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 ...

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 ...

Annual event held by local nonprofit to help launch National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa Nonprofit Project Independence (PI) of Costa Mesa invites champions for the rights of people with developmental disabilities to walk, jog, or roll at its 15th Annual Walk for Independence & Health Fair, set for Saturday, October 11, 2025 at TeWinkle Park at 970 Arlington Drive in Costa Mesa to ...

by: Dan Pittman Published: March 4, 2025 COSTA MESA...Project Independence (PI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, is proud to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) throughout March with the "We're Here All Year” campaign. The promotion is emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. As a lifeline for one of the ...

Costa Mesa-based nonprofit selected by Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, to be a community partner for "Gloria"   Nonprofit Project Independence (PI) has been selected by Chance Theater, Anaheim’s official resident theater company, to be a community partner for the theater’s production of the play “Gloria” at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage, running through October 28. The play’s audience and cast will have ...

by: Dan PittmanPublished: May 6, 2024 L-R: RCOC Executive DirectoR Larry Landauer; Project Independence (PI) board member and client Nick Westphalen; and RCOC Board Chairperson john “Chip” Wright Photo Credit RCOC COSTA MESA...Nonprofit Project Independence (PI) board member and client Nick Westphalen of Costa Mesa has recently received the Self Advocate Award presented by Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) at its annual Spotlight Awards. According to RCOC, the Self ...

Employment at PI includes a flexible work schedule, an industry competitive salary, a stable and supportive work environment and more Project Independence staff, clients and families join together for the nonprofit's annual Walk for Independence to help launch National Disability Employment Awareness Month each October. (Project Independence) Looking for a job in Orange County where you can make a significant difference in the lives of adults with developmental ...

by: Dan Pittman Published: October 2, 2023 COSTA MESA...– Nonprofit Project Independence invites champions for the rights of people with developmental disabilities to walk, run, or roll at its 14th Annual Walk for Independence, set for Saturday, October 7, 2023 at TeWinkle Park at 970 Arlington Drive in Costa Mesa to help launch National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Registration opens at 7:30 AM. The walk begins at 8 AM.  A ...

Costa Mesa resident Nick Westphalen has joined the volunteer Project Independence Board of Directors. Costa Mesa-based Project Independence (PI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides comprehensive services in Orange County to over 750 people with developmental disabilities in their homes, at work and in the community, today announced that Nick Westphalen has joined its volunteer Board of Directors. “I love PI because I enjoy the company I get from staff and ...