24-Hour online fundraiser helped Project Independence provide programs and services for people living with developmental disabilities. Costa Mesa-based Project Independence (PI) – http://www.proindependence.org – and 12 aligned nonprofits partnered 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. Project Independence exceeded its original goal of $10,000 by raising $11,735 during the 24-hour online effort that aimed to raise funds for nonprofits offering a range of education and supportive services, skills training and counseling, and community outreach programs. In total, OCCF’s Empowering Possibilities Giving Day raised $150,906. Within Orange County, there are over 250,000 people living with disabilities, making up 8.5% of the community. This Giving Day was 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 included 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. “We are proud to support the nonprofits providing vital assistance and opportunities to people with disabilities,” said Carol Ferguson, director of donor and community engagement at the Orange County Community Foundation. “We will continue to advocate for a safe and inclusive Orange County that allows our neighbors with disabilities to experience independence and fulfill their full potential.” “We thank our generous donors who stepped up in this year’s fundraiser, helping us not only reach our original goal, but also releasing a $1,000 challenge grant,” said Project Independence CEO Robert Watson. “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.

24-Hour Fundraiser, May 11, Seeks to Raise $150K For Nonprofits With Programs and Services for People Living with Disabilities in County Dan Pittman, Neighbor Posted Thu, May 5, 2022 at 7:45 am PT| 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.

24-Hour Fundraiser May 20 Seeks to Raise $100K For Nonprofit Programs and Services for People Living with Disabilities in Orange County Costa Mesa, Calif. (May 6 2021) — Project Independence and nine aligned nonprofits will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on May 20 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative Giving Day to support people with disabilities living in Orange County. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $100,000 for 10 nonprofits offering a range of education and supportive services, skills training and counseling, and community outreach programs. 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 Project Independence, other participating organizations include Blind Children’s Learning Center of OC; Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled; Down Syndrome Association of OC; Family Support Network; Hope Center for the Arts; Special Olympics Southern California; Speech and Language Development Center; 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.” For more than four decades. Project Independence has been promoting civil rights for people with developmental disabilities through a range of vital services that expand their independence and choice. Subscribe “We are so please to team again this year with our fellow nonprofits serving those who need us most.” said Debra Marsteller, CEO, Project Independence. “At Project Independence we are honored to serve adults with developmental disabilities. Our Empowering Possibilities Team represents the valuable community services to so many individuals and families throughout Orange County who need a helping hand. As a result, our entire community grows stronger. We thank you for your compassionate support during this campaign. We could not do what we do without you!” To give online during the 24-hour Giving Day, please visit empowering-possibilities-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit oc-cf.org/givingdays. ### About Project Independence Founded in 1977, Project Independence is an Orange County-based 501(c)3 nonprofit, serving nearly 1,000 people with developmental disabilities in their homes, at work, and in the community through Independent Living, Supported Employment and Day Program services, and other supportive resources. For more information, please visit www.proindependence.org About Orange County Community Foundation Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded nearly $780 million in grants and scholarships, placing the organization in the top two percent in grantmaking among U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Costa Mesa, California, March 23, 2021 – Nonprofit Project Independence of Costa Mesa is pleased to announce that client Victoria Tran has joined the staff of Carr Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Lake Forest. Her new job was secured through Project Independence’s Supported Employment program and job coach Sohalia Naeimypou. The nonprofit serves its clients by having job developers continually seek corporate partners looking to build a stronger community  by employing adults living with developmental disabilities. Carr owner Michelle Carraway says she knew their need for someone with the patience and focus that Victoria displayed would be a great addition to her team. Now they  are looking for other places where another PI client would find purpose and independence. As for Victoria, Sohalia couldn’t be prouder of how quickly she has taken to her job responsibilities. “Victoria might be wearing her safety mask, but I can always tell that she is smiling beneath it,” she says. The Supported Employment program develops jobs and then matches up the skills of clients to the needs of the employers. From orientation, skills training and commute scheduling, to detailed job duties and supervisor contact, the organization fuels stability in the employer and employee relationship.  It provides 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. Project Independence has more than four decades of service and stability in Orange County. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised by the nonprofit goes directly to support vital programs for people with developmental disabilities.  For additional information, please visit www.proindependence.org.