CENTRAL VALLEY TRAINING CENTER
GAZETTE
September 2026
News from across our programs
For every day to be meaningful, inclusive and empowered.
Pictured: Fresno West participants
COVER STORY · FRESNO WEST
Making Moves at Fresno West
Our amazing participants are back for their 2nd Fresno Fair Job Fair, and this year they brought their confidence, creativity, and determination with them! We are beyond excited and incredibly proud to announce that our participants secured THREE paid internships in the Fine Art Department!
3
paid internships secured in the Fine Art Department
This is more than just a job, it's an opportunity to learn, create, grow, and shine! Our participants are gaining real-world work experience, building valuable vocational skills, meeting new people, and showing the community just how talented and capable they are. Most importantly, they are being Empowered to make choices, discover their strengths, advocate for themselves, and take the next step toward their own goals and dreams.
At Fresno West, we believe in creating opportunities where our participants can say, “I can do this!” And they are proving it!
We couldn't be prouder of their hard work, courage, and willingness to put themselves out there. Three paid internships is a BIG deal, and we are celebrating every bit of it!
Congratulations to our Fresno West participants! Your creativity is inspiring, your determination is unstoppable, and your future is looking bright! We are SO proud of you!
Written By: Sarah M., Fresno West Program Manager
IN THIS ISSUE
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
“Together, you have made it a community—a place where people are valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”
Bud Mullanix, Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of CVTC, I have the privilege of seeing the incredible work taking place throughout our organization. Although my name may appear with the title of CEO, I know that CVTC’s success does not come from any one person. It comes from the collective dedication of our employees, the trust of our families, and the joy and determination of the individuals we are honored to serve.
Every day, our staff members show up with patience, kindness, and compassion. The work is not always easy, and there are days that require extra energy, understanding, and perseverance. Yet our employees continue to make a meaningful difference—often through actions that may seem small but mean everything to a participant or family.
To our staff: thank you. Thank you for celebrating accomplishments, encouraging independence, providing reassurance during difficult moments, and treating each participant with dignity and respect. Your work is the heart of CVTC, and I am deeply grateful for everything you do.
To our participants: you are the reason we are here. You inspire us with your personalities, talents, humor, courage, and unconditional love. You remind us that success looks different for every person and that every achievement deserves to be celebrated. It is an honor to be part of your lives.
To our families: thank you for trusting CVTC. We understand the importance of that trust, and we never take it for granted. Your partnership, feedback, and support help us become a stronger organization and provide better opportunities for those we serve.
CVTC continues to grow, but growth is meaningful only when we remain true to our purpose. As we move forward, we must continue listening, learning, and improving. We will not always get everything right, but we will remain committed to doing what is right, addressing challenges honestly, and keeping our participants at the center of every decision.
I am proud of CVTC, but even more importantly, I am humbled to serve alongside such caring people. Thank you for making CVTC more than an organization. Together, you have made it a community—a place where people are valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
With sincere appreciation,
Bud Mullanix
Chief Executive Officer
Central Valley Training Center
JACKSON & VALLEY SPRINGS
Jackson & Valley Springs Celebrate August Birthdays
Jackson and Valley Springs came together to celebrate August birthdays with smiles, laughter, and great company! It was a wonderful time for everyone to connect, enjoy the day, and recognize those with birthdays in August. Happy August birthday to all we hope your special month was filled with joy and celebration!
Top row from left to right: Levi, Brandon, Zachary, Nathaniel, Jarod, Andrea, Mollie, Haley
2nd Row: Kyle, Kimo, Ashley, Dakota
3rd Row: Debbie, Ryan, Gavin, Maria
Front row: Pierce, Crystal, Ellen, Tanesha, Joseph
Written by: Janet R., Jackson and Valley Springs Program Director
VISALIA
Strength in Support at Visalia
CVTC Visalia feels that nothing brings our community together quite like a party! Throughout the year, our favorite thing among staff and participants alike is to get together and enjoy good food, good times, and good music. This past July: CVTC Visalia came together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July. It takes a village to create an enjoyable experience, and we here at CVTC Visalia know how to come through, and more importantly, come together to show our strength.
Written by: Gabriel R., Visalia Program Manager
Pictured: Visalia participants and staff
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
MODESTO SOUTH
Community Partnerships That Make a Difference At Modesto South
Strength in support is built through partnerships that make everyday life a little better. Garcia JoJo’s provides individuals at CVTC Modesto South with hot, healthy, and affordable lunches that offer greater choice and something special to look forward to during the day. Everyone needs support sometimes, and Modesto South is so overjoyed to be able to support not only participants but also their families and care homes by providing a dependable meal option and easing the daily responsibility of preparing and packing lunches. It reminds us that meaningful support does not always come through grand gestures. Sometimes, it comes through a warm meal, a familiar smile, and a local business choosing to show up for its community. We are grateful to Garcia JoJo’s for helping create moments that make a lasting difference.
