Rehabilitation Department

I came to the DOR as an suggestion from a friend who once worked for the county and knew the resource that the DOR could offer due to my mental disability(bipolar 1). I have never seeked any type of help from any government or any other program before. But considering I was on the verge of giving up hope and needed any type of assistance I turned to the DOR. From the gate Deborah Maestas was terrible to work with. In the middle of me getting resource information from a lady she completely halt that stating I needed to do a phone interview which she scheduled weeks out. Even after I explained my circumstances to her. After her intake call and plan. I have literally have had to beg and pled with her for the little assistance she has given me. I came to DOR with a plan and just needed assistance/help achieving that plan. Ever step , ever request for assistance as been met with push back, resistance and the constant reminder what DOR doesn't help with. If wasn't for the knowledge of my friend. I would have walked away from this program at the very beginning without receiving any help at all. Deborah has never offered any assistance nor explained the assistance that DOR offers. But has constantly reminded me what she doesn't offer or what she wont do and so on..To say you don't help or provide things a person may need for mental or physical disabilities is seems wrong, especially when the only reason I'm or others or able to receive help from the DOR is because of these disabilities. SO WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE DOR? I requested a couple things that may have been outside the scope of the DOR But instead of denying it with an explanation. Her and her Manger Thomas were rude and condescending and totally dismissive. I'm currently training to become a truck driver and I sent her a list of things I need when I get my own truck in the near future such as (cookware, appliances to cook with on truck, a blanket, sheet set & pillow etc...) Deborah Maestas and Thomas(her supervisor) denied the request. Denied a request for blanket and pillow without any explanation. To say you only provide whats required for the job, then pick and choice what is required and what you going to provide is condescending. The treatment that I have received from Deborah Maestas and her supervisor Thomas Is very disappointing and discouraging and completely unappreciated. I only wonder how many other people they have done this too. I wonder how their lack of empathy has turned people away from receiving help that the government has set up to assist individuals to change the direction of their lives. Deborah Maestas and Thomas or terrible people and shouldn't be working in a field where empathy and compassion could change a person's life. These two have made this experience terrible and I do not see myself ever again going to any agency for help after this. To make a person feel inadequate, or as if they are begging shouldn't be the function of any government agency officials. I advice anyone going to the DOR in San Bernardino to stay far away from Deborah Maestas and her supervisor Thomas..

So two people that work at DOR have posted a five star rating and a four star rating, and these aren't considered fake reviews? That's interesting. Clients are told to go to the counselor's supervisor if they have a problem, but that does not solve the problem in all cases.

Gilbert McCory is my rehab counselor. In every way he has contacted me and responded to my questions and concerns. He is patient with my questions and fears. He is upfront and honest. I am so excited to return to school and be a financial asset instead a financial burden. Thank you!!

Took them 6 months for them to write an IPE. I had to go over their heads several times otherwise it would not have been done. So what if you have several useless degrees, what does that have to do with me, except tells me you had money to get them. Back in the 50's and 60's it was easier to get a degree if you were white. I am not trying to take priority over others, just do your job on time not over the allotted time . Ridiculous. I am certain I am not the only one who has to deal with this. Carla Ehnes is so slow, nothing a degree can fix evidently. At one point I thought she purposely placed my file on the bottom of her pile when it should have been on top because of my ticket to work ( I am on SSI) and being priority category 1.