24-Hour Fundraiser, May 11, Seeks to Raise $150K For Nonprofits With Programs and Services for People Living with Disabilities in County

Project Independence was founded on the belief that people with disabilities possess the potential to live and interact in their communities, and that by listening to the hopes and dreams of people we serve, we can help them realize those dreams. (Project Independence)

Costa Mesa-based Project Independence (PI) – http://www.proindependence.org – and 12 aligned nonprofits will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on May 11 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative Giving Day to support people with disabilities living in Orange County. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $150,000 for 13 nonprofits offering a range of education and supportive services, skills training and counseling, and community outreach programs.

To support PI’s programs for adults with developmental disabilities, visit

https://empowering-possibilities-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/organizations/project-independence

Within Orange County, there are over 250,000 people living with disabilities, making up 8.5% of the community. This Giving Day is an opportunity for donors to collectively support the nonprofit organizations providing the tools and resources necessary for Orange County’s disabled residents to achieve success and independence.

In addition to PI, other participating organizations include Abilities OC; Beyond Blindness; Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled; Down Syndrome Association of OC; Family Support Network; Hope Center for the Arts; Reimagine OC; Special Olympics Southern California; Speech and Language Development Center; TLC Public Charter School; United Cerebral Palsy Association of OC; and Vocational Visions.

“Funds raised during the Empowering Possibilities Giving Day will support individuals and families who have suffered from gaps in services, isolation, and lacked access to special education programs, especially during the pandemic,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “We are proud to power this collaborative effort to build a supportive and inclusive Orange County for all people, including our neighbors with disabilities.”

“We are honored to be included again in this year’s fundraiser,” said Project Independence CEO Robert Watson. “Back in 1977 Project Independence began the journey of bringing independence to adults with developmental disabilities. For over 45 years we have had the honor of serving those who need us most. By building independence through supported living, supported employment and day programs, we have helped our population enjoy lives of confidence, purpose and friendship, and our community to grow stronger through the act of inclusion.”

For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit oc-cf.org/givingdays.

Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised by PI goes directly to support programs for people with developmental disabilities.