Regional Center of Orange County Honors Nonprofit Project Independence Client John Correra

Nonprofit Project Independence (PI)] client John Correra of Costa Mesa has recently received the Self Advocate Award presented by Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) at its annual Spotlight Awards.

According to RCOC, the Self Advocate award is for an “individual who has a developmental disability and who, through their personal or professional achievements, has brought a greater public awareness of and recognition to the abilities of all people with developmental disabilities in Orange County.”

RCOC has hosted the awards since 1997 to “recognize people and organizations who stand out as role models of selfless service and dedication in working with people with developmental disabilities”

“We are delighted that John was selected for this honor,” said PI CEO Robert Watson.“He is an outstanding advocate for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.Throughout his two decades as aProject Independence client, he has shown that anyone and everyone is capable of livingas independentlyas possible and can thrive with the right supports.

“John has made significant strides in health and wellness. He’staking care of himself through healthy eating, expanding his social activities. and walking.Speaking of walking, John is a seasoned Walk for Independence participant and fundraiser.In fact, he’s the top fundraiser having brought in thousands of dollars for PI from his family, friends and others.”

Watson said Correra has had an amazing, steady career working at Sprouts. He's independent and speaks up for himself and others when needed. But he is easy-going, laid-back, and has a spunky personality that brightens every room and his workplace.

Correra said he enjoys talking with family on the phone, recycling (“It gives me a little extra to do fun things”), going to the movies, and hanging out with friends. Through PI, he secured a HUD voucher, receives SSI benefits support, and gets helpful reminders to maintain his apartment, because, as he says, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

What are his words of wisdom?"Never give up on life, make jokes no matter how corny, don’t try to please other people, but make yourself happy,” he observed.

For nearly five decades, PI has a lifeline for one of the county’s most challenged populations. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised by the Costa Mesa-based organization goes directly to support vital programs for people with developmental disabilities.

For additional information about PI, please visit www.proindependence.org

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Regional Center of Orange County

Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) is a nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California through the Department of Developmental Services to coordinate life-long services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.