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Annie
Annie loves art. Just ask Santa Ana College—she took just about
every art class offered there, and continues to draw and paint on
her own.
Annie, who lives with her parents, has also worked for companies like
Carl’s Jr. and Hometown Buffet. For the past year, she’s
been part of Project Independence’s Harmony Program, a Day Program
for seniors ages 50 and above.
The Harmony Program is designed to integrate PI clients into the senior
centers in their communities. Activities and events include bingo,
bowling, exercise classes, live music and dancing, movies, shopping
excursions and storytelling. The program also encourages clients to
develop friendships and a reliable support system. |
| Annie enjoys being out and about—in fact, she
was one of the most avid walkers at Project Independence’s 2011
Walk for Independence. She also enjoys getting together with her five
brothers and sisters, including her sister Joanne, who also participated
in the Walk. “I love to walk!” exclaims Annie. |
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Margie
An Anaheim resident since the age of 3, Margie is particularly proud
of her local Major League Baseball team—the Angels! Margie was
thrilled when she successfully bid on an autographed picture of former
Angel Vladimir Guerrero at PI’s 2010 Celebration of Independence.
“I still love Vladi even though he’s no longer an Angel,”
explains Margie.
Vladi is not the only celebrity after Margie’s heart—she’s
also a big Barry Manilow fan. “I’ve seen him twice in
concert—once in1986 and once in 1993,” notes Margie.
A Project Independence client since 2001, Margie participates in Independent
Living and Access to Adventure activities. She has an Independent
Living banker who helps with her finances, and she gets from point
A to point B by walking or taking the bus. |
Margie has worked at California Elwyn for 33 years,
helping package, assemble or collate various products or packages.
One product she regularly packages is amazing MonkeyHooks, a no-tool
instant wall hanger.
In addition to her work at California Elwyn, Margie also teaches sign
language. She is self-taught and also earned a certificate from Santa
Ana College. She is also an advocate for the developmentally disabled,
serving on the Area 11 Board of Directors and the California Elwyn
board of advisors.
An avid bowler, Margie and fellow Project Independence client Yvonne
will soon participate in an ARC State Bowling Tournament in Fresno.
“Yvonne’s going down!” laughs Margie. |
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Patty
A former member of Vantage’s board of directors, Patty has been
a client of Project Independence for about six years. “I participate
in PI’s Supported Employment program,” explains Patty.
“Several times a week, my job coach comes and helps
me with my job at the Wal-Mart in Foothill Ranch, where I’m
a greeter. Project Independent gives really good services and helps
me do a good job at work.”
Patty has worked at Wal-Mart since 2003, currently working about 21
hours a week. Since she enjoys helping people and likes to keep busy,
she also volunteers at the Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine about
four hours a week, helping sell tickets for their lunch program and
assisting with the Center’s events. |
| Patty lives independently and is able to get around
by using the Access Bus. She served on the Regional Center board for
six years, and also worked as a receptionist at Vantage. In her leisure
time, Patty enjoys watching tv—Law & Order and CSI are among
her favorites. “I love solving mysteries!” she notes.
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Robert
A Project Independence client for 25 years, Robert receives specialized
services unique to just a handful of Project Independence clients.
In addition to participating in our Day Program, Robert rooms with
Frank, a Project Independence Area Manager who provides the support
Frank needs to live in his own apartment.
A big fan of I Love Lucy, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Harlem Globetrotters,
Robert loves to bowl with the Access to Adventure program and on his
own. “I even own my own bowling ball,” explains Robert.
He gets around with help from Frank and with transportation provided
to and from PI’s Day Program. He has traveled to Alaska, Hawaii,
Mexico and the Bahamas with Access to Adventure, and is an avid recycler.
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| In the past, Robert worked (as a Courtesy Clerk at Lucky
for eight years) and lived completely on his own. For the past seven
years, he and Frank have roomed together, developing a relationship
unique among Project Independence’s staff and clients. The roommates
have even welcomed Chelsea, a Manchester terrier puppy, to their household
recently! |
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Ted
Ted describes himself as easily satisfied. “I only get fussy
when I’m thirsty!” he says. This easy going and cooperative
spirit has served him well at the City of Irvine’s mail room,
where he’s worked since 2004.
A participant in Project Independence’s Independent Living and
Supported Employment programs, Ted takes the bus from his residence
near South Coast Plaza (where he lives by himself) to his job at the
City of Irvine. An Orange County resident since 1976 (when his family
moved from Rochester, New York), Ted graduated from Corona del Mar
High School. He started with PI in 1988.
