Vocational Visions

09/09/2025

Continuing our celebration of with a highlight from the Clubhouse: Meet Grace!

Grace began her journey with Vocational Visions as a volunteer at our House of Champions Clubhouse, having dedicated over 300 hours before officially joining the team six months ago. She’s been a warm presence every Friday and Saturday, bringing her energy and a deep sense of care to every interaction.

“I love to dance and play with them; they’re the sweetest people,” she shares. For Grace, the Clubhouse is more than a place of work: it’s a space of expression, inclusivity, and connection. She values the welcoming environment and the feeling of family that surrounds her.

Currently studying nursing at Saddleback College, her time volunteering helped shape her career path: Grace now plans to pursue nursing with a focus on supporting people with disabilities. While she’s not transferring just yet, she hopes to stay local and continue working at the Clubhouse.

“Everything is my favorite,” she shares gleefully. Grace is a DSP of passion and purpose. We’re proud to celebrate her dedication and the joy she brings to our Clubhouse. Let's show some love to Grace!

09/08/2025

As we continue to celebrate DSP Appreciation Week, meet Felipe: a trusted DSP since 1998!

Felipe has been a cornerstone of Vocational Visions since 1998, beginning his journey in the MDS (formerly HRS) program before transferring to ADP, where he’s supporting participants in their 1:4 group setting. Over the years, Felipe’s work ethic and commitment have made him a standout DSP, always showing up with a smile and the best energy.

“It's fun being with them, we always have a good time,” he shares. When it comes to walking at the park, playing basketball, visiting the mall, or arts and crafts, he brings joy and connection to every activity. Felipe also supports persons served in volunteering, helping them build confidence and community through meaningful service.

He fondly remembers field trips to the Santa Ana Zoo and the OC Fair, and appreciates the days when the program gathers together for shared experiences. His dedication is evident in everything he does: he’s attentive to his group, always willing to help, and consistently brings positivity to the team.

After nearly 27 years, Felipe continues to find meaning in his role. “It’s the people.” His interactions reflect just that: genuine, consistent, and full of heart. We’re proud to honor Felipe for his long-standing commitment and the meaningful connections he’s built over the years.

09/07/2025

As DSP Appreciation Week continues, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our incredible team members from the Emeritus Program: Mona!

Three years ago, Mona began her journey at Vocational Visions as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Emeritus program. Within a year, her passion, leadership, and commitment to participants led to a promotion to Program Lead (PL), a role she’s embraced wholeheartedly since then.

“I saw it as a great opportunity to expand my goals and share my knowledge and skills,” Mona says. Her knack for organizing and creating meaningful experiences for participants shines through in everything she does, from scheduling boards and managing staff needs to supporting participants and setting goals.

What Mona loves most about her role is helping participants reach their goals. “I want them to practice what they could improve on,” she explains. Whether it’s reading, writing, communication, or volunteering, Mona is there to guide and encourage every step of the way.

One of her favorite stories involves Anunziata A., a participant who surprised everyone by speaking Spanish and by her consistent love for coloring flowers. Mona worked with her on reading and writing her name, recognizing the meaningful progress made along the way. “She also likes to shred paper,” Mona adds, showing how she embraces each participant’s interests.

She also loves sending participants out into the community and hearing their stories when they return. “Seeing their faces light up during new outings is the best part,” she shares. Mona has made it her mission to keep discovering new places for program participants to explore.

Mona sees working here as a meaningful way to build genuine connections and expand perspectives. Each day working as a DSP has shown Mona the depth of each participant’s capabilities, the richness of their personalities, and the importance of inclusive support.

09/05/2025

We’re kicking off DSP Appreciation Week with a BBQ celebration for our incredible staff!

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart of our mission, providing compassionate, hands-on support to our persons served.

Thank you to our amazing DSPs for your dedication, patience, and the joy you bring to our programs every day.

We’re proud to celebrate you all week long!

08/26/2025

Let the spooky season commence! We're kicking things off with a visit to Spirit Halloween. Our participants always go all out in costume, and we can't wait to see their creativity this year.

What are you excited for this upcoming spooky season?

08/20/2025

What a beautiful day for some creativity and reading! We got creative with dot markers—drawing flowers, smiley faces, and reading our favorite books at the Library of the Canyons. Thanks for having us!

Show some love to Emma Kate’s and Sandy’s artwork!

08/19/2025

Last week we were rolling into fun—freeze dancing, puzzle finishing, bowling strikes, volunteering, and much more! Just a few snapshots of the good times across our programs.

08/12/2025

08/08/2025

Happy Friday from us here at Vocational Visions!

From sensory play at Alambre to bingo and basketball at Pala, our week was full of engaging moments. MDS enjoyed a movie day at Irvine Spectrum, and ADP celebrated a Happy Life Healthy Life graduation. To more moments of growth, fun, and community!

08/07/2025

Congratulations to all of our Healthy Life, Happy Life graduates! This program, by the Regional Center of Orange County, encourages healthy eating and living habits for our persons served.

Thank you to Regional Center of Orange County and a huge round of applause for our Adult Development Program (ADP) graduates for completing this program!

Let’s show some love to some of our graduates!

08/05/2025

We had a great time at the Mission Viejo Mall last week! Outings like this help build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the community. Shout out to our Medical Day Services (MDS) program!

07/30/2025

In case you missed it: we've collaborated with Kia to spotlight Ed's story for Disability Pride Month! Ed is a member of our Supported Employment (SE) Program. What an unforgettable experience it was for Ed and for our team to be able to share what we do here at Vocational Visions.

Watch our video with Kia on YouTube at https://youtu.be/dGU_xl_hf1E?si=COqdIoDUxySFN6zW. Be sure to check out some of the photos taken during filming!