Latest News
“Hiring Someone with a Developmental Disability Is Charity.” FALSE.
It’s about talent, not charity. When an employer hires a person with a developmental disability, they are not doing that person a favor. They are hiring an employee. An employee with skills. An employee with strengths. An employee who can learn, contribute, grow and become a valuable part of a workplace. As we prepare to celebrate ...
Meet Jordan: Experience, Determination and a Readiness to Work
When Jordan came to Project Independence, he brought something important with him: more than two decades of hands-on work experience and a strong desire to get back to work. Jordan is one of the newest clients in Project Independence’s Job Development program, where he is working with our Supported Employment team to find a full-time ...
Project Independence Received $5,000 Donation from +Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Check presentation was held Sept. 19 at Sprouts Farmers Market at 225 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa as part of a national event COSTA MESA, CA (Sept. 21, 2026) — On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation presented a donation of $5,000 to Project Independence(PI) at the Sprouts Farmers Market located at ...
Meet New Board Member Dr. Daria Yang
Daria Yang, MD, MPH, CPHQ is a physician and senior leader in quality and public health who has dedicated her career to advancing the quality of care for patients in a number of medium to large healthcare systems across the country. She is the president, chief executive, and brand strategy partner at Safion Advisory, a healthcare ...
Why Olmstead Matters: Protecting the Right to Community Living
Nearly 50 years ago, Project Independence was founded on a belief that was far from universally accepted at the time: people with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to leave institutional settings, live more independently, and become active members of their communities. That belief has guided Project Independence since 1977. Today, the people we serve ...
Matthew has a lot to be proud of!
Our Project Independence job developer, Carla Compton, interviews Mathew as he’s finishing his shift at Ralphs. What do you love about your job? Stocking products on the shelves Helping customers Helping other associates Getting everything done on time Bagging groceries Doing a sweep And putting away shopping carts Tell me about your promotion I got ...
Paddling beyond limits: Newport outing brings adventure, inclusion together
By Eric Licas June 23, 2026 11:53 AM PT Brad Ball and Ron Holland, right, seated at the bow of an outrigger canoe, smile while paddling in Upper Newport Bay Friday during an outing organized by Project Independence and Makapo Aquatics. (Eric Licas) Ron Holland got into a mostly steady rhythm during his first time ...
Challenging Themselves One Paddle Stroke at a Time
All that was needed was a rousing performance of the iconic Hawaii Five-O theme song to complete the scene as Project Independence clients and staff members climbed aboard an outrigger canoe, paddles in hand, and set off across the calm waters of the Newport Beach Back Bay. For many participants, the experience offered an exciting opportunity ...
Brian Graham’s Journey to Independence
By Donna Voss, Area Manager A Life at Risk When I first began working with Brian Graham, I was a direct support staff member assigned to assist him in maintaining his independence. Later, as I became his Area Manager, I continued working closely with him and witnessed firsthand one of the most remarkable transformations of my ...
A Legacy of Independence. A Future of Possibility.
In 2027, Project Independence will celebrate an extraordinary milestone - our 50th Anniversary. For five decades, Project Independence has been dedicated to enriching lives and expanding choices for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Orange County. Together with our clients, families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we have helped create opportunities for people to live, work, ...
