Project Independence - Get Involved

Project Independence - Enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities


Donor Profile \| Our Clients \| Financial Overview \| Budget Update \| Accomplishments

Budget Update
As you know, Project Independence’s primary funder—the State of California—has been facing significant budget challenges this year. While our funding has been decreased, the cuts weren’t nearly as bad as they could have been. Project Independence thanks everyone who contacted their legislators about this important issue.There is still a possibility, however, that “trigger cuts” could impact Project Independence’s funding in the coming months. Please help us continue to share the following messages with our State’s legislators:
	Please keep cuts away from people with disabilities
	Focus more support on community-based services. $500 million a year is now spent on just 1,700 people with developmental disabilities who live in Developmental Centers throughout the state. Additional resources need to flow into community-based programs like Project Independence which provide services for the developmentally disabled on a local level.
	There is much redundancy in the system in areas such as billing—addressing these redundancies will help free up resources for services which directly benefit people with disabilities. During 2010-11, Project Independence is seeking $149,000 in charitable contributions to support our mission. In addition to providing funding for our core programs, donations will also benefit three other priority projects: installation of an elevator in our Costa Mesa office, development of a statewide advocacy program and upgraded technology.

The Lanterman Act, passed in 1969, states that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and support they need to live like people without disabilities. We must keep this promise alive. Our diligence and advocacy have never been more important to maintain services. Please continue to visit, write and call your legislators and tell your story. Your voice is important—but you must speak up to be heard.

Project Independence’s mission is to promote civil rights for people with developmental disabilities
through services which expand independence and choice. Project Independence provides supported employment
and independent living services for people with developmental disabilities in Orange County, California as well as
disability benefits planning, and an opportunity for disability travel and recreation through its Access to
Adventures Program. Project Independence also has services available to businesses interested in hiring employees with developmental disabilities and has a special program promoting healthy living with a disability.