What Makes Us Unique
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.
Independent Living
Our Independent Living program has assisted hundreds of people who have taken those bold steps to move out of group homes, family households, and other facilities, into homes – and lives – of their own.
Each step of this journey is taken with the support of Project Independence staff, from deciding where to live and picking a roommate, to providing whatever tools are needed to take those successful steps toward independence.
From benefits and budgeting, to planning menus, grocery shopping, and helping prepare meals, to prioritizing housekeeping and laundry tasks, at each step Project Independence staff listen to the needs of the people we serve.
People we support choose the services they want and need. Project Independence staff help to ensure that peoples’ needs are met while always encouraging and fostering independence and choice.
Brad’s Story
Supported Employment
The Project Independence Supported Employment program is based on the idea that, in creating a successful job match, a person with a developmental disability can do the job he or she was hired to do. Our job is to provide whatever the person needs to be successful, from extra training, establishing priorities and creating task schedules, to educating employees at the job site and building natural supports. This program serves 190 people as they work at real jobs for real pay. Currently, 40 clients are waiting for placements. Clients work for employers such as The City of Irvine, Albertsons, Ralph’s, Rite Aid, Sav-On and Target. This program develops jobs and then matches up the skills of clients to the needs of the employers. From orientation and skills training, commute scheduling, detailed job duties and supervisor contact; we aim for stability in the employer / employee relationship.
Jeff’s Story
Resources for Job Seekers
Day Program
This program offers integrated work, volunteer and paid, recreation and community access. 210 people develop life skills, participate in community life, and engage in proactive and satisfying activities. The range of activities is as varied as the people themselves, and may include recreational activities, supported work, or continuing education courses.The program is designed to serve individuals in the communities in which they live. Integrated employment is a main focus of the Adult Development Program (ADP) with opportunities for placement in a variety of jobs including clerical, food services, janitorial, and medical services. Volunteer work is also done at local YMCA, libraries, as well as other non-profit agencies. Individuals may take classes at their community college and/or enroll in adult education classes. For example, we coordinate with our local Meals on Wheels to provide food packing and delivery for shut-ins throughout Orange County. Our staff have the training and expertise to provide Positive Behavioral Support for people with complex lives. Twelve vans facilitate these services.
Jonnie’s Story
Harmony Senior Program
Project Independence’s Harmony Program serves seniors (50 years and older) with developmental disabilities. Individuals may participate between one to five days per week depending on their needs. Project Independence offers this flexibility because many seniors want to participate in a program but desire limiting the number of days they participate.
One of the main goals is to integrate individuals into senior centers in their communities. Individuals can choose from a variety of activities offered at the senior centers as well as Harmony Program events. Activities and events include bingo, bowling, exercise classes, live music and dancing, movies, shopping excursions and story telling. We encourage the development of friendships to help seniors build a reliable support system. Individuals are supported in a 1:4 ratio.
Liz’s Story
WIPA
Work Incentive Planning and Assistance is a grant awarded by The Social Security Administration to local organizations to provide work incentive planning services for beneficiaries in cash payment status for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Social Security Childhood Disability Benefits (SSCDB), previously called Disabled Adult Child (SSDAC). Anyone who is currently receiving cash payments under one or more of the following programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security Childhood Disability Benefits (SSCDB) – also known as Social Security Disabled Adult Child (SSDAC) AND is either: Working, Looking for work, or Thinking about looking for work. All services are free of charge! There is never a cost for any of the services provided by Project Independence under the WIPA project.
Project Independence
3505 Cadillac, Suite O-103,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-549-3464
