Neighbor News
Project Independence Partnered With OC Community Foundation
24-Hour Funder Raises $129,242 to Help Project Independence and Others Deliver Services to People With Disabilities
Project Independence and nine aligned nonprofits partnered 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. Project Independence today announced that 532 donors helped the participating organizations raise $129,242.
In Orange County, over 250,000 people live with disabilities, representing 8.5% of our population. The Empowering Possibilities Giving Day provided an opportunity for our community to collectively support nonprofit organizations providing tools and resources to help Orange County’s disabled residents experience success and independence.
In addition to Project Independence, other participating organizations included 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.
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“As we continue to face ongoing challenges from COVID-19, it’s more critical than ever to uplift our nonprofit sector and the vulnerable populations they serve,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO, OCCF. “We are inspired by the outpouring of generosity from our community to stand with the organizations providing essential resources and care for those living 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.
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“We are so pleased 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!”
For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit oc-cf.org/givingdays.
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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. View OCCF's 2020 annual report here.