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Independence At Work – Ryan’s Story

2025-10-01T11:11:39+00:00September 15, 2025|Program Updates, Supported Employment|

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of workers with disabilities. At Project Independence, our Supported Employment Program helps adults with developmental disabilities thrive in meaningful jobs throughout the community. This month, we’re proud to share stories from some of our incredible clients whose hard work and dedication inspire us every day. Ryan's Story Ryan Scobell has been receiving Job Coaching ...

Meet Gabe

2025-09-05T11:12:51+00:00July 18, 2025|Program Updates, Supported Employment|

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 ...

25 Years With Project Independence!

2025-09-05T11:11:50+00:00May 22, 2025|Program Updates, Supported Employment|

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 ...

Independent Living Vs. Supported Living

2025-09-05T11:00:05+00:00December 22, 2023|Program Updates, Stories|

Project Independence offers an Independent Living and a Supported Living Program. Both options aim to empower individuals with the necessary tools and support to lead fulfilling lives, but they do so in distinct ways. While Independent Living encourages self-sufficiency and autonomy, Supported Living offers a more structured support system tailored to specific needs. Project Independence’s Independent Living program provides in-home supports and living skills training to people with intellectual disabilities ...

Project Independence online fundraiser helps build supportive community one step at a time

2025-09-05T11:07:08+00:00March 13, 2025|Program Updates|

The nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa has transformed its 11th annual Walk for Independence into a virtual fundraising event and is inviting participants to walk from Sunday through Sept. 12 and enjoy a live online celebration on the final day. Accessible at proindependence.org, the event will feature short inspirational videos, interactive workout sessions, special guests, easy ways to give online, a virtual auction and more. Walkers can share their own ...

Project Independence brings holiday cheer to clients

2025-09-05T10:52:28+00:00January 20, 2022|Program Updates, Stories|

After discovering that many of their clients were going empty handed this past holiday season.  Project Independence and their staff compiled dozens of  gift bags to be delivered to our adults living with developmental disabilities.  A population already at risk of isolation, during these extraordinary times, it has become even more important to safely make contact and connection with the clients. Many Project staff stepped up to play the role of ...

An Access 2 Adventure Thanksgiving

2025-09-05T10:51:29+00:00December 15, 2021|Program Updates, Stories|

Twenty-five Project Independence staff and clients gathered at the Hometown Buffet in Anaheim to put the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving this season. Through a generous grant to the Access 2 Adventure Program at Project Independence from the Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation, the group got together for a wonderful feast,  much-needed laughter, and friendship.  “ I was going to sit at home and watch TV alone, but my friends at Project ...

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR DDS DIRECTIVE 01-083120: ALTERNATIVE NONRESIDENTIAL SERVICES (ALTERNATIVE SERVICES)

2025-09-05T10:43:44+00:00October 13, 2020|Program Updates, Stories|

1. What are Alternative Nonresidential Services (Alternative Services)? Alternative Services is a way for consumers to receive nonresidential services that may have been disrupted by the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Service providers can offer supports that differ from their traditional program design and respond to any new needs and interests that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples are: • Delivering food, personal protective equipment • ...

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