Variety Children’s Charity opens weekly services at Desert Hot Springs satellite

Representatives from Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert told the Desert Hot Springs City Council May 20 that the nonprofit is now operating weekly at a Desert Hot Springs satellite location (Family Resource Center) to serve children with disabilities and their families.

Alejandra Rodriguez, program manager, said the organization operates four core programs — Freedom (adaptive equipment), Future (life‑enrichment and art classes), Care (developmental screenings for ages 0–5) and Outreach (case management, resource navigation and monthly screening days with community partners). Rodriguez said the Freedom program provides adaptive bikes, strollers and customized wheelchairs as needed and that occupational‑therapy specialists help measure and customize equipment.

"We are happy to and excited to announce that we are now weekly in our DHS location serving the community and our four programs," Rodriguez said. Program staff also named executive director Heidi Maldun and case manager Anakah Reia among the team and said the group hopes to expand to full‑time services as demand and funding allow.

Council members thanked the organization; staff and the charity noted referral and contact information is available on the charity’s website. The presentation contained program details such as monthly developmental screening events, partnerships with Palm Desert area providers for OT and resource distribution (diapers, wipes, developmental toys) and an offer to provide outreach into Mecca and other Coachella Valley communities as capacity increases.

Next steps: Variety Children’s Charity will continue weekly service at the Family Resource Center and coordinate with city staff on outreach and referrals.