We're so proud of Jason!

Jason is a participant in our Day Your Way services, and we have been supporting him on his journey towards his degree and employment for the past few years. His skills and knowledge landed him a paid internship last year for Community Interface Services in our IT department, where he excelled! With his recent graduation from CSU San Marcos, Jason received an offer at SDG&E’s IT Associate Rotational Program! Jason was kind enough to share his thoughts about his career journey, and we hope this inspires others to pursue their dreams. 

 

Dear Community Interface Services, 

My name is Jason Rivkin.  I am a current student who will be graduating soon from California State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration concentrating on Management of Information Systems.  As some of you know, I have recently accepted a job offer to join San Diego Gas & Electric’s IT Associate Rotational Program.  My journey towards obtaining this position started nine months ago after I completed an IT internship with your company. 

Around this time, I realized that to acquire a job right out of college, I had to begin searching for them immediately.  In accomplishing this task, I examined several job aggregators, including LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake.  Any time I found a potential position appealing, I saved its description on my laptop and highlighted key words to include on my resume and cover letter.  In other words, I took the advice of career counselors on campus and tailored these documents towards each role.  After finishing them, I simply submitted my resume and cover letter as a part of the process for each organization I applied for.  Simultaneously, I worked on improving my interview skills and engaged in networking opportunities.  Ultimately, performing the latter is what allowed me to discover SDG&E’s program. 

Specifically, as a member of the MIS Society, a student organization at my school, I attended meetings that hosted guest speakers from throughout the tech industry.  When representatives from SDG&E presented their program to us, I couldn’t pass up the chance in attempting to join it.  Besides, I know a family friend who currently works at the company, so my foot was already in the door.  After he referred me to the appropriate individuals for more information, they provided me with the necessary tools to apply for the position.  In the month that followed, I completed two virtual interviews with SDG&E employees through Microsoft Teams.  After three weeks of waiting, I received a call notifying me that I had been accepted into the program.  Shortly afterwards, I accepted their job offer. 

On a personal note, I want to thank all the CIS employees who supported me throughout the past two years.  The time and effort you’ve spent assisting me, including the completion of a recommendation letter on my behalf, proved extremely valuable.  I am forever grateful and look forward to what comes next. 

 

Sincerely, 

Jason Rivkin   

 

Angie's Big Surf Day with Life Rolls On

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With the recent big waves here in San Diego, we thought it would be fun to share one of our client’s amazing surfing stories. We’re so impressed with Angie and CIS staff member Summer who participated in the Life Rolls On event at La Jolla shores last summer. If you don’t know, Life Rolls On is an incredible national organization founded by quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer. Together with tons of volunteers and donations, they provide free surf and skate experiences to people with spinal cord problems.

On September 15th they swept onto La Jolla shores and on very short notice Angie, who has both Cerebral Palsy and a serious fear of water, declared that she wanted to participate. Missing this “once in a life time” opportunity was not an option and her team of staff and caretakers jumped into action and found a way to make her dream a reality. Not only did they keep her safe throughout her adventure, but she was able to catch three huge waves which left a permanent smile on Angie’s face all day!

Our philosophy since 1983 has always been for clients to pursue their own dreams and reach their highest potentials in whatever way they choose. We’re so proud to be a part of helping Angie reach hers! If you would like to be a part experiences like Angie’s, Community Interface Services is always looking for enthusiastic staff members who want to make a difference in people’s lives. Visit the “Jobs” area of the website to see what opportunities await.

Client art brings color and brightness to our new office

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We’re super excited to feature a few of our client’s artwork at our new office in San Diego. Jomary, one of the artists, was kind enough to attend the grand opening and share the story of her artistic journey. Despite the physical challenges of a brain tumor that left her with vision in only one eye, Jomary started painting as a hobby in February of 2018 and found that she really loved the activity and expression. She says, “My paintings might not be perfect, but each one has an emotion of mine incorporated into them. I paint with my heart, and not my eyes.”

Her artwork fills our office with much needed color and beauty and we are grateful to have it brighten our days. We look forward to seeing and hopefully displaying more of her work in the near future.

