Mariano and Irene

Mariano and Irene both work for California Resource Services for Independent Living (CRS), a service provider of Alta California Regional Center (ACRC). Service providers are vital to the regional center system as they help provide direct services that every client’s unique case needs. At CRS, they provide Coordinated Family Support Services (CFS) to adult clients. You can learn more about CFS with this fact sheet. CRS first began in Southern California, and Mariano initially started his career three years ago at the first office location in Downey. He began as a program assistant but moved into a coordinator position and was then offered to be the program manager for the first Sacramento office. In June 2023, he began his new role as program manager and has provided support to staff, and focuses on the EDGE program, which offers support to people with disabilities in post-secondary education. Additionally, Mariano leads the intake process for the Sacramento CRS office.

Irene joined CRS one year ago as an education assistant. She transitioned into an employment specialist position and helps clients with job readiness. Irene educates clients on what it is like to be in the workforce, helps them create their resume, and aids with applying for jobs. She is proud to say that two clients have already been placed in permanent job positions, meaning they hold the position directly with the employer, and several clients are involved in the Paid Internship Program.

Mariano enjoys seeing the confidence grow in clients and help guide them through the job search process. Families are always so proud when the client successfully gains employment, and Mariano wants to continue expanding that. He hopes to broaden CRS to all ACRC catchment areas, especially in rural regions, so more clients can have the opportunity to enter the workforce.

One client made a huge impact on Mariano and motivates him to keep pushing in his career to help others. This client lost their mother to cancer and was left with only his sister as surviving family. Mariano helped the client grieve and navigate the difficult time and helped the client with transitioning to college.

Mariano is not alone in the joy he receives from seeing clients meet their potential. Irene also loves the growth that occurs and especially when clients are more vocal and communicative to her about their needs. Often, clients come to Irene shy and low in confidence, but over time, Irene helps them build a strong character. One client used to be very dependent on Irene and would rely on her to meet him at public transportation locations to get to his college because he was too afraid to go by himself. Slowly he weaned off that need and would say to her that he could handle it and didn’t need Irene to meet him. Ultimately, everyone was very proud of the immense growth in confidence he had.

Both Mariano and Irene are ecstatic to see CRS reach more clients and continue to expand to larger areas. Seeing the impact they have on clients’ lives keeps them driven.