Ted, whose November 26 birthday can fall on Thanksgiving, is very
thankful for PI’s programs and services. “PI is very helpful.
My job coach really helps me at work,” he says. “I also
have a PI banker to help with my budget.” |
| Ted, who works a nine-80 schedule, enjoys spending his
Fridays off with his mom. They typically see a movie, dine out, play
cards, or go on other special outings. He also enjoys listening to
classic rock on KLOS, 95.5 “I just saw the newest Madea movie,”
explains Ted. “I like to be entertained!” |
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Yvonne
Yvonne is truly an advocate for the developmentally disabled. Appointed
to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2003 by then-Governor
Gray Davis, Yvonne was proud to represent Area 11 (Orange County)
as a consumer representative until 2009. As a council member, Yvonne
helped the council pursue its mission of advocating, promoting and
implementing policies and practices that achieve self-determination,
independence, productivity and inclusion for Californians with developmental
disabilities. Yvonne flew to Sacramento every other month for what
she describes as “a very fulfilling position.”
While Yvonne no longer serves on the State Council, she continues
to advocate on a local level by serving on Area 11’s board of
directors. She has also been involved in the Regional Center since
1995, currently as a consumer representative and member of the utilization
review group. |
A Project Independence client since 1982, Yvonne participates
in our Independent Living and Access to Adventure programs. “I
have a banker through Independent Living who helps me with my finances,”
explains Yvonne. “And, my Independent Living coach makes sure
I keep my apartment clean—housecleaning is not one of my favorite
things!” She lives independently in Anaheim and gets around
by using public transportation.
Yvonne enjoys working on Sudoku and word puzzles, and is an expert
proofreader. At meetings, she can often be found pointing out mistakes
on a PowerPoint or other presentation with her laser pointer! |
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Danny
53-year-old Danny Sword is one of Project Independence’s greatest
success stories. He credits PI’s Supported Employment program with
helping him stay on the job for an impressive 25 years! As a food
service assistant at Fairview Developmental Center, Danny washes dishes
and handles other food service tasks. Danny has been a client of PI
for 30 years—almost since the organization’s start.
He lives independently, manages his finances, and cooks for himself,
thanks to the support he receives from PI’s Independent Living program.
He also likes to bowl, swim, and hang out with people—especially girls!
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David
Project Independence is a very important part of David Morse’s life—not
only does he participate in the Independent Living program, but also
in Supported Employment and Access 2 Adventure. Employed by Chapman
University’s cafeteria, David credits PI with helping him become more
social and active. A client since 1986, 45-year-old David enjoys attending
dances, going bowling and has been on several cruises with A2A.
Thanks to the Independent Living program, he also lives in his own
home, where he loves to watch movies and listen to music. “I
enjoy being at Project Independence,” says David. “I like the staff
at PI and I really like my job!” |
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Beth
61-year-old Beth loves to keep her mind active and spend time with
friends. She credits Project Independence with helping her do both.
A client for more than 10 years, Beth participates in Project Independence’s
Day Program. Through the Day Program, she volunteers at a local
library and a local thrift shop.
Beth lives with her sister and brother-in-law. She loves music,
playing games on the computer, and spending time with friends. She
also loves cookies and French fries. “But,” says Beth, “the doctor
says ‘no more!’” |
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Guy
26-year-old Guy uses a wheelchair due to his disability. But he doesn't
let that slow him down. Currently between jobs, Guy also attends Orange
Coast College and credits Project Independence with helping him connect
with his community. A client since 2005, Guy says that “Project Independence
helped me become more free and independent and it also helped me learn
how to get out in the community and be an advocate for different things.”
Guy lives with his parents and participates in Project Independence’s
Day Program. “It’s one of the best day programs out there!” he says.
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Nick
A Project Independence client for 12 years, 31-year old Nick participates
in Project Independence’s Day Program, our Independent Living program,
and Access to Adventure trips and outings. Nick credits Project Independence
with helping him live on his own, managing money, and taking care
of himself. He believes the trips he’s taken with Access to Adventure
have also been very educational. Nick
does volunteer work through the Day Program, including volunteering
with a local thrift store, food bank and delivering senior meals.
“People with disabilities can live independently,” explains
Nick. “They don't have to live in group homes or with parents. Project
Independence provides so much great support, so it’s easy to learn
how to live alone. I live independently and have for the last 10 years.
I LOVE MY INDEPENDENCE!” |
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