San Diego Office Grand Opening!!!

Community Interface Services is excited to announce the grand opening of our new San Diego office. With the continued growth and expansion of our services across the county, we know this new central location will help us better serve our clients, families, staff and stakeholders. Come by and say hello!

Address:

4909 Murphy Canyon Road Ste. 505

San Diego, Ca 92123

858-732-5070 

 

How I am "Knocking Out" Diabetes

 

Stephanie describes the steps that she has taken on her journey to reverse her diabetes.

Stephanie enjoys her "Lean and Green" Meal

Stephanie enjoys her "Lean and Green" Meal

 

I started gaining weight when I was 12 years old. I tried using Lean cuisine, Jenny Craig, and other programs with some success, but they were too expensive and I lost my motivation to stick with the programs. My weight gain had its ups and downs for 21 years and worsened when I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2011. I had to take 4 medication for diabetes and I weighed 250 pounds. I was always out of breath and I didn’t like the way I felt or looked. For 6 years I struggled with my diabetes and my weight gain. 

My world changed on May 9, 2017. My beloved grandfather lost his battle with diabetes several months after his leg was amputated due to poor circulation and gangrene. This was a real wake up call for me, because I don’t want to go down that road! 

I called my doctor and she recommended getting on a meal replacement program called OPTAVIA. I eat 5 packaged meals like bars, soup, shakes, etc., then I have 1 lean and green meal like salad with broiled chicken per day. My mom helps me shop for lean and green meals, and I am learning how to cook my lean protein in a variety of ways. Today I am making chicken and vegetables stir fry for the first time. My family have been supportive, and helped me to become more active. 

I have made several lifestyle changes. First I cut out the junk food! Next, I started walking my dog, Rosa for 30 minutes 2 times a day. My brother’s girlfriend invited me to a fitness boot camp class, which kicks my butt! I go every Monday at 6:00 am at Pioneer Park. My brother bought me me my first boxing gloves when I lost my first 25 lbs. Instead of watching as much tv, I punch the punching bag during my free time. I also drink a lot of WATER! I have lost 40 lbs. and my A1C dropped from 7.5 to 5.7, So my Dr. took me off 2 of my diabetes medications! 

But my story is not over. I still want to lose another 50 lbs, get off ALL of my meds, and remain active. I want to start a walking meet up on Saturday mornings and invite clients, staff, family, and friends who want to lose weight and be active. So let’s motivate and inspire each other to keep our weight loss success going. 

If you would like to contact me at Stephb13@ymail.com to join my meetup, feel free!

-Stephanie

 

Job Fair!

Start a Rewarding Career in Social Services!

Oct. 26, 2017 from 10am - 4pm

Community Interface Services
2621 Roosevelt St. 
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.729.3866
http://www.communityinterfaceservices.org/job-seekers/ 

Seeking enthusiastic, resourceful candidates who want to support people with disabilities to achieve their goals and life dreams! Positions available in Central and North San Diego County.  

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Therapeutic Horse Riding

Therapeutic horse riding

Therapeutic horse riding at the Helen Woodward Animal Center has brought joy and a sense of community to Becky’s life for over 15 years and is always the highlight of her week. We are proud to assist her through our Supported Living program and appreciate Helen Woodward Animal Center for all that they do! 
 

Wheelchair Regatta

Thanks to the SILVER GATE YACHT CLUB for sponsoring another Wheelchair Regatta and getting people with disabilities out on the water and experiencing new things.   From their website - "Every year since 1960, the Silver Gate Yacht Club has been joined by the boating community and military volunteers to provide a day on the water for hundreds of physically challenged guests from San Diego and surrounding communities. "

 

 

 

CIS Summer Job Fair

 

Start a Rewarding Career in Social Services!

June 07, 2017 from 10am - 4pm

South Metro Career Center 
4389 Imperial Ave.
San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 266-4200
http://www.communityinterfaceservices.org/job-seekers/ 

Seeking enthusiastic, resourceful candidates who want to support people with disabilities to achieve their goals and life dreams! Positions available in Central and North San Diego County.  

