Leonard Ortega, a long-time advocate for individuals with disabilities, shed light on the invaluable services provided by the Community Access Center (CAC) in Riverside. Ortega, who has been with the organization for two decades, shared insights into the center's mission, operations, and ongoing efforts to support the community.
The Community Access Center, based in Riverside, is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in navigating various aspects of daily life. Ortega explained, "We have advocates that help with Social Security issues, educational plans for kids, and assist seniors with community-related issues." The center also focuses on broader community changes, facilitated by a team of dedicated advocates. "We are a lifeline for people with disabilities"
Ortega's role at CAC is centered on assistive technology and medical equipment. "We get donations and distribute them to those in need," he said. One of the significant programs involves providing ramps to enhance accessibility, particularly for residents in homes across Riverside County. "Everybody needs ramps," Ortega emphasized, highlighting the program's impact on improving mobility and independence.
While CAC primarily serves Riverside County, the organization collaborates with other agencies across the Inland Empire. "We reach out to other agencies to collaborate," Ortega noted. He mentioned Rolling Start, an agency covering San Bernardino County, as a key partner. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals with disabilities receive comprehensive support regardless of their location.
Ortega highlighted the financial challenges faced by CAC, which relies heavily on donations and grants. "Most of the programs we have, if we do get funding, only cover the direct costs like ramps. They don't pay for installation, gas, or other expenses," he explained. As a nonprofit, CAC welcomes both monetary and equipment donations to sustain its operations and expand its reach.
A wide range of donations are accepted, CAC accepts a variety of medical equipment donations, including wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, scooters, and more. Ortega mentioned the common issue with power wheelchairs, where batteries are often dead due to prolonged storage. "We'll either find a grant to buy batteries or let the recipient know they need to purchase them," he said, emphasizing the cost savings for those in need.
Connecting donors and recipients is what CAC does best. For larger items like beds, CAC facilitates direct connections between donors and recipients. "We don't have a lot of manpower to pick up beds and big items," Ortega noted, explaining that many CAC staff members are also disabled. Instead, they maintain a list of people needing beds and connect them with donors directly.
"You can help, too. Keep our number." Ortega encourages the community to support CAC’s mission by making donations or reaching out for assistance. "We take monetary donations and equipment," he reiterated. For those interested in contributing or seeking help, Ortega can be reached at 951-274-0358 or via email at ATCORATIL@cac.org.
Ortega expressed gratitude for the community’s support and invited continued collaboration to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. "Together, we can make a significant difference," he concluded.
For more information about the Community Access Center and how you can get involved, please visit their website or contact Leonard Ortega directly. Your support can help empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.