(From top to bottom: TMI Job Coach Angelina Rodriguez, ABC7 Anabel Munoz, TMI Clients Lacey, Sara and Gloria)
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is very proud of our Integrated Work (IW) group volunteering at Al-Rahma Food Bank in Moreno Valley. Lacey, Sara and Gloria, along with their TMI Job Coach Angelina Rodriguez, are helping to feed thousands in need. Through the Feeding America program, 600 charities and nonprofits help to deliver 2.5 million pounds of food each month to children and adults who are desperately in need of food for survival.
"More people should help volunteer and make the world difference for everyone, to stop the hunger,” said TMI client Gloria.
Since our IW group partnered with Al-Rahma just nine months ago the food bank has gone from feeding 1,500 people a month to now serving 6,000 people each month. The impact our clients and staff are helping to make on the Inland Valley community is absolutely wonderful to see. The amazing work they are doing caught the attention of ABC7 Reporter Anabel Munoz and their story was aired on June 15th, as well as shared on Facebook (watch the VIDEO HERE). These ladies deserve this recognition and so much more!
Lacey’s mom Linda Hunt had this to say, “Thank you Anabel for capturing Lacey’s joyful smile!! You shared an important story about the necessity of food banks, but also brought attention to the good work that is being done by people with disabilities. Lacey, Sara and Gloria are amazing individuals who represent this population well by working daily in the community under the attentive direction of their Job Coach, Angelina Rodriguez, with Toward Maximum Independence. Together, they are an incredible team!! I applaud the non-profit organizations and employers who encourage and embrace people with unique abilities. Al-Rahma Food Bank not only provides food to those who need it, but they offer a place where this group of workers is accepted and respected. Lacey and her friends are making a positive difference with their extraordinary gifts, talents, skills – AND smiles!!”
Our clients volunteering at Al-Rahma is not only a benefit for the food bank and those it helps, but it also gives our clients an opportunity to learn new skills and be a part of the community.
“Thank you for getting the story out. I hope we are able to reach the community to help give to those in need,” said TMI Job Coach Angelina Rodriguez. “I am so proud of my young ladies and very thankful for Mohammed and Al-Rahma Food Bank,” added Rodriguez.
Congratulations to all of you on a job well done and helping to make a difference in the lives of so many!
An estimated 1 in 6 people are born with a developmental disability. Just like you, they are born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. Since 1981 Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has transformed thousands of lives by providing assistance to children and adults with developmental disabilities, giving them the ability to realize their hopes and dreams.