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So far jdamon has created 62 blog entries.

Kathy Degnan-Grunwald is Retiring!

2025-09-05T10:35:06+00:00September 3, 2019|From Deb's Desk|

After working at Project Independence for over 20 years, Kathy Degnan-Grunwald is retiring!  We don’t say goodbye to this beautiful soul but see you later. May the wind be at her back, and we wish her the best in this next chapter of her life!

Nonprofit Provides Job Opportunities for Developmentally Disabled

2025-09-05T10:33:06+00:00April 9, 2019|In the News|

By Zack Tawatari PUBLISHED 12:52 PM ET Jan. 30, 2019 This production line is a well-oiled machine. From one set of arms to the next, these volunteers load packaged meals into coolers at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Jennifer and Goldy make a good team and quick work of this truck-load of food, organizing it in minutes. Their efficiency can’t be beat. And after accounting for each item, ...

For homebound seniors, nutritious Meals on Wheels; for developmentally disabled adults who deliver them, a sense of purpose

2025-09-05T10:32:36+00:00January 22, 2019|In the News|

THERESA WALKER | thwalker@scng.com | Orange County Register PUBLISHED: January 21, 2019 at 7:30 am | UPDATED: January 21, 2019 at 7:30 am Darrin Mackel community support specialist with Project Independence looks on as Jennifer Elliott, 43, of Huntington Beach walks to an apartment to deliver meals to seniors in Costa Mesa on Friday, January 18, 2019. Elliott and other adult volunteers with developmental disabilities are clients of Costa Mesa-based Project Independence and volunteer to deliver ...

Meet our new Human Resources Director – Meka Green

2025-09-05T10:31:36+00:00October 15, 2018|Press Releases|

MEKA GREEN NAMED DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT PROJECT INDEPENDENCE Costa Mesa, California, October 15, 2018 – Meka Green of Paramount has been named director of Human Resources for nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa. She has been at Project Independence since 2007 and has many years of experience providing support to staff, clients and their families.  The mother of eight-year-old daughter, Green is a member of PTA (Parent Teacher ...

Nonprofits Providing Essential Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities Cannot Afford to Pay A Living Wage

2025-10-13T07:09:39+00:00September 1, 2018|Press Releases|

The inability of many Orange County nonprofit organizations to pay living wages to their staffs is taking its toll. It’s a major hurdle for Costa Mesa-based Project Independence, which serves Orange County residents with developmental disabilities. I recently spoke with a parent of a young man with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) after yet another beloved long-term staff member of Project Independence resigned. Her son exhibits challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviors. He ...

ADA Anniversary

2025-10-13T07:07:53+00:00July 26, 2018|Advocacy Updates, From Deb's Desk|

Today is the 28th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - please join us in keeping the spirit of the law alive by advocating for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (S.817/HR 1874)! The Ask: Today, ask your Members of Congress to support this legislation by: Emailing them directly. Calling their Washington, D.C. offices. The Details: In 2014 Congress passed the ABLE Act, which authorized the creation of savings ...

Orange County Regional Center Awards Project Independence

2025-09-05T10:26:50+00:00April 2, 2018|In the News, Press Releases|

The Orange County Regional Center award two Annual Spotlight Awards to Project Independence at their Spotlight Awards Gala on March 2nd. CEO/President of Project Independence, Debra Marsteller was given the Spotlight Lifetime Achievement Award for over 35 years of working with adults with developmental disabilities. Accepting the award from the Director of the OCRC, Larry Landauer,on her behalf was the Project Independence Chairman of the Board Dan Pittman of Pittman ...

PAUL MITCHELL AND PROJECT INDEPENDENCE TEAM TO BRING SMILES AND GREAT HAIR TO ORANGE COUNTY ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

2025-10-13T07:05:38+00:00March 23, 2018|Press Releases|

On March 18, 2018 the Paul Mitchell School of Costa Mesa opened its doors for a day of hairstyling and laughter. Over 40 clients and friends of Project Independence were treated like the royalty they are by the compassionate students at Paul Mitchell. The Access 2 Adventure Program of Project Independence partners with community organizations to create fun, inclusive events that bolster pride and a sense of independence. All visitors ...

TRADER JOE’S LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE EXTRA MILE AWARD AT 8th ANNUAL PROJECT INDEPENDENCE WALK

2025-09-05T10:22:00+00:00August 15, 2017|Press Releases|

40th anniversary-related event enables nonprofit to build a community one step at a time Costa Mesa, California, August 2017 – Several Orange County locations of the Trader Joe’s grocery chain will receive the Extra Mile Award next month at the eighth edition of nonprofit Project Independence’s Walk for Independence, which will commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary.  The Walk is set for September 9 at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Trader ...

Donation helps Costa Mesa nonprofit revive Access to Adventure program

2025-09-05T10:19:50+00:00July 3, 2017|In the News, Supporter Updates|

By LOUIS CASIANO JR. | Orange County Register - A Costa Mesa-based nonprofit that serves those with developmental disabilities in Orange County will restart a popular program to provide its clients with outings and social interaction thanks to a $10,000 grant. The money – from the Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation – given to Project Independence this month will help bring back its Access to Adventure program after budget constraints forced the ...

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