MySSAPayee - Announcing Our New Social Security Payee Program!

 

Community Interface Services is proud to announce the newest addition to our array of  Financial Management Services: MySSAPayee, a Social Security Administration (SSA) Representative Payee program.  

How it Works

Community Interface Services offers Social Security approved Representative Payee services to Regional Center clients at no cost to the client.

• Client benefits go directly to a secure bank account.

• Client participates in creating an individualized budget.

• My SSA Payee pays client bills and expenses from Social Security benefits according to the individualized budget.

• Any remaining money is automatically saved on behalf of the client.

• My SSA Payee also assists in completing and filing Social Security paperwork.

 

Learn More

If you (or someone you know) are a  Regional Center client that needs a Representative Payee…  

• Talk to your Service Coordinator about adding this service to your IPP

• Contact us directly: info@MySSAPayee.org  • 1-877-238-2071

• Get more information on the website: www.MySSAPayee.org

 

 

 

CIS Job Fair

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CIS Job Fair

Start a Rewarding Career in Social Services!

March 15, 2017 from 10am - 4pm

SOUTH COUNTY CAREER CENTER
1111 Bay Boulevard, Suite E
Chula Vista, CA 91911
760-729-3866
http://www.communityinterfaceservices.org/job-seekers/ 

Seeking enthusiastic, resourceful candidates who want to support people with disabilities to achieve their goals and life dreams! Positions available in South Bay, as well as throughout San Diego County. Great pay of $13.75/hr-$15.75/hr with excellent benefits, flexible schedules and a fun work environment! Minimum Requirements Relevant experience (previous employment or volunteer experience working with people with disabilities or other social services) OR relevant education (a bachelor’s in a related major such as Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Communication, etc)Your own vehicle, in good, working condition. A genuine interest in helping others!

Minimum Requirements:

  • Relevant experience (previous employment or volunteer experience working with people with disabilities or other social services) OR relevant education (a bachelor’s in a related major such as Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Communication, etc)
  • Your own vehicle, in good, working condition.
  • A genuine interest in helping others!

Pizza Port Fundraiser

Eat Pizza and Drink Beer for a Good Cause!

FUNDRAISER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES!!!

Thursday Aug. 11 • 5pm to 8pm

2 Locations:

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1956 Bacon St.Ocean Beach, CA 92107

1956 Bacon St.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107

Ocean Beach
1956 Bacon St.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107

Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Enjoy Pizza Port’s “Tasty Grub & Grog” and help Community Interface Services raise funds for its annual holiday party for people with Developmental Disabilities.  Just print out this flier or pick one up in the front office at 2621 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, Ca 92008 and bring it with you to Pizza Port.  CIS will get 20% of the sales.

Download the flier here and bring it with you.

Only hours left to help fund the Lanterman Act!

​In just hours, our system could see a critically-needed infusion of funds! But it won't happen unless you make a few phone calls NOW!
We need you to call your representatives by 5pm Thursday, September 10th, and ask them to support SBX2-14 (Hernandez), with amendments to provide a true 10% increase.
If you make this call, we could see our first goal achieved - a 10% across-the-board increase for developmental services! Hundreds of programs have closed in recent years, and many more are at risk of closing if this bill does not pass.


​What you need to do NOW

You have until 5pm, Thursday September 10th to make these calls!​

  1. Find your legislators: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov
  2. Write down the district numbers, and use a zero with single digits. 5 is "05"
  3. Use those numbers to call their Capitol office!
    • For Senators, call 916-651-40##
    • For Assembly members, call 916-319-20##
  4. When someone answers the phone, say:
    • "My name is [FULL NAME], and I am a constituent of the member. Please ask them to support SBX2 14, by Senator Hernandez, with amendments to provide a true 10% increase to support people with developmental disabilities. Thank you!"
  5. Share this with everyone you know. Please forward this email!​​




CIS is proud to be CARF accredited for 3 more years!

CIS is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a CARF Three-Year Accreditation for its Supported Employment Program.

CARF Seal of Accreditation www.carf.org
CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Toll free (888) 281-6531.