The inability of many Orange County nonprofit organizations to pay living wages to their staffs is taking its toll. It’s a major hurdle for Costa Mesa-based Project Independence, which serves Orange County residents with developmental disabilities. I recently spoke with a parent of a young man with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) after yet another beloved long-term staff member of Project Independence resigned. Her son exhibits challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviors. He ...

On March 18, 2018 the Paul Mitchell School of Costa Mesa opened its doors for a day of hairstyling and laughter. Over 40 clients and friends of Project Independence were treated like the royalty they are by the compassionate students at Paul Mitchell. The Access 2 Adventure Program of Project Independence partners with community organizations to create fun, inclusive events that bolster pride and a sense of independence. All visitors ...

40th anniversary-related event enables nonprofit to build a community one step at a time Costa Mesa, California, August 2017 – Several Orange County locations of the Trader Joe’s grocery chain will receive the Extra Mile Award next month at the eighth edition of nonprofit Project Independence’s Walk for Independence, which will commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary.  The Walk is set for September 9 at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Trader ...

Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation Helps Fund Access2Adventure Program Costa Mesa, California, June 30, 2017 – With the support of a $10,000 grant from the Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation, a family foundation established in Southern California, Project Independence’s popular Access2Adventure Program will be restored. The program provides carefully supervised outings for people with developmental disabilities served by the Costa Mesa-based nonprofit organization like attending Angels baseball games, ...