About julie@branded4good.com

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So far julie@branded4good.com has created 59 blog entries.

Why Olmstead Matters: Protecting the Right to Community Living

2026-08-08T08:35:37+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!

2026-08-04T00:00:18+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

2026-07-22T23:39:24+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

2026-07-22T23:21:07+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.

2026-07-06T21:54:58+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

2026-06-23T11:34:20+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 ...

Challenging Themselves One Paddle Stroke at a Time

2026-06-23T11:21:12+00:00June 23, 2026|Program Updates|

All that was needed was a rousing performance of the iconic Hawaii Five-O theme song to complete the scene as Project Independence clients and staff members climbed aboard an outrigger canoe, paddles in hand, and set off across the calm waters of the Newport Beach Back Bay. For many participants, the experience offered an exciting opportunity to try something new while enjoying the natural beauty of Orange County's coastline. Working ...

Brian Graham’s Journey to Independence

2026-06-22T16:19:51+00:00June 22, 2026|Uncategorized|

By Donna Voss, Area Manager A Life at Risk When I first began working with Brian Graham, I was a direct support staff member assigned to assist him in maintaining his independence. Later, as I became his Area Manager, I continued working closely with him and witnessed firsthand one of the most remarkable transformations of my career. Brian lived alone in an apartment in Placentia. During that time, he had ...

Meet Raymond Sanchez

2026-04-30T05:36:59+00:00April 30, 2026|Supported Employment|

Raymond Sanchez is an experienced and motivated job seeker currently working with Project Independence’s Supported Employment Program. For five years, Raymond worked in an Amazon warehouse, where he built a strong foundation in reliability, teamwork, and workplace responsibility. Following recent company cutbacks, he is now actively pursuing new opportunities in the retail field. Raymond has already begun interviewing with well-known retailers such as Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, and TJ ...

Different Not Less: A Simple Phrase with a Powerful Message

2026-04-26T01:37:25+00:00April 26, 2026|Uncategorized|

“Different Not Less” is more than a phrase. It’s a perspective. A reminder. A call to see people for who they are, not for what they are assumed to lack. For individuals with developmental disabilities, the world has not always made room for difference. For generations, systems focused on limitations instead of possibilities. But today, that narrative is changing. And at the heart of that shift is a simple truth: ...

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