THE COMMUNITY VOICE
A Quarterly Newsletter by Community Services Employment Training
Dear CSET Community,
June 2026
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our neighbors, families, and communities throughout Tulare County. Over the years, CSET has continued to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our community—expanding services from employment training and housing support to emergency response efforts and meal programs for seniors. It is an honor to provide these vital services and stand alongside the individuals and families we serve.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our board members, staff, partners, and supporters—past and present—whose dedication and generosity make this work possible. Your continued encouragement and commitment strengthen our mission every day.
As we reflect on CSET’s history and the impact we’ve made together, we are inspired by the resilience, compassion, and generosity of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey—we look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, CSET Executive Director
VITA RETURNS RECORD AMOUNT TO LOCAL FAMILIES
A record $7.3 million was returned to local households this year through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program! Through VITA, free tax preparation services are provided to residents with household incomes under $69,000, helping families maximize valuable refunds and credits. Nearly 4,300 tax returns were completed this year.
This success was made possible through the support of our community partners, including Dinuba High School, Butterfield Academy in Porterville, and CSET’s Tech Connect program. These partnerships gave local high school students hands-on training and real-world experience preparing taxes for the public while building professional skills and giving back to their communities. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, students, and partners for helping make this a record-breaking year!
On May 1 we celebrated our local seniors at the 54th Annual Senior Day in the Park! Thank you to the more than 1,500 local seniors who attended and spent the day with us!
This year’s Senior Day in the Park had a record of nearly 80 exhibitors providing resources and information for the guests. Families also enjoyed dancing by Pinedale Elementary Folklorico dancers, games like bingo and the cake walk, and another amazing performance by Jeremy “Elvis” Pearce.
Thank you to our partners Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, and our sponsors Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, Family HealthCare Network, Walmart, Svenhard’s, FoodMaxx, American Ambulance, Quail Park Memory Care, Golden Gourmet Foods, Save Mart, Central California Baking Company, Costco and Culligan. A huge thank you also goes out to the many volunteers who helped make the day a tremendous success!
BUILDING CONECTIONS AT GOVERNMENT DAY
A group of Corpsmembers from the Sequoia Community Corps recently traveled to the State Capitol to participate in the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC) Government Day. This annual event brings together Conservation Corps from across California to learn more about state government, connect with fellow Corpsmembers, and highlight the important work being done in communities throughout the state.
During the visit, Corpsmembers networked with peers from across California while meeting with lawmakers and legislative staff to share the impact of the Sequoia Community Corps. The group also met with California Conservation Corps Director JP Patton to discuss the Corps’ programs, accomplishments, and continued growth. Adding to the excitement, mascot Rocky became a crowd favorite and brought extra energy and enthusiasm to the event.
Reflecting on her experience at Government Day, Corpsmember Chloe Luttrell said, “It was cool to meet a lot of people from other Corps. I never thought I would do something like this, it felt good to represent the SCC with pride.”
Last month, CSET’s #LEAD program hosted a Senior Game Night at the Dinuba Senior Center, bringing together youth and seniors for an evening of games, food, and community connection. Seniors enjoyed poker, Lotería, raffles, painting, and a shared meal, while #LEAD students helped organize and lead the activities.
The students also joined in the fun, creating meaningful connections with participants throughout the night. One #LEAD student performed a song for the group, adding extra joy and entertainment to the event. Both seniors and youth enjoyed the opportunity to connect, create memories, and give back to the community through this special event.
VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT VISALIA NAVIGATION CENTER
In early April, Visalia Navigation Center volunteer Melissa Watson wanted to follow up last Easter with another Lemonade and Cheesecake party for residents at the VNC. She contacted Kevin and Bonnie Mizner, who provided cheesecake last year, and they were ready to help again this year. Melissa provided lemonade and flavors and put together Easter baskets for everyone.
As they prepared for the event, the Central Valley Premier FC Soccer Team and Coach Sam Oliveira joined in, putting together hundreds of Easter eggs filled with goodies. Residents of all ages had a blast, and were extremely grateful for the fun activities made possible by our amazing VNC volunteers.
TREES OF HOPE SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Trees of Hope Christmas Tree Auction! This black-tie event will take place Friday, December 4, 2026 at the Visalia Convention Center. Guests will enjoy a live auction featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a silent auction, and an opportunity drawing to win fine jewelry.
Funds raised through Trees of Hope support valuable community services, from meals for seniors to beds for individuals experiencing homelessness. Thank you to the sponsors, volunteers, and guests who made last year’s event a success! To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit www.cset.org/treesofhope.
Pedro Silva discovered Employment Connection through outreach efforts at the Farmersville Library, where he began working with Career Coach Cristina Aguilar. Seeking stable employment and improved circumstances, Pedro took advantage of individualized support and WIOA resources.
With more than 15 years of experience as a self-employed handyman, Pedro brought strong skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, remodeling, and property maintenance. However, he faced barriers including justice involvement, homelessness, lack of a valid driver’s license, and limited transportation.
Through Employment Connection, Pedro received referrals to housing and re-entry programs, assistance reinstating his driver’s license, interview attire, and a bicycle to improve transportation. He also completed job readiness workshops and all four Job Readiness Milestones, strengthening his employment and interview skills.
In March 2026, Pedro secured full-time employment as a General Laborer with Exeter Small Engine Repair. Today, he remains focused on maintaining steady employment and building long-term financial stability.
“Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate all the support and assistance you have provided.”
Congratulations Pedro!
Visalia CSET
312 NW 3rd Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 Tel. 559.732.4194
Visalia Employment Connection 4025 W. Noble Ave. # B Visalia, CA 93277-1631 Tel. 559.713.5000
Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate 155 N K. St. Tulare, CA 93274 Tel. 559.684.1987
Earlimart CSET
176 N. Front St. Earlimart, CA 93219 Tel. 661.849.2960
Pixley CSET 927 Center St. Pixley, CA 93256 Tel. 559.575.0098
Porterville CSET
108 E. Morton Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 Tel. 559.216.0525
CSET Senior Services
1.800.321.2462
Cutler-Orosi, Earlimart, Exeter, Lindsay, Porterville, & Woodlake
Visalia Navigation Center (VNC) 3525 N. Court St. Visalia, CA 93291
CSET combats poverty by providing individuals, families, and communities with the resources, skills, and opportunties to thrive.
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Discover more information about CSET’s programs and services at: www.cset.org