • tools, supplies and licenses.

    You can get help at several places in the county. But first, you have to fill out and hand in an application. To get an application, go to the Dept. of Rehabilitation website .
    California State Employment Development Department (EDD)
    2450 South Bascom Avenue
    Campbell, CA 95008
    Tel: (408) 369-3606 

    Website: www.caljobs.ca.gov 

    		 Job testing and placement services. Services and computers with job listings are provided at several locations in the county.
    Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: Focus for Work
    2625 Zanker Road, Suite 101 San Jose, CA 95134
    Tel: (408) 325-5285 

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

    South County location: 1215 First Street Gilroy, CA 95020
    Tel: (408) 842-3404 

    Hours: Tues. and Thurs., by appointment only
    Focus for Work Website 

    		 Helps adults with chronic mental illness get back to work. A referral from a mental health provider is needed. There is a 30-minute orientation every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the main office on Zanker Road.
    Center for Employment Training (CET)
    701 Vine Street San Jose, CA 95110
    Tel: (408) 287-7924 
    Website: www.cetweb.org     		 Job training and placement services for low-income people. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is an orientation in English. On Wednesdays, it is in Spanish.
    Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) and Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP)
    760 Hillsdale Avenue San Jose, CA 95136
    Tel: (408) 723-6400 

    Hours: 7 am - 10 pm Monday through Thursday; 7 am - 5 pm Friday
    Websites: CCOC: www.metroed.net/ccoc.html 
    MAEP: www.metroed.net/adultcourse.html 

    		 Training to teach entry-level job skills or improve skills you already have. Call or read the information on the websites to see if you qualify. (Students and adults must reside within one of the six school districts.)

    Institute for Career Development
    1080 North 7th Street San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 998-5787  (career development)
    TTY: (408) 294-5561
    Fax: (408) 283-9093

    Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
    Website: http://www.goodwillsv.org/ 

    		 Services include:
    • some on-the-job training in computer data entry, general clerical and clerical word-processing, and electronic assembly;
    • help finding and getting a job; and
    • counseling for individuals in the job training program.

    A division of Goodwill of Santa Clara County
    Momentum for Mental Health - Employment Services
    86 S. 14th Street San Jose, CA 95112
    Tel: (408) 938-8500 

    Hours: 10 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday except Wednesday. 9 am - 5 pm on Wednesday.
    Website:
    www.momentumformentalhealth.org 

    		 Provides career opportunities for people with mental disabilities and helps find employment in the community. You can get on-the-job training in landscaping and grounds maintenance, and help finding a job in the community.
    NOVA (Supported Employment) Program
    505 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 550 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
    Tel: (408) 730-7232 
    TTY: (408) 774-5448

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday

    Website: www.novaworks.org 

    		 Services for low-income people with disabilities. If you qualify, you can get interviewed and tested in your basic skills and interests. You can learn what support services you need to work.

    Sacred Heart Community Center
    1381 South First St.
    San Jose, CA 95110
    Tel: (408) 278-2172 

    Hours: 9 am - 4 pm Mon-Wed ; 9 am - 2 pm on Thursday

    Website: Job Link Information 

    		 Helps with resume preparation, interview preparation, computer training skills and more. Free orientations to employment services in English and Spanish.
    SeniorNet

    San Jose Almaden Almaden Community Center


    6445 Camden Avenue San Jose CA 95120
    Tel: (408) 677-7698 

    Website:
    www.snlcsj.org/almaden/index.html 

    San Jose Willows Willows Senior Center
    2175 Lincoln Avenue San Jose CA 95125
    Tel: (408) 371-3999 
    Website:
    www.snlcsj.org/willows/index.html 

    		 SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies.
     

    The classes (in Computer Fundamentals, Word Processing, the Internet and more) provide training that may help individuals with job hunting and on the job, as well as in their personal life.

    Classes are available to all persons 50 years and older for a very low fee.

    VTF Services
    918 North Rengstorff Ave.
    Mountain View, CA 94043
    Tel: (650) 934-9091 
    FAX: (650) 934-9092

    Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Mon., Wed., Fri.; 8 am - 7:30 pm Tues. and Thurs.

    Website: www.vtfservices.org 

    Help for people with disabilities and the mentally impaired

    Services include a community rehabilitation program with supervised job training in

    • grounds maintenance,
    • assembly packaging, and
    • janitorial services

    Work2Future
    7800 Arroyo Circle Suite A
    Gilroy, CA 95020
    Tel: (408) 846-1480 

    Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday

    Website: www.work2future.biz 

    		 Helps job seekers get the skills and training they need to find a job. Helps young people enter the workforce with skills training and job search assistance.

    West Valley College Career Programs
    14000 Fruitvale Ave. AAS 35
    Saratoga, CA 95070
    Tel: (408) 741-2098 

    Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Mon.- Thurs. ; 9 am - 12 noon on Friday

    Website: westvalley.edu/careers 

    		 You may call to make an appointment to meet with a career advisor.
  14. More Agencies and Information

    Note: These are all external agencies 
     

    Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org
    California Dept. of Aging www.aging.ca.gov/
    California Dept. of Health Services www.dhcs.ca.gov/
    California Dept. of Mental Health www.dmh.ca.gov
    California Dept. of Veterans Affairs www.cdva.ca.gov
    California State Association of Public Guardians/Conservators www.capapgpc.org
    (Federal) Administration for Community Living www.acl.gov
    (Federal) Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov
    Medicare www.medicare.gov
    National Association of Area Agencies on Aging www.n4a.org

    Agencies related to Developmental Disabilities:

    Note: These are all external agencies 

    American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities www.aaidd.org
    State Council on Developmental Disabilities www.scdd.ca.gov
    Association of Regional Center Agencies www.arcanet.org
    Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org
    California Department of Developmental Services www.dds.ca.gov
    California State Council on Developmental Disabilities www.scdd.ca.gov
    National Council on Disability www.ncd.gov
    National Parent Network on Disabilities www.npnd.org
    Parents Helping Parents www.php.com
    Prader-Willi Syndrome Association www.pwsausa.org
    San Andreas Regional Center www.sarc.org
    United Cerebral Palsy Association www.ucp.org/

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