Latest News
Jami Countryman Joins Project Independence Board of Directors
Accomplished educator and community volunteer Jami Countryman recently joined the Board of Directors of 40-year-old Costa Mesa-based nonprofit Project Independence that serves people with developmental disabilities in Orange County. Countryman has been an educator for over 27 years and has a Master’s Degree in special education. She is the mother of two boys with developmental ...
Orange County health officials now can test for coronavirus
The Orange County Health Care Agency said the tests have to be requested through a doctor or hospital - no walk-ups to the agency's lab. Our risk is still low but follow advice of CDC. Wash hands for 20 seconds Stay home if you’re sick Cough and sneeze into your elbow Wipe down your work area ...
Keeping the Promise
Help Save Critical Services for Californians with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities by signing this petition / letter to Governor Newsom: Dear Governor Newsom; I am a Californian who truly cares about the wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Which is why it’s unacceptable that Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities are losing their services, ...
Independence on the Water
Another fun adventure with Access 2 Adventure, a program funded with the compassionate support from our wonderful community partners.
A Tribute to Dolores Ohler
Dolores Ohler, dedicated board member, donor, and friend to Project Independence, passed away November 2nd, 2019.
Kathy Degnan-Grunwald is Retiring!
After working at Project Independence for over 20 years, Kathy Degnan-Grunwald is retiring! We don’t say goodbye to this beautiful soul but see you later. May the wind be at her back, and we wish her the best in this next chapter of her life!
Nonprofit Provides Job Opportunities for Developmentally Disabled
By Zack Tawatari PUBLISHED 12:52 PM ET Jan. 30, 2019 This production line is a well-oiled machine. From one set of arms to the next, these volunteers load packaged meals into coolers at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Jennifer and Goldy make a good team and quick work of this truck-load of food, organizing ...
For homebound seniors, nutritious Meals on Wheels; for developmentally disabled adults who deliver them, a sense of purpose
THERESA WALKER | thwalker@scng.com | Orange County Register PUBLISHED: January 21, 2019 at 7:30 am | UPDATED: January 21, 2019 at 7:30 am Darrin Mackel community support specialist with Project Independence looks on as Jennifer Elliott, 43, of Huntington Beach walks to an apartment to deliver meals to seniors in Costa Mesa on Friday, January 18, 2019. Elliott and other adult volunteers ...
Meet our new Human Resources Director – Meka Green
MEKA GREEN NAMED DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT PROJECT INDEPENDENCE Costa Mesa, California, October 15, 2018 – Meka Green of Paramount has been named director of Human Resources for nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa. She has been at Project Independence since 2007 and has many years of experience providing support to staff, clients and their ...
Nonprofits Providing Essential Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities Cannot Afford to Pay A Living Wage
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 ...
