Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about who we are, what we do, and how our programs make a difference. At Project Independence, we’re here to make it easy to learn more about our services for adults with developmental disabilities – from Independent Living and Supported Employment to our Day Program and community events. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions families, participants, and supporters ask us. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’re just a call or email away – we’d love to connect with you!
In 2007, two established nonprofit organizations – Vantage and Project Independence – joined forces to better serve the needs of Orange County adults with developmental disabilities.
Vantage Foundation was incorporated in 1977 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission was to provide quality day support for meaningful community integration and employment for people with the most significant developmental disabilities through person-centered planning, well-trained staff, and growth opportunities for all.
Project Independence was established in 1977 by dedicated families of adults with developmental disabilities who envisioned more for their loved ones than lives of segregation, prejudice, and institutionalization. Their goal? To allow adults with developmental disabilities to exercise freedom and personal choice in their own lives. The Independent Living program was the first of its kind in Orange County.
Remember what it felt like to land a job and start earning money? The feelings of self-confidence and independence were amazing. It’s the same for our clients. They work for employers including The City of Irvine, Albertsons, Ralph’s, Rite Aid, Sav-On, Target, and many others. We develop jobs that match the skills of clients with the needs of the employers. Acting as a liaison with the employer, we create stability within the employer/employee relationship. Our job is to provide whatever our client needs to be successful, from assistance with the job application process, extra skills training, establishing priorities and creating task schedules, to educating employees at the job site and building natural supports. READ SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CLIENT STORIES.
For more information, contact us at https://proindependence.org/contact-us/
Our Independent Living Program demonstrates a core principal of Project Independence.
We support our clients as they take bold steps to move out of group homes, family households, and other facilities, and into homes – and lives – of their own. We are there as they decide where to live, pick a roommate, and take other steps toward independence. From benefits and budgeting, to planning menus, grocery shopping, and helping prepare meals, to prioritizing housekeeping and laundry tasks, at each step Project Independence staff listen to the needs of the people we serve.
Our core programs for adults with developmental disabilities include Independent Living, Supported Independent Living, Supported Employment, Community Day Program, and Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA).Through our programs, our community grows stronger by including all who hope for a happy and independent life; a life of achievement, accomplishment and inclusion.
Our Healthy Living concepts are integrated into all or our programs, as we encourage our program participants to eat healthy and exercise. We work with our clients to help them prepare for our Annual Walk for Independence and Health Fair.
We work with adults with developmental disabilities aged 22 and above who have been referred to us from the Regional Center of Orange County. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that arise during the developmental period, typically before the age of 22, that can cause physical, learning, language, or behavioral impairments. These disabilities may affect a person’s ability to function independently in everyday life, and the impact can vary from mild to severe
We also accept direct pay clients. Currently our clients range from ages 27 to 72.
Project Independence’s mission is to promote civil rights for people with developmental disabilities through services which expand independence and choice. We embraces the opportunities of multi-culturalism and inclusion in all aspects of business operations. This includes not only the direct provision of services to our consumers and their families, but also to our employees and stakeholders.
Project Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established 47 years ago to help people with developmental disabilities leave institutions to live independently. Today, we continue to advocate for the rights of this special-needs population and provide services that help them become and remain independent. The organization has an annual income of about $3.8 million.
501(c)(3) Tax ID #95-3147421
Stepping up from his role as associate director at PI, Bob Watson replaces retired CEO Debra Marsteller. In 2007, after 26 years leading former Vantage Foundation and building the first integrated work supports system for people with the most complex lives, Marsteller joined with Watson in conducting a successful merger with Project Independence that seamlessly blended the two programs into one, keeping the focus on those served while promoting independence and choice. While serving as associate director at Project Independence, Watson has also been a member of the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) Board of Directors. He has chaired the RCOC’s Behavior Programs on the Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC). During his time on the Board, he testified before a legislative subcommittee advocating for rights of individuals. Watson joined Vantage in 1994 as a job coach while attending graduate school at Cal State Fullerton. He quickly rose to area manager, then regional director where he was responsible for growing the partially site-based day program. He was instrumental in transitioning Vantage Foundation into a totally community-based program with an emphasis on employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Watson leads a team of senior executives. The organization is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Yes, the 15th Annual Walk for Independence & Health Fair will be happening on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at TewWnkle Park in Costa Mesa, California.
Project Independence is located at 3505 Cadillac, Suite O-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. MAPQUEST DIRECTIONS
Call us at 714-549-3464.
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Are you looking for nonprofit jobs in Orange County where you can really make a difference? We’re looking for you.
We accept monthly and one-time donations. Project Independence is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Consult your tax advisor.
To donate, visit https://proindependence.org/donate-now/
Volunteers help in many ways including direct support for our programs, fundraising events, and community outreach.
Project Independence has been working with people with disabilities since 1977, and we have placed over a thousand people with disabilities in jobs throughout Orange County. We have been successful by partnering with both small and large employers to match great applicants with great jobs.
We have developed a comprehensive employer’s guide to hiring people with developmental disabilities that includes tips and resources. DOWNLOAD OUR BUILDING INCLUSIVE TEAMS GUIDE.
