The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) was born out of the Disability Rights Movement. Centers for Independent Living were created across the United States due to the passage of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1973. (cfilc.org) These new non-profit organizations, run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, were designed to provide an array of independent living services that would enable people with all types of disabilities to address barriers to community-based living, by providing access to information, resources, peer counseling and independent living skills training. As Independent Living Centers (ILC) began to operate in California, their Executive Directors began to discuss issues that people with disabilities encountered and how best to address them. It was decided that we could be more powerful advocates if we acted with a unified voice. In 1982 we formalized our organization and became incorporated as the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. Our mission is to increase access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities by building the capacity of Independent Living Centers. We achieve this through our three main programs: The Assistive Technology Network the ATNet is dedicated to expanding the availability of tools, resources and technology that increase independence, improve personal productivity and enhance the quality of life for all Californians. We support 14 Device Lending Libraries, 4 Reuse Centers and 28 Independent Living Centers throughout the state. We provide funding, training, technical assistance to a network of over 1400 organizations and individuals. (atnet.org) Systems Change Network Since 1998, CFILC has led the Systems Change Network, a statewide disability advocacy network made up of Independent Living Centers and the communities we serve. We provide training, technical assistance and support to a network of over 2000 organizations and individuals in California. We support statewide and regional organizing campaigns that are driven by the community to increase access and equality for the community. (scnetca.org) Youth Organizing! Disabled & Proud (YO!) YO! is CFILC’s statewide action network run by, for and about youth with disabilities. We provide volunteer opportunities at 15 Independent Living Centers throughout California. YO! has three main goals: 1) provide volunteer and leadership opportunities for youth with disabilities that lead to higher education, economic self-sufficiency and independence; 2) to connect, educate and organize youth with disabilities to participate in civic engagement; and 3) to increase the capacity of Independent Living Centers to serve youth with disabilities. We provide training, technical assistance and support to a network of over 1500 organizations and individuals in California. (yodisabledproud.org)

Experience Matters connects skilled boomer talent with social sector organizations. The organization has attracted the support of prominent funders and leading think-tank organizations, built a solid customer base of skilled boomer talent, established an effective staffing and infrastructure, and created a buzz in the community.

SF City Impact is a non-profit organization that provides relief programs such as feeding, health care, and social services while breaking unhealthy cycles through education, leadership training, and spiritual transformation.

The goal of First In Families of North Carolina is to support people with developmental disabilities and their families to create the lives they want now and in the future. Since we believe that people with disabilities are the experts in what they need, our statewide and local boards are comprised of a majority of people with disabilities and their family members. We call this customer leadership. We believe that people with disabilities and their families are very knowledgeable, and have much to contribute to society. However, they are often viewed by society as needy and sad. We have seen that often a small amount of the right support makes the difference between a satisfying and self-determined life or one of mere survival.

The Williams Syndrome Family of Hope, Inc. is a grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was formed by families for families. Our mission is to provide support, resources, education and financial assistance to those affected by Williams syndrome. Spreading awareness is key. Educating physicians, therapists and educators is imperative. Williams Syndrome Family of Hope, Inc. has been created to enhance the lives of individuals living with Williams syndrome. We are dedicated to raising public awareness about Williams syndrome and its effects on the individual and their family. Please join our efforts to provide hope, financial aid, and relief for the constant, complex and ongoing medical and financial needs of families and individuals with Williams syndrome. The formation of Williams Syndrome Family of Hope is in loving memory of the children who have died from complications of Williams syndrome and to honor the individuals who live with the syndrome. Williams Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of the long arm of Chromosome 7. It occurs in approximately 1 of every 10,000 births. Williams syndrome is characterized by mild to severe medical problems, mild to moderate developmental delays, a distinctive facial appearance and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety. Williams syndrome can affect every system in the body. Medical problems may include cardiovascular disease caused by narrowed arteries, elevated blood pressure, kidney problems, gastrointestinal issues, limited joint mobility, chronic ear infections, thyroid issues and optical issues. Attention Deficit Disorder is extremely common in Williams syndrome and often requires medication. All individuals with Williams syndrome have learning disabilities. Williams syndrome is also associated with a characteristic cognitive profile of mental strengths and weaknesses composed of strengths in verbal short-term memory and language, combined with severe weakness in visuo-spatial construction. The average IQ is in the mildly mentally developmentally delayed range, however some individuals have a more severe impairment and there are few who have normal intelligence.

