H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection began in September 1990 with a simple but powerful idea: families supporting families. What started when LICA applied for a Family Support Grant from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) soon grew into a community rooted in shared experience and mutual care.

In those early days, we served families with children under the age of three who were Regional Center clients. Parents were invited to a retreat in Tehachapi, and from that gathering, lasting connections were formed. After the retreat, families began meeting monthly in one another’s homes. From the very beginning, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection has been a parent-founded and parent-driven organization.

We started entirely as volunteers. With the support of the Kern Regional Center, Bakersfield City School District, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, and the Kern County Consortium SELPA, we opened our doors in a small room with just one paid staff member. Over time, we slowly grew—adding part-time parent staff, expanding our office space, and continuing to receive funding from DDS.

In 2002, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection was awarded the Family Empowerment Center grant from the California Department of Education, allowing us to expand our services to families with children and adults with special needs from ages 3 to 22.

Today, our team includes staff based Kern County: Bakersfield, Delano and Tehachapi and in Inyo and Mono Counties: Bishop and Mammoth. Three of our staff members are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, helping us better serve our diverse community. Parents are referred to us by local agencies, and families are always welcome to contact us directly with questions or concerns.

Our services and resources are available to both English- and Spanish-speaking families throughout Kern County. We continue to receive grant funding through the California Department of Education and remain committed to empowering families through understanding, advocacy, and connection.