
Celebrating Our Newest Program Grantee Recipients
At the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD), our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) in San Diego and Imperial Counties through funding innovative programs that create meaningful opportunities and enrich lives.
Our Program Grant initiative supports local San Diego and Imperial County nonprofit organizations leading transformative employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy programs. These efforts align with our dedication to fostering independence, inclusion, and empowerment for the I/DD community.
We’re excited to announce that FDD’s Board of Directors has recently approved just over $49,000 in Program Grant funding, benefiting four incredible local organizations. Each brings fresh ideas and impactful solutions to support individuals with I/DDs and their families, enhancing the quality of life and promoting inclusion in every aspect of our I/DD community.
These organizations spearhead initiatives that tackle critical challenges and open doors to opportunities for the I/DD community. Their work changes lives, from innovative employment training programs to family-centered support services.
We invite you to learn more about these remarkable programs and the people driving them. By supporting these grantees, we’re collectively making strides toward a brighter future where individuals with I/DDs can achieve their fullest potential and thrive. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Hope on the Hard Road Community Events
Hope on the Hard Road is a nonprofit organization that supports families navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. Through holistic programs, workshops, and community events, they provide encouragement, resources, and a network of meaningful connections. Their mission is to empower families by fostering hope, building resilience, and creating a compassionate community where every family feels seen, supported and strengthened on their journey.
FDD Grant Support: With a $9,800 grant from the Foundation, Hope on the Hard Road will offer sensory-friendly experiences designed to help families with children of all ages with special needs enjoy inclusive, accommodating, and fun activities. These events prioritize accessibility for individuals of all abilities, incorporating thoughtful sensory considerations to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Upcoming activities include sensory movie screenings, fall family festivals, and community events with designated sensory spaces to provide a calming respite from overwhelming stimuli such as noise, lights, and crowds. Hope on the Hard Road continues to make a profound difference through these efforts, creating opportunities for families to connect, recharge, and thrive in an inclusive and supportive community.
To learn more, please visit https://hopeonthehardroad.org/ for program details.
PUENTE Program: Expanding Support for Latino Caregivers
The PUENTE Program (Providing Unity, Networking, and Education) at San Diego State University is a culturally informed initiative to support Latino caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (DD). Established in 2019, PUENTE combines evidence-based strategies with a Promotora-led model to address challenges such as caregiver strain, mental health, service access, and social isolation.
A "Promotora" is a trained community health worker and parent of a child with special needs who also receives services from the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC). Drawing from their lived experience, promotoras provide personalized guidance and empathetic support, fostering trust and helping families navigate resources. They serve as relatable, knowledgeable mentors who empower caregivers to advocate for their children and themselves.
In response to community feedback, PUENTE is piloting a group-based model to enhance peer connections, promote collective learning, and build lasting caregiver support networks. This expansion complements the one-on-one promotora support by creating a shared space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and foster resilience.
The PUENTE program offers families a space of understanding, connection, and resources to face challenges, creating a more empowered and united caregiving community.
FDD Grant Support: A $15,000 grant from the Foundation will enable promotoras to develop and lead group sessions, including creating tailored curriculum units designed to address the unique needs of caregivers. This funding is essential to implement and evaluate this new group-based approach, ensuring culturally relevant support that strengthens families and fosters a sense of community. The grant will support the facilitation of two group cohorts, collect feedback data for program evaluation, and provide ongoing assistance to families after each session. By enabling these efforts, the funding ensures a meaningful and impactful experience for participating families, promoting connection, empowerment, and sustainable support networks.
To learn more, please visit https://puente.sdsu.edu/ for program details.
The UCSD Neurodiversity in Tech Summer Internship creates pathways for neurodiverse individuals to excel in tech careers by providing comprehensive workplace training in a supportive and inclusive environment. Over 8-9 weeks, interns collaborate in teams, taking on roles such as programmers, project managers, artists, and designers. With guidance from dedicated peer coaches and professional mentors, participants develop real-world tech projects, hone technical and teamwork skills, and gain valuable industry insights through weekly Lunch and Learn sessions.
The program culminates in a showcase event where interns present their accomplishments to industry partners and advocates. This event highlights their technical expertise, collaborative abilities, and readiness to contribute to the tech workforce. By bridging the gap between neurodiverse talent and tech career opportunities, this internship empowers participants to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
FDD Grant Support: Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Foundation, the program will expand to support a cohort of neurodiverse individuals during the Summer of 2025. This funding targets underrepresented individuals in the tech workforce, particularly those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders. The internship provides a structured environment to build technical, teamwork, and communication skills while gaining proficiency in industry-standard tools. Through this initiative, FDD and UCSD are making significant strides in creating pathways to meaningful tech careers, empowering neurodiverse individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
To learn more, please visit https://ndtech.ucsd.edu/internship/ for program details.
XO Ranch St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Equine Therapy Expansion
XO Ranch is a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities through therapeutic and vocational programs in an animal-assisted environment. Located in rural East County, the ranch helps participants gain essential life and job skills, build independence, and foster personal growth. Driven by their mission to deliver therapeutic and vocational opportunities through animal-assisted therapy and farm-life activities, XO Ranch empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Through immersive, hands-on experiences, participants enhance their social, emotional, and vocational skills while forming meaningful connections with animals and the community. This nurturing environment fosters healing, emotional balance, and personal growth, making XO Ranch a place where transformation begins, and lives are profoundly enriched.
FDD Grant Support: With a $9,200 grant from the Foundation, XO Ranch will be able to expand its equine therapy and vocational development program for individuals with developmental disabilities, enabling them to increase visits to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center from one day per week to two, providing twice the opportunities for participants to engage in transformative programs. Through hands-on ranch experiences like therapeutic horseback riding and animal care, program participants will develop essential life skills, improve socialization, and enhance emotional regulation, fostering personal growth and a sense of belonging.
To learn more, please visit https://www.xoranch.org/Â for program details.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to support innovative programs that enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you for helping us advance our mission and vision of creating equitable opportunities and brighter futures!
To learn more, please visit https://www.foundationfordd.org/
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