Live Theatre - can challenge its audiences physically, emotionally and intellectually. In addition, theatre increases propensity of community members to participate in the arts. Increases sense of collective identity and efficacy and builds identity and pride, leading to positive community norms, such as diversity, to tolerance and free expression. In addition, Theatre is a vital part of any community in keeping its stories and histories alive. It is a necessary part of cultural remembering; it is a gateway for any audience member or performer to truly experience empathy, and the impact of that alone is too great to measure. KEYS - (Knowledge/Experiences/Youth/Synergy). The KEYS program is an after-school and summer theatre/arts program for at-risk youth in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. A number of studies show a significant relationship between high involvement in the arts and better academic achievement, as measured by academic scores, lower dropout rates and higher grade point averages. Research also indicates that the arts contribute to lower recidivism rates, increased self-esteem, the acquisition of job skills and the development of creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills. The use of arts processes have been shown to improve academic self-regulatory behaviors, such as paying attention, persevering, problem solving self-initiating, taking positive risks, cooperating, using feedback and being prepared. Based on a national sample, students involved in arts programs who come from troubled family situations and attending violent schools, are more likely to excel in academics and school life than youth from less troubled backgrounds. Research demonstrates that high school "high achievers" exhibit patterns consistent with our goals for the KEYS program including 1) developing a strong belief in self , 2) having supportive adults around them such as teachers and mentors and 3) having a network of high achieving peers.

LiveUp Programs provides long-weekend programs for adults with Down syndrome. Our programs will always include the following: 1. We empower our participants to learn, grow and thrive. We are a curriculum-based program, dedicated to helping participants across three core focus areas: life skill development, healthy living and giving back. 2. We are a place for adults that like to have fun. We are a community for adults with Down syndrome made up of brothers and sisters who come together to learn new things and have a blast! 3. We are a close-knit, family of friends. We are a small organization where everyone knows your name. Our one-to-one weekend adventures are a short but include an immersive experience. 4. We are one team. We are a group of collaborators that run on enthusiasm and determination. We are always looking for new partners and volunteers to join us. 5. We create an unmistakable energy. We are fiercely committed to creating an environment with an unmistakable energy and an experience that’s greater than each person’s hopes, ideas and dreams.

Since 1981, Southwest Human Development has been helping create a positive future for Arizona’s youngest children. Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest community-based organization of its type dedicated to providing early childhood development services for children ages birth to five. Serving 135,000 children and their families each year, Southwest Human Development offers services in child health and development, Easter Seals disabilities services, Head Start, early literacy and training for early childhood professionals.

The Lone Star Veterans Association is a non-for-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting returning veterans and their families in making a successful transition from the military to civilan world. Founded by veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, they provide career transition, social programs, peer mentoring, PTSD support, family events, community service projects, and advocacy on behalf of the Post 9/11 military generation. The Lone Star Veterans Association operates in the Greater Houston Area and is the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veteran organization in the state of Texas.

Hidden Treasures Thrift Store is a Non-Profit 501 (C3). This store was created to train and employ individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. We also work with Fallbrook High School, training students with disabilities enrolled in their workability program. Our store refurnishes home decor and furniture in need of repair in our wood shop program. We also have a jewelry making class. We sell these items in the store. Our store gives back to the community. We donate food, clothing and basic necessities to the local food bank. We also donate world wide to various charities and relief organizations.