More Than Food and Clothing: San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center Reaches Out to Developmentally Disabled Fire Victims

When disasters strike, the challenges for people with developmental disabilities and their families are amplified.

Sal Gonzales, director of the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC), is manning a booth in a bustling parking lot next to the Pasadena Job Center on Lake Avenue, where thousands of families have lined up all week to receive necessary food, supplies and clothing.

But Gonzales is providing connections.

The nonprofit organization serves over 13,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, offering resources and services that help them navigate even the most difficult circumstances.

“Our mission is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have the support they need, even in times of crisis,” Gonzales said Friday.

The Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena and parts of Northwest Pasadena left an indelible mark on the community. According to Gonzales, of the 1,000 or so homes that were destroyed, many had housed families served by SGPRC.

“Some of our families lost everything,” he says. “We’re out here ensuring they know what resources are available to them. From therapy access to navigating FEMA applications, we’re here to help.”

Gonzales emphasizes the organization’s role as a “one-stop resource,” ensuring continuity of care despite the upheaval. “Whether families are in shelters or staying with relatives, we want children, teenagers, and adults to continue receiving the services they rely on,” he says.

The range of services SGPRC coordinates includes speech therapy, behavioral services, adaptive skills training, social skills development, and independent living support. The organization works with individuals of all ages, tailoring resources to meet their unique needs.

“Our families know our logo and trust us to guide them,” Gonzales said. “In emergencies, we encourage them to contact their service coordinators immediately. We act as a bridge, creating an immediate response to ensure no one falls through the cracks.”

One of the center’s critical roles is helping families navigate the complex paperwork required for disaster relief programs. “Filling out FEMA documentation or working with other organizations can be overwhelming, especially if there’s a language barrier,” Gonzales says. “We provide translation and interpretation services to make the process smoother.”

The fire brought heartbreak, but also highlighted the resilience of the community. Gonzales recalled an encounter with a mother who sought guidance after being displaced. Though served by another regional center, she reached out to SGPRC for advice.

“Even in these tough times, families are looking for ways to stay connected to resources,” Gonzales says. “We’re here to support them, regardless of where they come from.”

But some stories emphasize the devastating impact of the disaster.

Gonzales recalled, “One of the first tragedies we learned about involved a father who was an amputee and unable to help his son evacuate, and wouldn’t leave him there. Both passed away. It’s been a tough time for everyone.”

Gonzales and his team remain steadfast in their commitment to outreach. “We want our community to know we’re here for them, even in the darkest times,” he says.

The San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center’s work goes beyond immediate relief, Gonzales stressed. By fostering connections and providing resources, the organization ensures that people with developmental disabilities can continue to lead meaningful lives, even in the face of adversity, he said.

“In tough times, our role is to bring stability and hope to the people we serve. That’s what we’re here for.”

More information about the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center is available here.