Project Independence’s summer golf fundraiser at Rec 9 was a swinging success, with events held on both June 11 and July 1. Golfers came out in full force to support our mission while enjoying a beautiful day on the course. Thanks to the generosity of our community, participants had a chance to win incredible prizes—including a round of golf for four with a cart at Rec 18, a round at ...
The Palisades and Eaton Fires that swept through Southern California in early 2025 revealed stark gaps in disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. One survivor, Galen Buckwalter, who uses a wheelchair, was forced to evacuate alone through dangerous terrain after accessible transportation failed. Tragically, Rory Callum Sykes, a young man who was blind and had cerebral palsy, died when his family couldn’t evacuate in time—an outcome many in the disability ...
What is your title? Director of Community Day Services When did you begin working at PI? I’ve been part of the PI family for decades. I originally began my career at Vantage Foundation and stayed for 15 years, working my way from Behavior Specialist to Associate Director. I even played a very small part when Vantage and Project Independence merged, so PI has always felt like home. I officially rejoined ...
Meet Gabe - a friendly face with a big smile and a love for amusement parks and the great outdoors. Gabe recently started a new job working as a Home Depot Lot Associate. Through Project Independence’s Supported Employment Program, Gabe was matched with this opportunity, and it's already proving to be a great fit. He works part time and loves that his role keeps him outside and active — something ...
Dear Friends of Project Independence: As our country gets ready to celebrate nearly 250 years of independence this July 4, we’re reflecting on what independence really means, and how powerful it is when someone with a developmental disability achieves the freedom they need to thrive in their own life. For Cristina, that freedom has meant 21 years of purpose, pride, and community through her paid job as a mail attendant ...
Inclusion in education doesn't end at high school. For adults with developmental disabilities in California, access to meaningful college experiences is expanding, but advocacy is still key to making it truly inclusive. Programs like Think by the Bay at Cal State East Bay are opening doors for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend college alongside their peers. But when students in that program were recently excluded from participating ...
Project Independence joined nine other nonprofits on May 7 to cohost the annual Empowering Possibilities campaign, a Day of Giving to support neighbors with disabilities. Empowering Possibilities is a part of the i heart oc collaborative giving day initiative of the Orange County Community Foundation. The 24-hour online effort raised a total of $189,650 with 285 donors participating. A total of $13,650 was raised by Project Independence. “We were pleased ...
This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Cristina and her 25 years with Project Independence! Since joining in 2000, Cristina has brought energy, dedication, and a joyful presence to every space she’s a part of. Cristina began her journey by exploring vocational paths, developing her skills, and discovering where she felt most confident and fulfilled. In November 2004, she was hired as a Mail Attendant for Irvine City Hall, a ...
Orange County Rally to Save Medicaid! Right now, there’s a lot of talk in Congress about cutting Medicaid (which is called MediCal in California) —and that could hit people with developmental disabilities especially hard. If Medicaid gets cut, people with developmental disabilities could lose access to the healthcare they depend on every single day. We're talking about things like doctor visits, medications, therapy, and even basic preventive care. Without Medicaid, ...
California released a comprehensive plan last month aimed at reducing service barriers and enhancing support in employment, education, transportation, and health for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Master Plan is all about making life better and more independent for people with developmental disabilities in California. It aims to improve access to services like housing, healthcare, education, and jobs — and make those services more person-centered and easier to navigate. It ...
Project Independence 3505 Cadillac, Suite O-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-549-3464
Independent Living Services
Supported Employment
Day Program
Work Incentive Planning
