Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [id] => 23
            [date] => 2021-02-22
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => ACC's Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program provides peace of mind during precarious times
            [author] => Anonymous
            [article] => 
I'd like to thank you very much for the Personal Protective Equipment and backup battery the ACC provided for me and my family. You and your awesome Disability Disaster Access and Resources program have provided much needed peace of mind during precarious times. For that, I’m humbled and very grateful. Thank You!  

Prior to contacting the ACC, I was genuinely concerned about what I'd do if the power ever went out at my home. However, it wasn't until recently that it was announced there were going to be scheduled rolling "blackouts," that my concern significantly escalated. I've been a CPAP user since 2010 after suffering viral congestive heart failure. My life literally relies upon its use while I sleep. I began researching options and priced various systems, but ultimately couldn't afford them or concluded they weren't feasible for my home. The backup battery (also a power inverter) ACC provided allows me to power my CPAP.  It can also charge important electronics such as cell phones, tablets, rechargeable flashlights, and laptops. I have incorporated my new backup battery into my family's disaster preparedness planning and feel confident we would persevere through most short-term events.    

I'm a U.S. Air Force veteran with a service-connected disability and also a medically retired (broken back) law enforcement officer of more than 30 years. I live on a monthly fixed income, which makes large purchases difficult. The ACC has restored a previously lost sense of security to my daily living! I'm genuinely humbled. Lauren's patience, compassion, and smooth facilitation throughout the entire process has been a Godsend! I'm forever grateful and thankful.    

 

Anonymous, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate

        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [id] => 28
            [date] => 2021-04-15
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => What was I to do if the power went out?
            [author] => Anonymous
            [article] => 
These people are amazing and it is well worth your time to check them out. As a senior sometimes it is just plain strange because there are times when you may wonder if the modern world remembers the past at all and you may wonder where to turn for help, or with questions for people of our ages. Here is my story: The storms were coming and the weather reports were saying the power may be turned off or could be interrupted.

That was a big concern to me as I use oxygen at night and a nebulizer twice a day (that's a machine to take meds for the lungs).  What was I to do if the power went out? I saw a commercial on TV about the Access Central Coast and thought, well, what the heck? I will call them. Now, without complication ACC delivered a battery that can be used in case of a power outage. Just plug your equipment into it and bingo! You are safe to use your equipment no matter if a storm comes. 

The lady I worked with is Lauren Utterback and she is so professional and personable that you don't feel any discomfort at all asking for help. 

If you need help as a senior or disabled person certainly give them a call. It will be worth your time. 

-Anonymous, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Emergency Preparedness Services Manager

        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [id] => 19
            [date] => 2021-02-03
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => We are a preparedness team!
            [author] => Nathan Lungu
            [article] => 
“Moving into my own place for the first time in two years I may have forgotten the importance of being ready for any possible disaster that may arise and unfortunately a little unprepared. The teachings of safety and preparedness from my own parents went over my head as I was more focused on moving into my place than the dangers that can always come up unexpectedly. I was thankful to have ACC with a team of well-prepared and knowledgeable staff to help cover the things I had forgotten.  Lauren Utterback went out of her way to bring me extra face masks and gloves during this uncertain time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With her help I was able to leave my home with a feeling of being better prepared to stay safe and healthy. Also, her help with putting together a list of emergency contacts and doctor information is now easily readable and hangs on my fridge for anyone that may need it in a hurry. Her suggestions for putting together an ‘emergency preparedness kit’ and the items to include helped me tremendously through a process I started to feel overwhelmed by. I now know I have a team I can go to for anything relating to preparation and safety among a list of other services they provide. 

"Thank you, Lauren, and thank you ACC”

-Nathan Lungu, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate 

        )

)
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