We are redesigning this web page to make it more visual-friendly.
Check out our history all the way from 1983 to now. More slides will be available as it becomes available.
Opening of TACC & 1st Executive Director
Tulare County Advocacy and Communication Center (TACC) was established in Visalia, CA in 1983 by the concerned community of Tulare County in response to the lack of services being provided there.
Harry Schaffner became the 1st Executive Director in November of that year.
1st Agency Name Change
One month later, the agency changed the name to Valley Advocacy and Communication Center (VACC) to avoid confusion of the agency’s affiliation with Tulare County’s government services/programs.
Official Opening in the Central Valley of California
One year later on November 1, 1984, VACC officially opened its doors to the public with two-full time staff providing services funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Office of Deaf Access (ODA).
At the same time, a Board of Directors was formed to provide agency oversight, and Interpreting Services of Central California (ISCC) was established to serve the community better.
2nd Executive Director & New Office Location
Paul Singleton became the agency’s 2nd Executive Director in 1986.
Afterwards in May of the same year, VACC opened a second office in Fresno, CA, focusing on providing services to Fresno County residents.
3rd Executive Director & Office Relocated Twice
The next year in early 1987, Nancy Carroll became the agency’s 3rd Executive Director and served for 12 years.
During her first year, VACC had its office relocated from Fresno to Clovis and back.
South Valley Outreach Closed
Later that same year in July, VACC’s Visalia office closed, having its Fresno Outreach office becoming the headquarters.
Establishment of Valley Deaf Fesitval
Over a year later in 1988, VACC created Valley Deaf Festival (VDF), a small local festival for the public, and it became an annual event.
Central Coast Outreach Established
Several years later in 1990, an outreach office was established in Salinas, CA, focusing on providing services to the public of Monterey and San Benito Counties. It was supported by local funders, such as Harden Foundation and Community Foundation of Monterey County, and became known as Central Coast Outreach (CCO) office.
Budget Cuts in Fresno
In 1996, VACC faced budget cuts from the City of Fresno that assisted with providing social services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
2nd Agency Name Change
Three years later in 1999, the Board of Directors decided to make another name change from VACC to DHHSC (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center) to reflect the population and geopgraphic areas that the agency serves well.
1st Augmentation From CDSS
Later that same year, DHHSC obtained a much-needed augmentation from California Department of Social Services (CDSS), that provided more stable funding for the Central Coast Outreach office.
4th Executive Director & Merced Outreach
Few months later in August 1999, Larry Laskowski became the agency’s 4th Executive Director.
During his time, a new outreach office was established in Merced, CA to serve the public in Merced, Madera, and Mariposa Counties. It became known as Merced Outreach office (MOO).
5th Executive Director
Less than a year later, in 2000, Rosemary W. Diaz became the agency’s 5th Executive Director.
Outreach Returns & Agency Growth
During Rosemary W. Diaz’s time, the office in Visalia, CA, which closed in 1987, was reopened to serve the public of Tulare and Kings Counties. It became known as South Valley Outreach (SVO) office.
First Annual of Martha's Vineyard
Few years later, in 2003, DHHSC hosted the first “Martha’s Vineyard in the Central Valley,” which became an annual educational fundraiser that focused on the true history of Deaf people on Martha’s Vineyard island.
Opening of New Headquarters
Later that same year on November 1st, DHHSC opened its new headquarters to the public after purchasing the building, which features more spaces, including the Gary and Vickie Stingley Community Room.
20th Anniversary
The next year in 2004, DHHSC celebrates 20 years of providing services to the Central Valley, by hosting a gala with attendees that included former staff.
6th Executive Director
Three years later in 2007, Danielle Thompson became the agency’s 6th Executive Director.
Budget Cuts From CDSS
During Danielle Thompson’s time, DHHSC faced a 10% budget cut from CDSS, which led to the closure of three staff positions. The remaining staff had to assume more responsibilities and “wore many hats” in order to provide a myraid of requested services and events.
7th Executive Director
In 2009, Michelle L. Bronson became the agency’s 7th Executive Director.
Services & Programs
During Michelle L. Bronson’s time, the agency continues to thrive with different services and programs, including Reaching Out and Communicating with our Kids (ROCK) and Youth Employment Services (YES!). These services and programs are still being provided to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
Holiday Luncheon Returns
Near the end of 2009, DHHSC brought back a holiday event, which has since become our annual Holiday Luncheon.
30 Years of Service
On November 1, 2014, DHHSC had provided 30 years of services to the public, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
To celebrate this significant milestone, DHHSC held a 30th GALA earlier that year with attendees that included former board members, staff, and volunteers.
1st Retirement
On September 15, 2016, Kathy Doerksen (Yoshida) was the first person to officially retire from DHHSC after more than 25 years of service.
A retirement party was held in her honor at the DHHSC Fresno Headquarters to commemorate her time at VACC/DHHSC.
First-Ever STEM Camp
Two years later in June 2018, DHHSC partnered with National Technology Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Department of Rehabilitation, and Fresno State University (FSU) in hosting the first ever STEM/vocational camp in California for Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students.
2nd Augmentation From CDSS
That same year, after a year of DHHSC and sister agencies lobbying California Legislature, Deaf Access Program (DAP) finally received a much-needed augmentation for the first time in 19 years. This allowed for the creation of new positions, including the trilingual staff and the first-ever Public Relations/Outreach Specialist for DHHSC.
30th VDF
DHHSC celebrated its 30th Annual Valley Deaf Festival in 2019, that consisted of vendor booths, children’s actvities, raffle prizes, and entertainment by Brett Shaffer.
Working Remotely
In March 2020, for the first time in the history, DHHSC, like other businesses, had to work remotely for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While our physical offices were closed, DHHSC staff continued to serve the public remotely during business hours.
Changing Deaf History Event
DHHSC wrapped up its 20th annual “Martha’s Vineyard in the Central Valley” in spring 2023.
That annual event would soon be replaced by the first ever “A Walk Through Deaf History” the following year.
40 Years of Service
On November 1, 2024, DHHSC provided 40 years of services to the public, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
To celebrate this special milestone, DHHSC held a 40th GALA earlier that year, with an inspirational message by Rachel Burton and guests that included former staff, board members, and volunteers.
Thank You For Being With Us
DHHSC serves an average of 30,000 people annually, with many services and events.
It is our goal to continue providing quality services for years to come.
