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So far jdamon has created 64 blog entries.

An Access 2 Adventure Thanksgiving

2025-09-05T10:51:29+00:00December 15, 2021|Program Updates, Stories|

Twenty-five Project Independence staff and clients gathered at the Hometown Buffet in Anaheim to put the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving this season. Through a generous grant to the Access 2 Adventure Program at Project Independence from the Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation, the group got together for a wonderful feast,  much-needed laughter, and friendship.  “ I was going to sit at home and watch TV alone, but my friends at Project ...

OC Marathon Water Station

2025-09-05T10:50:59+00:00November 10, 2021|Event Updates, Stories|

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped man our water station at the OC Marathon on November 7th! And thank you to or sponsors Union Bank (sponsored Project Independence’s water station at Castaway Park) and Team Rubicon and the OCMarathon!

Robert Watson Named CEO of Nonprofit Project Independence

2025-10-13T07:26:46+00:00September 28, 2021|In the News|

Stepping up from his role as associate director at PI, Watson will replace current CEO Debra Marsteller, who is retiring after 40 years. Posted Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 12:13 pm PT| Dan Pittman While serving as associate director at Project Independence, Robert Watson was also a member of the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) Board of Directors. (Project Independence ) The volunteer Board of Directors of nonprofit ...

Project Independence Clients Paddle An Outrigger For Independence

2025-09-05T10:50:01+00:00July 16, 2021|In the News|

Adults with developmental disabilities take to the water at Newport Aquatic Center via Project Independence's Access 2 Adventure program By Dan Pittman, Neighbor Adventurous clients of nonprofit Project Independence enjoy an exciting outing on the water paddling an outrigger canoe with the careful guidance of the MAKAPO Aquatics Project. (Project Independence) Nonprofit Project Independence's Access to Adventure (A2A) program for its clients with developmental disabilities has returned with outdoor ...

One Year In, Collaboration Still Dishing Up Hot Meals, Dignity To O.C.’s Neediest Residents

2025-09-05T10:49:30+00:00July 12, 2021|In the News|

Holley Sao, kitchen manager for Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa, prepares meals for Delivering with Dignity on Wednesday. One year in, the collaboration of donors, volunteers, assistance agencies and local restaurants has delivered 81,000 hot meals to people in need. (Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer) By SARA CARDINESTAFF WRITER JULY 1, 2021 5:09 PM PT As Orange County entered the long stretch of the coronavirus pandemic last summer, a contingent ...

Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days

2025-09-05T10:49:03+00:00May 7, 2021|In the News|

            by: Dan Pittman Posted: May 7, 2021 COSTA MESA...Project Independence and nine aligned nonprofits will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on May 20 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative Giving Day to support people with disabilities living in Orange County. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $100,000 for 10 nonprofits offering a range of education and supportive services, skills training and ...

Project Independence’s “Empowering Possibilities” Giving Day

2025-09-05T10:48:37+00:00May 6, 2021|Press Releases|

24-Hour Fundraiser May 20 Seeks to Raise $100K For Nonprofit Programs and Services for People Living with Disabilities in Orange County Costa Mesa, Calif. (May 6 2021) — Project Independence and nine aligned nonprofits will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on May 20 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative Giving Day to support people with disabilities living in Orange County. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $100,000 ...

MELISSA TRUJILLO JOINS PROJECT INDEPENDENCE AS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR OF THE ACCESS 2 ADVENTURE PROGRAM

2025-10-13T07:25:17+00:00April 29, 2021|From Deb's Desk, Stories|

All aboard for adventure! Nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa is pleased announce that special events professional Melissa Trujillo has come onboard as the volunteer coordinator of our Access 2 Adventure (A2A) program. Brought back through the ongoing generosity of the Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation, the popular program will feature exciting adventures on Zoom and in person following all health safety protocols. Melissa has already prepared a survey ...

PROJECT INDEPENDENCE: Enriching the Lives of the Developmentally Disabled

2025-09-05T10:47:39+00:00April 14, 2021|In the News|

APRIL 2021 Since 1977, Project Independence has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) expand their horizons. The organization currently supports 600+ people in Orange County. Project Independence’s focus is to help people with I/DD reach their dreams of living on their own, and having meaningful work and friendships. “These are dreams we all have,” said Debra Marsteller, president and CEO. Debra is an advocate, trainer, mentor, and supporter ...

Project Independence’s Client Tran Test Drives Carr Manufacturing

2025-10-13T07:24:42+00:00March 29, 2021|In the News|

The Project Independence Supported Employment program successfully matches a job with someone with a developmental disability like Victoria. Dan Pittman, Neighbor Posted Tue, Mar 23, 2021 at 9:50 am PT Nonprofit Project Independence (PI) of Costa Mesa is pleased to announce that the organization's client Victoria Tran has joined the staff of Carr Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Lake Forest. Her new job was secured through Project Independence's Supported Employment program and job ...

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