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 ...

Local nonprofit is fully accredited for its employment and job development services for adults with developmental disabilities Project Independence (PI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, announced that it has received a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International, the highest level of accreditation the nonprofit accreditor of health and human services awards. As a lifeline for one of the county’s most challenged populations for nearly ...

In today’s competitive and ever-evolving workplace, organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion stand out as leaders of innovation and growth. One often-overlooked segment of the workforce is people with developmental disabilities, whose unique talents and perspectives can drive meaningful contributions to businesses and communities alike. Hiring individuals with developmental disabilities isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a strategic decision that benefits productivity, morale, and company culture. Here are the top ...

Carla Compton is the Job Developer for Project Independence where she specializes in creating job opportunities for people that are uniquely abled. She was hired in January 2009 as an Entitlement Specialist, then assumed her current position in June 2010. What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time, I work out a few days a week at the gym and take walks on the beach.  I ...

Sharie is an Area Manager at Project Independence (PI). She came to PI in December of 2016. Why did you join PI? I was at crossroads in my career path, deciding whether to go back to my passion or continue working without a cause. Helping and working with people with disabilities is my passion, and that is what I chose. What do you do in your spare time? In my ...

Johanna Villa-Gomez is an Area Manager for the Day Program at Project Independence (PI). She came to PI 17 years ago. What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I like riding my bike, drawing, and writing. My happy place is spending time with family and friends. What drives you / motivates you to help others? Helping others has always been in my ...

It’s hard to remember a time in my public relations career when I wasn’t associated with Project Independence. I know I’m a better person for it. The experience began one afternoon in the 1980s, when I was asked by my boss to sit in for him at a meeting with a nonprofit organization called the Vantage Foundation. The rest is history, as the saying goes. Back then it was housed ...

Donna Voss joined Project Independence (PI) in July of 2018 as a Community Support Specialist in the Independent Living Department. In June of 2019, she was promoted to Independent Living Area Manager – North County, where she now supports clients with independent living and supported living services. When did you begin working at PI? I started with PI seven years ago.   What do you do in your spare time? ...

By Sara CardineStaff Writer  / Oct. 11, 2023 6:54 PM PT If a natural disaster like an earthquake, flood or fire were to strike today, what would you do? While many might panic, a group of clients served by the nonprofit Project Independence now know to recall the preparedness triangle — evacuate, communicate, reunify — and to grab the essentials before they flee to safety. Brenda Emrick, acting emergency services ...