Toward Maximum Independence

Toward Maximum Independence Serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, & veterans

We are advocates for the belief that disability does not mean inability. We believe that each person has an inherent dignity and unique self-worth. Our long-standing VISION is that all people enjoy full inclusion in the work place, community and society in general. Independence and self-responsibility are fostered by respect for the individual’s autonomy and by empowering the individual to make in

formed decisions. Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their potential competence with opportunities to perform functional and meaningful activities or work with support if needed to promote success. All people we support experience full inclusion in their daily lives in all aspects of community life. We believe that the three cornerstones of a strong life foundation are; living as independently as possible, having the opportunity for real work for real pay, and providing children and young adults with caring family homes with personalized supports.

08/19/2025

Wow, look at all these beautiful butterflies! πŸ¦‹ The Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) CONNECT group did such an amazing job, with each person creating their own unique canvas. We're so impressed by the creativity and talent! ✨ Great work, everyone! πŸ‘

Thank you to TMI Director of Organizational Engagement & Effectiveness Frances Johnson for holding fun events for our clients to learn and CONNECT! ❀️

Happy National Nonprofit Day! πŸŽ‰ We are so proud to celebrate alongside the incredible organizations dedicated to making ...
08/17/2025

Happy National Nonprofit Day! πŸŽ‰ We are so proud to celebrate alongside the incredible organizations dedicated to making the world a better place.

This year, we're especially honored to once again be named a Top Workplace for the Nonprofit Industry! πŸ† This recognition is a direct reflection of our amazing team, who are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ✨

At our core, we believe that disability doesn't mean inability. We know that every person is born with hopes and dreams, and a drive to contribute to society. Since 1981, we've been dedicated to providing innovative and trusted services that have helped thousands of people realize their full potential. ❀️

Want to be part of a team that's truly making a difference? We're hiring! Join us in our mission to help everyone have the opportunity to succeed. 🀝 Learn more about our team and open positions at TMI-INC.ORG.

08/08/2025

With just one week left to get your tickets, we're giving a HUGE THANK YOU to two of our Platinum Sponsors, Better Days Community Services and Hill Ccm! 🀠 Your support for our Wild, Wild West Transforming Lives Gala makes a real difference in the lives of TMI clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ❀️

Don't miss this unforgettable evening of fun and philanthropy on August 23rd at the beautiful Peltzer Winery in Temecula. 🎟️ Tickets are going fast, so secure yours today at tmi-inc.org! We look forward to seeing you there!



πŸŽ‰ Shoutout to our incredible team members who were honored for their Years of Service at our All Staff meetings! πŸ†βœ¨ Your...
08/06/2025

πŸŽ‰ Shoutout to our incredible team members who were honored for their Years of Service at our All Staff meetings! πŸ†βœ¨ Your dedication and commitment to serving our clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities are what make TMI so special. We're so grateful for everything you do! ❀️

A very special shoutout to Joann Benson for an incredible 40 years of service and to Thomas Ruffino for a remarkable 35 years! Your commitment to our mission is truly inspiring. πŸ‘

Check out some photos of our award recipients! πŸ‘‡

πŸŽ‰ Congratulations to Ginger Cohen on 25 years of dedication to Toward Maximum Independence! As our Director of Corporate...
08/04/2025

πŸŽ‰ Congratulations to Ginger Cohen on 25 years of dedication to Toward Maximum Independence! As our Director of Corporate Communications, she has been a tireless advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and veterans with disabilities. ❀️ Read her story on our blog! ➑️

https://www.tmi-inc.org/post/celebrating-25-years-of-dedication-honoring-ginger-cohen-tmi-s-director-of-corporate-communication

Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is incredibly proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Ginger Cohen, our dedicated Director of Corporate Communications, is marking 25 years of exceptional service to our organization!For a quarter-century, Ginger has been an important asset to TMI, consistently d...

πŸŽ‰ We're overflowing with gratitude! πŸ™ A heartfelt thank you to The Starbucks Foundation for awarding us a $1,000 grant. ...
07/30/2025

πŸŽ‰ We're overflowing with gratitude! πŸ™ A heartfelt thank you to The Starbucks Foundation for awarding us a $1,000 grant. We especially want to thank the Starbucks partners who nominated us for – your support means the world! This grant empowers us to further our mission of supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One shining example is our Community Integration Training Program's monthly art class for our San Diego clients, expertly guided by our Associate Division Manager Yuliana Tabares and our dedicated TMI staff. 🎨 The creativity is truly inspiring! ✨ Thank you, The Starbucks Foundation, for being a vital part of transforming lives! ❀️



Today, July 26th, marks Disability Independence Day! This significant day commemorates the signing of the Americans with...
07/26/2025

Today, July 26th, marks Disability Independence Day! This significant day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It's a powerful reminder of the progress made and the vital work that continues.

For Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), today is a cornerstone of our values. We are dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their personal goals, building essential life skills, and fostering the independence they deserve.

Let's celebrate the strides made and recommit to creating a truly equitable and accessible society for all. ❀️

07/25/2025

Our "Too Cool for Summer" crew from the TMI CONNECT summer trivia get-together! πŸ˜Žβ˜€οΈ

07/22/2025

🀠 A massive shout-out and thank you to Pala Mesa Resort for their generous support as a Platinum Sponsor for our upcoming Wild, Wild West Transforming Lives Gala! Their commitment makes a difference in the lives of TMI clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ❀️

Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable evening of fun and philanthropy on August 23rd at Peltzer Winery in Temecula. Tickets are going fast – secure yours today! 🎟️ tmi-inc.org




πŸŽ‰ Incredible Partnership Alert! πŸŽ‰ Get ready to be inspired! Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) clients with intellectual ...
07/17/2025

πŸŽ‰ Incredible Partnership Alert! πŸŽ‰ Get ready to be inspired! Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities are bringing comfort, joy, and invaluable support to patients and staff at Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital! πŸ’™ This win-win partnership is lightening the load for busy nurses and reminding patients that human connection is vital to healing. Want to see how TMI is transforming lives and communities? Click to read the full story and prepare to be moved! πŸ‘‡

https://www.tmi-inc.org/post/tmi-clients-bring-comfort-joy-to-inland-valley-hospital-a-partnership-of-purpose

Southwest Healthcare
Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital

Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is overjoyed to announce the expansion of our successful partnership with Southwest Healthcare to include Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar! This exciting new chapter, spearheaded by the tireless dedication of TMI Direct Support Professional (DSP) Robin Harrington,...

Today is Developmental Disability Professionals Day, and we're so excited to celebrate our incredible staff! πŸŽ‰ We're esp...
07/15/2025

Today is Developmental Disability Professionals Day, and we're so excited to celebrate our incredible staff! πŸŽ‰ We're especially grateful for our DSP Kellie Moncrief, who put together this heartwarming story and photo collage featuring our amazing client, Angel.

Angel is an entrepreneur who started his own business, Angel's Bracelets, and his journey is truly inspiring! What a fantastic achievement, Angel! And a huge "great job" to both Angel and Kellie for this wonderful collaboration.

Thank you to ALL our outstanding employees who are transforming the lives of clients with IDD every single day! You are making a profound difference. We appreciate you! ❀️

Address

4740 Murphy Canyon Road Ste 300
San Diego, CA
92123

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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Our Story

An estimated 1 in 6 people are born with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). Just like all of us, they are also born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with IDD since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. The individuals we are privileged to serve deserve nothing less than love, acceptance and the opportunity to reach their full potential in life with opportunities to perform functional and meaningful activities or work with support if needed to promote success.

We believe that each person has an inherent dignity and unique self-worth. Our long-standing VISION is that all people enjoy full inclusion in the work place, community and society in general. It is our CORE VALUES that have always guided our work and continue to set the culture in our workplace, allowing us the privilege of providing services for our most vulnerable citizens, We are advocates for the belief that disability does not mean inability. Independence and self-responsibility are fostered by respect for the individual’s autonomy and by empowering the individual to make informed decisions. All people we support experience full inclusion in their daily lives in all aspects of community life. We believe that the three cornerstones of a strong life foundation are; living as independently as possible, having the opportunity for real work for real pay, and a safe and caring home. All Board members, volunteers and staff act with honesty, integrity and openness in all aspects of our work. We strive for excellence and commit to provide our clients with the highest quality of services. We work in an accessible manner to engage with all of our stakeholders to leverage available community resources to benefit our clients. We exercise responsible stewardship by maintaining effective governance and management practices. We generate adequate resources, manage resources effectively, support and recognize our volunteers and appropriately support and compensate staff. We strive for a healthy working environment for all employees and volunteers knowing that the organization benefits from an organizational family that is productive and enjoys a pleasant and positive workplace.

We are grateful to our clients and families for choosing our services and we look forward to many more years of providing innovative and trusted programs.