We're excited to share a heartwarming story of community involvement from our Community Integration Training Program (CITP) groups with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Our dedicated CITP teams proudly adopted two parks in Riverside: Fairmount Park and Arlington Heights Sports Park. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) clients with IDD to give back to their community and make a real, positive impact.
Our clients Angelina, Christian, Fernando, Christina, Matthew, Victor, Brandy (not pictured), Jose, and Mariana, with the support of our outstanding Direct Support Professionals Janet Martinez, Veronica Diaz, and Cindy Cervantes, have become vital members of the park maintenance crew. They regularly engage in various tasks, from cleaning benches and picking up trash to sanitizing park equipment and tackling special projects.
The pride they take in their work is evident, and the results speak for themselves. Their dedication is truly inspiring! Their wonderful TMI Division Managers, Corina Cisneros and Celina Parra, are immensely proud of their accomplishments.
"Having TMI's name displayed at both parks is a significant milestone for our team," said Celina. "It serves as a reminder of the positive changes we are helping to create within our community. This is a beautiful example of the power of teamwork and a shared commitment to giving back."
As Maya Angelou wisely said, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value."
"This sentiment perfectly reflects our team spirit. Every individual, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger effort," added Celina. "We are so grateful to be part of this wonderful cause and excited to see how this project continues to evolve. We hope this inspires others to make a difference!"
This incredible opportunity wouldn't have been possible without the support of some key partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to Eliza Quintero, Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Riverside, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, for welcoming our clients. We also want to thank TMI DSP Marlene Figueroa for her instrumental role in connecting us with Eliza and effectively communicating our program's goals and values.
We encourage you to visit Fairmount Park and Arlington Heights Sports Park to see the positive impact of our dedicated teams! Way to go, TMI Corona!
(Thank you to our Corona office Division Manager and Site Coordinator Celina Parra for contributing to this story.)
Our Community Integration Training Program 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.
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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, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, 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
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