julie@branded4good.com, Author at Welcome

“Hiring Someone with a Developmental Disability Is Charity.” FALSE.

julie@branded4good.com2026-09-24T12:11:39+00:00September 24, 2026|Advocacy Updates, Supported Employment|

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 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, Project Independence is launching a series ...

Meet Jordan: Experience, Determination and a Readiness to Work

julie@branded4good.com2026-09-24T09:13:28+00:00September 24, 2026|Program Updates, Supported Employment|

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 position in Orange County. And he has plenty to offer his next employer. Jordan ...

Project Independence Received $5,000 Donation from +Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation

julie@branded4good.com2026-10-07T13:30:15+00:00September 22, 2026|Press Releases|

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 225 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa. CEO Robert Watson and Board Chair Dan ...

Meet New Board Member Dr. Daria Yang

julie@branded4good.com2026-09-02T00:50:00+00:00September 2, 2026|Press Releases|

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 and business consulting firm. She is also a faculty fellow in health systems science ...

Why Olmstead Matters: Protecting the Right to Community Living

julie@branded4good.com2026-08-08T08:35:37+00:00August 8, 2026|Advocacy Updates|

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 live in their own homes and apartments, work at businesses throughout Orange County, shop ...

Matthew has a lot to be proud of!

julie@branded4good.com2026-08-04T00:00:18+00:00August 4, 2026|Program Updates|

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 promoted for the first time back in February and I went form Courtesy Clerk ...

Paddling beyond limits: Newport outing brings adventure, inclusion together

julie@branded4good.com2026-07-22T23:39:24+00:00June 23, 2026|In the News|

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 paddling on an outrigger canoe. But he couldn’t help himself from pausing every few ...

Project Independence joins “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always” campaign

julie@branded4good.com2026-07-22T23:21:07+00:00March 15, 2026|In the News|

March 2026 Project Independence (PI), a 501(c)(3) non–profit organization based in Costa Mesa serving adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, is observing this month 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 Year” initiative, the campaign expands the message by ...

A Legacy of Independence. A Future of Possibility.

julie@branded4good.com2026-07-06T21:54:58+00:00June 20, 2026|Event Updates, Press Releases|

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, and thrive in their communities. Throughout our anniversary year, we look forward to reflecting ...

Strong Minds, Strong Communities: Why Mental Health Matters

julie@branded4good.com2026-06-23T11:34:20+00:00May 28, 2026|Uncategorized|

When we talk about health, most people think about physical health - eating nutritious foods, exercising, getting enough sleep, and visiting the doctor. But mental health is just as important. Mental health affects how we think, feel, connect with others, and handle life's challenges. Everyone has good days and difficult days, but when feelings of sadness, stress, anxiety, or loneliness last for a long time, they can begin to affect ...

About julie@branded4good.com

“Hiring Someone with a Developmental Disability Is Charity.” FALSE.

Meet Jordan: Experience, Determination and a Readiness to Work

Project Independence Received $5,000 Donation from +Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation

Meet New Board Member Dr. Daria Yang

Why Olmstead Matters: Protecting the Right to Community Living

Matthew has a lot to be proud of!

Paddling beyond limits: Newport outing brings adventure, inclusion together

Project Independence joins “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always” campaign

A Legacy of Independence. A Future of Possibility.

Strong Minds, Strong Communities: Why Mental Health Matters

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