03/08/2026
RCOC and VPDCA bring a happy new year to children with disabilities and their families
(Click on the linked article for photos from the event)
SANTA ANA, California (NV) – The Orange County Regional Center for Developmentally Disabled (RCOC) held a Spring celebration for the Year of the Horse, bringing joy to people with disabilities and their families on Sunday, March 1st, at the White Palace 2 restaurant in Santa Ana.
RCOC's Spring celebration was also co-organized by the Vietnamese Parents Association for Children with Disabilities (VPDCA), with nearly 500 attendees.
"RCOC is the first stop where many individuals with disabilities in Orange County can find local support services, helping them live safely and with pride in the community."
RCOC serves over 25,000 residents with autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other brain-related disabilities. RCOC is a private, non-profit organization contracted by the state of California to provide long-term services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Orange County.
The program featured a variety of exciting performances, including cultural arts, variety shows, and fashion displays, with families of children involved with RCOC and VPDCA performing, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Ms. Kaitlynn Yến Trương, Orange County Area Manager for RCOC, shared, “I’m deeply moved to see parents and children arriving early, even before the restaurant opened. This is the second time RCOC has partnered with VPDCA to host a Spring celebration for families to come together in joy.”
Ms. Kaitlynn continued, “In addition to celebrating the New Year, the purpose of this event is to give RCOC the opportunity to share helpful services with parents and create a space for children with disabilities and their families to spend time together.”
Mr. Arturo Cazares, Associate Executive Director of RCOC, gave a presentation on the mission and introduced the center’s services to the attending families.
Mr. Arturo Cazares joyfully shared, “I am very happy and excited to be invited here to celebrate with everyone in such a beautiful setting. In the new year, I wish you all continued success, peace, and smooth progress in all endeavors.”
“Happy New Year,” he sent his wishes in Vietnamese to the families.
Mr. Tiến Nguyễn, Secretary and Deputy Director of VPDCA, mentioned that every year the association organizes a Spring celebration for families, but for the past two years, they have been co-organizing with RCOC.
He wished, “In the new year, I hope all families experience joy, happiness, peace, and that the children continue to develop better and better.”
Artist Thành Lễ, founder of the Ngọc Trong Tim group, also performed many variety acts to bring joy to the children.
Ngọc Trong Tim is a non-profit organization that helps children with disabilities, orphans, those with terminal illnesses, children from difficult circumstances, and supports charity organizations to deliver their gifts directly to the recipients.
He shared that due to overworking, he had issues with his disc, but he was still very happy to perform for the children and their families.
"When I'm on stage performing, I forget all about the pain," artist Thành Lễ said with a smile.
"I always accept invitations to RCOC and the associations' events, except in cases when I'm too busy to perform. Performing with and for the children makes me happy because they are so adorable. Whether I perform well or not, they cheer and clap, so it really moves me," he added.
"My late sister was also a person with disabilities, so I deeply empathize with the children and their families. Today is even more special because the associations have come together to organize this event. This is a great achievement for the Vietnamese community," he said.
"I hope the parents will always stay healthy and strong to take care of their children, because as long as we're alive, there's hope," the artist added.
Ms. Phương Nguyễn, mother of two boys with autism, shared that this was her first time attending the RCOC New Year celebration, even though her children have been in the program for five years.
"I’m impressed by the meticulous and organized way the event is run. The staff from RCOC and VPDCA are all very enthusiastic and kind," Ms. Phương said.
"Ms. Phương Nguyễn’s family at the Spring celebration for the Year of the Horse."
"RCOC helps the children with special privileges and also supports the parents. At school, if my child is being bullied, I call the caseworker right away to ask for intervention. RCOC also has a program that helps parents take a break by caring for the children," she shared.
She also mentioned that RCOC offers programs that support the children in participating in sports and arts.
The restaurant today also specially displayed paintings and artworks created by the children themselves.
Standing next to a painting of a guitar, with colors blending thoughtfully, is the artist himself, Steven Nguyễn.
He shared that the painting represents the magical beauty of colors and music.
He added, “I feel great to be here at the party, I’m very happy. I hope the new year brings good health to me and my family.”
Mrs. Duyên Nguyễn, mother of Steven, shared: “Steven has been with RCOC since he was 2 years old, and now it’s been over 20 years. I remember when he was 2, he couldn’t speak and showed signs of fear. Later, we found out he was autistic, and RCOC sent services to support him.”
"Back then, Steven couldn’t speak, but now he communicates fluently, so I’m very happy. Every year, I get to join the Spring celebration with my son, and it makes me very happy," she added.
The celebration grew livelier, especially with the "homemade" lion dance, featuring creative performances by the children and their parents, bringing a warm and charming atmosphere.
Amid the lively spring festivities, what lingered wasn’t just the cultural performances or the red envelopes, but the feeling of being shared, understood, and supported in a community full of love.
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Contact the author: nguyen.nhien@nguoi-viet.com
RCOC và VPDCA mang Xuân ấm áp đến gia đình có con em khuyết tật với sự hiện diện của gần 500 người ở Orange County.
