When Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) Tailored Day Services client, Rosa, first came to TMI she was greatly in need of employment to provide for her small child. TMI worked with Rosa to find the right employment fit. In September, she was given the opportunity to begin working immediately at the San Ysidro Border Port of Entry as a janitor. Rosa's employment was contingent on her being able to purchase her own uniform. Thanks to TMI's Julie Casey Fund, TMI was able to buy Rosa two pairs of pants and non-slip shoes. If it weren't for the Julie Casey Fund, Rosa wouldn't have been able to start working immediately and begin earning a paycheck to care for her child. Today Rosa and her child are doing well! TMI's Julie Casey Fund helped to transform Rosa's life and continues to give back each day that Rosa is able to work and provide for her child.
About TMI's Julie Casey Fund: Julie Casey was a young woman who TMI was proud to support for almost 8 years. She lived in her own apartment and worked at her local public library. Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious. With her love of music and dance she was often the life of any TMI special event! Sadly Julie died unexpectedly of complications from pneumonia only a few weeks before her 27th birthday in 1996. Her mother, Delores Casey, served on TMI’s Board of Directors for over ten years. Both Delores and Julie contributed great energy and had a profound effect on all of us at TMI who knew and worked with them.
In honor of Julie, TMI renamed its Community Scholarship Fund the Julie Casey Scholarship Fund. It provides cash grants to individuals receiving support from TMI for a variety of purposes. In Community Living Services, grants have helped our clients move from group homes to their own apartments, buy essential items for the transition to independence or even purchase a baby crib. In Employment Solutions, the fund has helped our clients purchase clothes for job hunting, bus passes, alarm clocks or other items necessary for employment. In Family Support Services, the fund has been used to send children to summer camp, assist with medication cost, purchase clothing at the beginning of placement and much more. In the past, the fund has been able to respond positively to hundreds of worthy applications. Click here to donate to the Julie Casey Fund on #GivingTuesday, November 28 and Facebook will match your donation starting at 5:00 am PST. We thank you in advance!
Julie Casey
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.