History of Our Agency

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 concerned public of Tulare County in response to the lack of services being provided there.

Harry Schaffner became the 1st Executive Director
in November of the same 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).

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 third Executive Director and has served the position 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 has become 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.

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 have 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.

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.

5th Executive Director

Less than a year 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 has closed in 1987, was reopened to serve the public of Tulare and Kings Counties.  It would be known as South Valley Outreach.

First Annual of Martha's Vineyard

Few years later, in 2003, DHHSC hosted
the first annual event titled,
“Martha’s Vineyard in the Central Valley,”
an educational annual fundraiser that focuses
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 headquarters to the public after purchasing the building featuring more spaces including the Community Room.

20th Anniversary

The next year in 2004, DHHSC celebrates 20 years of providing services to the Central Valley Of California by hosting a gala event featuring attendees including 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 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 and is the current 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 Employment.  These are still currently 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 as since became our annual Holiday Luncheon.

30 Years of Service

On November 1, 2014, DHHSC has reached its anniversary of many years of services to the public including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.

By doing so, DHHSC has held a 30th GALA earlier the same year during the spring featuring attendees, including some former 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 on 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 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 celebrates its 30th annual event filled with more vendor booths, raffle prizes, and a special guest performer, Brett Shaffer.

Working Remotely

On March 2020, for the first time in the history, DHHSC, like other businesses, has been working remotely for a while due to COVID-19 pandemic.

While our offices are closed, serving the public remotely during business hours remains open during that time.

Changing Deaf History Event

After many years, DHHSC has wrapped up its 20th annual event of “Martha’s Vineyard in the Central Valley” in spring 2023.

Our annual event would soon be be replaced to the first ever “A Walk Through Deaf History” the following next year.

40 Years of Service

On November 1, 2024, DHHSC has reached its anniversary of many years of services to the public including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.

By doing so, DHHSC has held a 40th GALA earlier the same year during summer featuring attendees, including some former staff and volunteers.

Thank You For Being With Us

DHHSC has served an average of 30,000 people annually, with many services and events
provided to them.

We contine to serve you better for years to come.

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