Project Independence is proud to celebrate Christian, who was recently named Employee of the Month for October 2025 at Russell Fischer Car Wash. In his role as a detailer, Christian is responsible for sweeping out vehicles and giving them a thorough pre-wash before they head into the car wash tunnel. It’s a job that requires consistency, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic - qualities he demonstrates every ...

Leading the warmup this year was Griffin, a coach with Hideout Fitness of Irvine. He studied Kinesiology at Concordia University, Irvine, and competed as a 4-year NCAA collegiate athlete, giving him a strong foundation in both performance and injury prevention. Griffin volunteered his time and talent to make sure our participants were ready to go and to motivate them to do their best. We asked him to tell us ...

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 ...