Building Bridges, Brightening Futures: Celebrating Our Partnership with Dollar General in Hemet

TMI clients in front of Dollar General Hemet receiving their Awards of Appreciation

At Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), we transform the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by helping our clients to achieve their full potential and live meaningful, integrated lives within their communities. A cornerstone of this is our Community Integration Training Program, which provides invaluable opportunities for our clients to develop essential life skills and build connections. Today, we're happy to shine a spotlight on a particularly impactful partnership that embodies our mission – our collaboration with the Dollar General Market in Hemet.

For the past two years, dedicated TMI clients have been volunteering at the Hemet Dollar General (DG), and the positive impact has been truly remarkable. This collaboration has blossomed into a mutually beneficial relationship that enriches the lives of our clients and strengthens our community.

More Than Just Volunteering: Meaningful Contributions

Our TMI volunteers are integral members of the team. They actively contribute by:

• Pulling empty boxes

• Addressing expired items

• Efficiently stocking merchandise

• Ensuring items are placed in their correct locations

• Facing items to maintain a neat and organized store

  
  

From TMI's perspective, the benefits for the individuals we support are clear and deeply rewarding. Our clients genuinely enjoy doing the different tasks at the store, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

A Tangible Difference

The impact of the TMI team's support is evident to the store team as well. They have expressed their sincere appreciation, noting that our volunteers play a vital role in helping keep the store clean and neat. This contribution not only enhances the shopping experience for customers but also demonstrates the capabilities and dedication of our clients.

Aligning with Our Core Values: Empowerment and Appreciation

This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission. Through their volunteer work, our clients feel independent and appreciated. They are actively contributing to their community, building confidence, and demonstrating their abilities in a real-world setting.

A Win-Win: Benefits for the Dollar General Team

The positive impact extends beyond our clients. The DG team in Hemet has expressed that they are grateful and appreciative of our clients and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This partnership fosters a more inclusive and understanding environment within the store, enriching the experiences of both employees and customers.

Building Skills for the Future

The volunteer work provides our clients with valuable, transferable skills and experiences including essential customer service skills developed through their interactions within the store.

Our Recent Award of Appreciation

We are incredibly proud that TMI recently received an Award of Appreciation from the store for the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. This recognition is a testament to the positive impact our clients have made and the strength of our partnership. It validates the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with IDD to contribute to their communities.

This partnership serves as a shining example of how collaboration can create opportunities for growth, empowerment, and inclusion. We are deeply grateful for DG's ongoing support and look forward to continuing this impactful journey together.

The TMI Community Integration Training Program (CITP) is designed as a vocational and social skills training program to recognize, develop and build the necessary skills for our clients to participate in their community, all at the level at which the client chooses. Clients generally start the process by volunteering throughout the community at various sites. They continue at their own speed, in line with their desires and abilities, while working toward their own personal goals.

Be a Community Partner

There are many reasons why it makes good business sense to have TMI clients be contributing members of your organization either as paid employees or volunteers. LEARN MORE

If you are interested in transforming lives, join our team!

Please share this inspiring story to help further inclusion and acceptance within our communities. We thank you in advance!

Let's continue to celebrate the power of independence and the incredible individuals who make our communities stronger!

(Thank you to our outstanding Division Manager Sonia Luna-Vasquez for contributing to this story.)

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Founded in 1981, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and veterans with disabilities. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion. Please consider making a donation to assist us with transforming lives for many more years to come. We thank you in advance! Tax ID# 33-0185759