Toward Maximum Independence

07/24/2026

✨ From memorizing 30 names on day 1 to mastering van routes and uplifting his team every day—Joel, who is on the autism spectrum, has officially earned Employee of the Month at Camp Pendleton Basewide! 🏆

Proof that with the right opportunity, talent shines through. Read Joel's story on our blog:
https://www.tmi-inc.org/post/from-an-unforgettable-first-impression-to-employee-of-the-month

When Joel, who is on the autism spectrum, arrived for his first day with Camp Pendleton Basewide, he didn't know the crew yet. He was stepping into a new worksite, a new schedule, and a new team after previously working the graveyard shift at the commissary. For many people, that would be a lot to t...

07/15/2026

The lineup is officially set for our gala! 🏆 Meet our Keynote Speaker: MLB legend Sam Horn! ⚾️🎤 Sam is a former Major League powerhouse and currently CEO/Host of "What is Your Pre-Game?", as well as a Boston Red Sox Corporate Ambassador.

From crushing home runs in the big leagues to inspiring crowds with his champion mindset, Sam is bringing his powerhouse energy and passion to the Toward Maximum Independence’s (TMI) 45th Anniversary celebration. 🌟

Join us for an unforgettable night of impact, delicious food, and milestone celebrations—all dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 💙🌱

🏟️ Your Game Day Details:
When: September 19, 2026
Where: Frontwave Arena in Oceanside
The Dress Code: Ditch the suits and gowns! "Wear Your Favorite Team Gear!" Put on your favorite jersey, cap, or team colors and come ready to cheer. 🧢👕

🎟️ Don't Get Left on the Bench!
Tickets are only available until September 10, 2026 (or until we sell out!). Visit TMI-INC.ORG to lock in your tickets before the roster is full.

Let's make this season a win for inclusion! 🙌🎉

Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Platinum: Sycuan Casino Resort 🎰, Pala Mesa Resort ⛳, Better Days Community Services ❤️, and Hill CCM 🏢

Silver: Lake Elsinore Storm Thunder Cares ⚾

We couldn't do it without you! 🤝

07/10/2026

"You've always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself." 👠✨

For 24 years, Mollie has been a beloved employee at Carl's Jr., proving that disability doesn't mean inability. Now, this remarkable woman is officially retiring!

Mollie doesn't plan on slowing down—she’s already planning family trips, volunteering, and showing off her dance moves (because "nobody puts Baby in a corner"!). 💃

➡️ Read more about Mollie’s inspiring journey and her next chapter with TMI: https://www.tmi-inc.org/post/breaking-barriers-with-down-syndrome-mollie-celebrates-a-24-year-career-and-well-deserved-retirement

Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is proud to honor a truly monumental career. Our client, Mollie—a remarkable woman with Down syndrome—has officially retired from Carl’s Jr. in El Centro after an amazing 24 years of service!

07/07/2026

🎡🎈What a spectacular day at the TMI Corona office picnic! 🎈🎡 Our amazing clients and dedicated staff had an absolute blast at our carnival-themed celebration! From the festive atmosphere to the shared smiles, it was a day filled with pure joy and community spirit. 🎯🍿✨

A BIG THANK YOU to all of our hardworking staff members. Your energy, care, and commitment are what made this day so unforgettable and special for our clients. We couldn't do it without you! 🙌💙

Check out some of our favorite moments from the day! 📸

07/03/2026

✨ Happy 4th of July Weekend! ✨ Our offices are closed today in observance of tomorrow's holiday. 🇺🇸❤️

From all of us at Toward Maximum Independence, we wish you a safe and fun Independence Day! We are proud to say that we love to celebrate independence every single day! 🎉

07/01/2026

🌱 We love these wonderful photos from the Grand Opening of the brand-new Community Garden at the Margarita Recreation Center! 🥳✨

Clients with our Community Integration Training Program already enjoy volunteering inside the Center, and they are so excited to get their hands dirty and volunteer out in the new garden once the kids' summer camp wraps up. 🥕🍅 Some of our amazing clients have even been participating in the Center's viticulture program, learning all about how to grow their own food! 🍇🌿

👏 A HUGE THANK YOU & Great Job:

To our amazing clients (Victoria, Melissa, and Hayden): You all are doing a phenomenal job. We are so proud of your hard work and enthusiasm! 💪🌟

To the City of Temecula Community Services Department: Thank you to the Margarita Recreation Center and Community Services Coordinator Kassandra Ambriz for partnering with TMI to provide such enriching, hands-on opportunities for our clients. 🤝🏡

To TMI DSP Jessica Rivera: Thank you for submitting these beautiful photos and for your dedicated work supporting our clients every single day! 📸❤️

We can’t wait to watch this partnership—and this garden—grow! 🌻❤️

06/29/2026

📢 Early bird general admission tickets end tomorrow! Join us for our 45th Anniversary Gala to benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 🙌✨

The Game Plan? A night of fun, milestone celebrations, delicious food, and impact at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside!

🎤 Special Guest: We are excited to welcome former MLB player & CEO/Host of "What is Your Pre-Game?", Sam Horn, as our Keynote Speaker!

📅 When: September 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Open until September 10 (or until sold out!)

A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsors:
• Platinum Sponsor: Sycuan Casino Resort
• Platinum Sponsor: Hill CCM
• Platinum Sponsor: Pala Mesa Resort
• Silver Sponsor: Lake Elsinore Storm Thunder Cares

Let’s make this season a win for everyone! 🏆 Grab your tickets today at TMI-INC.ORG!



https://www.tmi-inc.org/so/94PxMlMxg?languageTag=en

September 19, 2026 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Frontwave Arena 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there—especially the fathers of children with special needs! 🌟

At TMI, we see firsthand the love, dedication, and fierce advocacy you pour into your families every day. You aren't just raising children; you are championing their independence and showing the world what love looks like. 💙

06/19/2026

✊🏾✨ In observance of Juneteenth, our offices are closed today, June 19th.

While many know Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, it also carries a deep historical significance. On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed—Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to bring the news that the enslaved people there were finally free. It marks the true, effective end of slavery in the United States.

Now recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth is a vital time to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate Black culture, and honor the enduring resilience of the Black community.

At TMI, our core mission is rooted in advocating for independence, equity, and inclusion for all people. Today, our team is taking this time to reflect on the ongoing journey toward true equality and justice in our communities.

Have a meaningful and safe Juneteenth! ❤️🧡💚

06/16/2026

🗳️ Today, TMI held our election for our Board of Directors Staff Representative, and we are excited to announce the results! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating our new Board Rep, TMI Accounting Manager Yesenia Villegas! 👏 We know she will do an amazing job representing our team.

We also want to extend our warmest congratulations to our other fantastic nominees, TMI Division Managers Jerla Wood and Brent Ramsey! ⭐ Jerla will be stepping into the role of our alternate Board Rep. 👥

Why is this role so important? 🤔
The TMI Board Rep plays a crucial role in our support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—acting as a direct bridge, communicating with our more than 440 employees, and ensuring their voices, ideas, and feedback are relayed directly to the TMI Board of Directors. 📈

Thank you to everyone who participated! Here’s to a great term ahead! ✨