Pictured: Lead instructor Jessica and Coco
Written by: Zach D., Modesto South Program Manager
STOCKTON EAST
Stockton East's Arcade Adventures
The day began with lunch at the food court before participants headed into the arcade. Before playing, participants worked with staff to count their money and load cash onto their game cards, giving them an opportunity to practice budgeting and money-management skills.
Once inside, participants explored a variety of games, including Skee-Ball, Dance Dance Revolution, Mario Kart, and more. Many stepped outside their comfort zones to try something new while enjoying plenty of friendly competition. Throughout the outing, participants practiced making choices, managing their game credits, taking turns, and encouraging their peers, with staff providing support while promoting independence.
Bringing all of the teams together also gave participants the chance to socialize outside of their usual groups, build new connections, and create fun memories together. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, cheering, and friendly competition.
It was truly a level-up kind of day, with everyone leaving the arcade with great memories and plenty of stories to share!
Pictured: Team Dynasty
Written by: Mia S., Stockton East Program Manager
Pictured: Sacramento CVTC
SACRAMENTO
Teamwork Makes Support Stronger at CVTC Sacramento
At CVTC, supporting our participants is truly a team effort. Each staff member brings a different perspective, and through communication and teamwork, we are able to better understand the needs of the individuals we serve. Whether it is celebrating progress, working through a difficult moment, or simply finding a new approach that works better, staff work together to ensure participants feel supported throughout their day.
Written by: Emilia A., Sacramento Case Manager
MERCED
Merced’s Talent Show 2026: Our Stars Shine Bright!
CVTC's annual Talent Show was a tremendous success, providing participants with an opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity, and confidence in front of a supportive audience. Performers entertained the crowd with popular songs, including Ice Ice Baby and Sunflower, earning enthusiastic applause and cheers for their outstanding efforts.
The event celebrated self-expression, inclusion, and personal achievement as participants took center stage and demonstrated their unique abilities.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of certificates by Mayor Matthew Serratto, recognizing each participant's hard work and dedication. The Talent Show was filled with music, laughter, and memorable moments, leaving everyone inspired and excited for next year's event.
Written by: Alicsa C., Merced Program Director
STOCKTON WEST
Stockton West: The Art of Coming Together
Pictured: Stockton West Art Hop
At CVTC, some of our best moments happen when we come together! Our Open House and Art Hop is a great example of the power of teamwork and support. Staff work side by side to plan, decorate, prepare activities, and create a fun and welcoming event where the individuals we support can share their talents and accomplishments with family, friends, and the community. With food, games, snacks, music, and plenty of fun, everyone gets a chance to connect and celebrate together.
One of the highlights is seeing the amazing handcrafted items created at program proudly displayed and sold, with proceeds helping support our classrooms and future activities. Events like these remind us that when staff, families, friends, and our community work together, we create more than a great event—we create opportunities for the individuals we support to build confidence, showcase their creativity, feel proud of their accomplishments, and shine!
Written by: Alyssa M., Stockton West Program Manager
MODESTO NORTH
Modesto North Honors RAPID
At the beginning of August, CVTC’s RAPID program officially closed its doors, marking the end of an important chapter for the individuals and staff who were part of the program throughout the years.
Modesto North would like to recognize and thank RAPID Service Manager Melissa H. for her years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the RAPID program. Melissa and her team provided valuable services and support to participants over the years, and their hard work made a lasting impact on the individuals they served.
Although RAPID has come to a close, the dedication of its staff continues throughout CVTC. Members of the RAPID team have transitioned into day programs across the company, bringing their experience, compassion, and skills with them into new roles.
We are especially excited to welcome Melissa into her new role as a Manager at Modesto North. We are grateful for everything she has contributed to RAPID and look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make as part of the Modesto North team. Five of the RAPID staff members will join Melissa at Modesto North.
Thank you, Melissa and the entire RAPID team, for your years of service and dedication!
Written by: Courtney K., Modesto North Program Director
FRESNO EAST
Growth, Opportunity & Success at Fresno East
Fresno East would like to take a quick moment to share a special moment with our participant Ben that occurred On August 20, 2026.
As many of us know, CVTC South has become an FMS. So this means, Mr. Ben is being placed on a PIP with CVTC!! CVTC Management and Lead Vocational Specialist Landon ensured he was properly onboarded and received orientation at our Fresno Admin Office.
Ben came in dressed to impress this day, smiling, and with a great attitude! It has been a pleasure to see the growth in Ben and the excitement he is showing about this new opportunity. We are hopeful the structure and support being provided to Ben will ensure his success with an employer and here at CVTC.
Written by: Moriah G., Fresno East Program Manager
Pictured, you will find Ben with his Lead Vocational Specialist, Landon before they headed out to Fresno Admin for Ben's onboarding and orientation. It was a great moment to capture, and I hope all of CVTC is ready to see Ben's successes and where this opportunity takes him!
OPENING SOON
CVTC continues to grow and expand! We are excited to welcome new sites in Tracy, Stockton South, and Dublin, creating even more opportunities to serve participants, support our communities, and continue the important work of empowering individuals every day.
NEW SITE
Tracy
NEW SITE
Stockton South
NEW SITE
Dublin
