Denise (R) with Heather (L) Denise (L) with client Marcel (R) at his IKEA job In our new PI Up Close series, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated staff members who help make Project Independence’s mission come to life every day. From supporting independence to building meaningful connections in the community, our staff play a vital role in empowering the adults we serve. In this ...
Costa Mesa, California, March 4, 2026 Project Independence (PI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, is proud to observes March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) with the "We're Here: Then, Now, Always” campaign that recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be. Building on last year’s successful “We’re Here All ...
Project Independence is proud to celebrate Christian, who was recently named Employee of the Month for October 2025 at Russell Fischer Car Wash. In his role as a detailer, Christian is responsible for sweeping out vehicles and giving them a thorough pre-wash before they head into the car wash tunnel. It’s a job that requires consistency, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic - qualities he demonstrates every ...
Leading the warmup this year was Griffin, a coach with Hideout Fitness of Irvine. He studied Kinesiology at Concordia University, Irvine, and competed as a 4-year NCAA collegiate athlete, giving him a strong foundation in both performance and injury prevention. Griffin volunteered his time and talent to make sure our participants were ready to go and to motivate them to do their best. We asked him to tell us ...
The nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa has transformed its 11th annual Walk for Independence into a virtual fundraising event and is inviting participants to walk from Sunday through Sept. 12 and enjoy a live online celebration on the final day. Accessible at proindependence.org, the event will feature short inspirational videos, interactive workout sessions, special guests, easy ways to give online, a virtual auction and more. Walkers can share their own ...
On The Move Dorothy Blubaugh has joined Costa Mesa-based Project Independence as chief operations officer and director of community day services. Previously, she served as director of operations for California-based Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis, which provides positive behavior practices in a range of services, for children and adults with disabilities and autism, both internationally and within the United States. She was previously IABA’s director of community-based Behavior Day and Employment ...
After discovering that many of their clients were going empty handed this past holiday season. Project Independence and their staff compiled dozens of gift bags to be delivered to our adults living with developmental disabilities. A population already at risk of isolation, during these extraordinary times, it has become even more important to safely make contact and connection with the clients. Many Project staff stepped up to play the role of ...
Project Independence continued its annual tradition of attending the Nutcracker Ballet at the Barclay Theater again this year. On Dec 12, both clients and staff were excited to see the Festival of Ballet performance in-person once again. Peter Song, a PI client since 2018, was overhead at intermission explaining to his staff coach the magical story of ‘ Clara and the nutcracker that comes to life in her dreams.’ The ...
Project Independence 3505 Cadillac, Suite O-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-549-3464
Independent Living Services
Supported Employment
Day Program
Work Incentive Planning
