Suited up in life jackets and with paddles in hand, clients served by the Costa Mesa nonprofit Project Independence hit the waters of Upper Newport Bay Thursday in outrigger canoes in search of a high seas adventure. About 20 adventurers — many of whom participate in local programs aimed at giving adults with developmental disabilities opportunities to live, work and flourish — showed up ready to make waves at the ...

On The Move Dorothy Blubaugh has joined Costa Mesa-based Project Independence as chief operations officer and director of community day services. Previously, she served as director of operations for California-based Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis, which provides positive behavior practices in a range of services, for children and adults with disabilities and autism, both internationally and within the United States. She was previously IABA’s director of community-based Behavior Day and Employment ...

Stepping up from his role as associate director at PI, Watson will replace current CEO Debra Marsteller, who is retiring after 40 years. Posted Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 12:13 pm PT| Dan Pittman While serving as associate director at Project Independence, Robert Watson was also a member of the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) Board of Directors. (Project Independence ) The volunteer Board of Directors of nonprofit ...

Adults with developmental disabilities take to the water at Newport Aquatic Center via Project Independence's Access 2 Adventure program By Dan Pittman, Neighbor Adventurous clients of nonprofit Project Independence enjoy an exciting outing on the water paddling an outrigger canoe with the careful guidance of the MAKAPO Aquatics Project. (Project Independence) Nonprofit Project Independence's Access to Adventure (A2A) program for its clients with developmental disabilities has returned with outdoor ...

Holley Sao, kitchen manager for Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa, prepares meals for Delivering with Dignity on Wednesday. One year in, the collaboration of donors, volunteers, assistance agencies and local restaurants has delivered 81,000 hot meals to people in need. (Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer) By SARA CARDINESTAFF WRITER JULY 1, 2021 5:09 PM PT As Orange County entered the long stretch of the coronavirus pandemic last summer, a contingent ...

            by: Dan Pittman Posted: May 7, 2021 COSTA MESA...Project Independence and nine aligned nonprofits will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on May 20 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative Giving Day to support people with disabilities living in Orange County. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $100,000 for 10 nonprofits offering a range of education and supportive services, skills training and ...

APRIL 2021 Since 1977, Project Independence has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) expand their horizons. The organization currently supports 600+ people in Orange County. Project Independence’s focus is to help people with I/DD reach their dreams of living on their own, and having meaningful work and friendships. “These are dreams we all have,” said Debra Marsteller, president and CEO. Debra is an advocate, trainer, mentor, and supporter ...

The Project Independence Supported Employment program successfully matches a job with someone with a developmental disability like Victoria. Dan Pittman, Neighbor Posted Tue, Mar 23, 2021 at 9:50 am PT Nonprofit Project Independence (PI) of Costa Mesa is pleased to announce that the organization's client Victoria Tran has joined the staff of Carr Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Lake Forest. Her new job was secured through Project Independence's Supported Employment program and job ...

Thursday, January 14, 2021  Project Independence, a nonprofit in Costa Mesa, wrapped and delivered thousands of everyday items to adults with developmental disabilities over the holidays. Along with hundreds of dollars in cash and gift cards, the organization’s volunteers brought games and myriad household products to its clients. Many of the items were donated by users of the website nextdoor.com, according to a statement from the nonprofit, while Vandana and ...

Serving people with developmental disabilities takes more than a walk in the park. But it's a great start! Thank you to the generous sponsors of our 10th Walk for Independence that celebrates independent living for people with developmental disabilities throughout Orange County. With your support, we are building a community one step at a time.