Integrated Resources Institute

09/17/2025

Congratulations to Dalilah 🎉 who was recently hired to be the very first intern at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)!

Dalilah attended Otis College of Art and Design and graduated with a BFA in Digital Media with an emphasis in Animation in 2020. She is using this experience as an illustrator for the Clinical Services Division of DDS, currently working on creating Story Workbook illustrations and coloring pages. Her strengths and talents include her attention to detail and storytelling, and we are excited she gets to put them to good use. In her free time, Dalilah is also working on her own personal project, a comic that she is posting on Webtoon!

Join us in congratulating Dalilah on becoming the first intern at DDS and starting this exciting new role.

North Los Angeles County Regional Center
California Department of Developmental Services



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09/16/2025

IRI would like to show our appreciation to September's Employee Spotlight, Employment Coach Mary Tingley! 🎉

Mary has been an Employment Coach in the Central Orange County region since 2022, and her journey has been truly inspiring. She embodies commitment as a valued member of the IRI organization, demonstrating flexibility in adapting to schedule changes and skillfully meeting the support needs for the people she supports, all while radiating positivity and optimism.

Her ability to forge meaningful relationships with the persons served is remarkable. Through her cheerfulness and encouragement, Mary creates an environment where persons served can grow and thrive in achieving their goals and aspirations.

Her impact is profound; she empowers the persons she supports to gain independence at their work sites, consistently believing in their potential and providing the support that IRI expects from its Employment Coaches.

Mary has fully embraced the IRI training for ACRE, using the knowledge gained to help persons served secure employment opportunities or to assist them in identifying new tasks at their work sites. She is continually praised for her strong work ethic and dedication to the people she serves, embodying the very essence of what IRI strives to achieve for those in our services, their circle of support, and the wider community.

Mary, it has been a privilege to witness your growth and the incredible achievements you have accomplished at IRI. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

“The positive company culture at IRI truly makes all the difference, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive team. I'm particularly excited about the potential to further contribute my ideas and continue making a positive impact.” - Mary



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09/11/2025

Meet Alec!

Alec started working at Home Depot as a Lot Attendant Associate in May. He quickly learned his tasks and always shows a willingness to help. Alec keeps the lot clean and provides great customer service, which earned him the Living Our Values Homer Award!



ID: This is a photo of two men taking a photo in a Home Depot parking lot. They are both smiling. The man on the left is blurred, the man on the right has short brown hair and wearing a blue polo shirt, blue jeans, orange and black gloves, and an orange Home Depot apron. He is also holding an award.

09/09/2025

Meet Xavier!

Xavier’s journey began at Pierce Community College in 2015, and by 2016 he found his passion in Child Development. A pivotal course, CD 22, gave him hands-on experience and confidence to thrive. After graduating in 2025, he accepted a role as a Behavioral Intervention Implementer with Inclusive Education and Community Partnerships. Xavier is now excited to apply his skills and begin this new chapter supporting students in school settings.

Xavier's journey is just one of many highlighted in our 2025 Impact Report, which can be viewed here: https://www.irioc.org/impact



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09/03/2025

September is Deaf Awareness Month!

Let's continue to honor Deaf culture, celebrate the beauty of sign languages, and advocate for equal access for all. Rooted in the World Federation of the Deaf’s International Week of Deaf People and recognized by the National Association of the Deaf, this month highlights the human rights and contributions of Deaf communities worldwide, and this year's theme is No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.

For more information, visit wfdeaf.org



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09/02/2025

Integrated Resources Institute expresses deep condolences for the passing of Nancy Elliott who left us on July 25, 2025. She was 79 years of age.

Nancy was a dedicated IRI employee from July 2007 to May 2020. She was the loving mother of two sons, Richard and James, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her sons expressed that their mom was very fond of the people she had the opportunity to work with and that her job and service gave her great pleasure and joy.

At IRI, Nancy was a pioneer service provider for volunteers at The Second Harvest Food Bank in Irvine, the largest in Orange County. There are now several OC agencies that volunteer at Second Harvest Monday through Friday. As an Employment Coach, Nancy provided support at several Sprouts Markets going back to when the franchise was called Henry's Marketplace. She also provided excellent 1:1 support at many other locations including Arby's, Lowes, and Panera Bread. Our employers and volunteer site supervisors, parents and IRI colleagues all held Nancy in high regard. Everyone also appreciated her sense of humor.

Thank you Nancy Elliott! You will always be remembered and appreciated. 💛🖤💙



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08/28/2025

Meet Jim!

Jim is a Courtesy Clerk at his local Pavilions! He has been proudly employed here for 8 years and is valued by his colleagues and the local community, known for his dedication, hard work, and for always offering a friendly fist bump or warm hello. 💙



ID: This is a photo of a man holding a puppy smiling at the camera. He has short brown hair and is wearing a black Pavilions polo shirt and black slacks. He is standing inside a grocery store by the register.

08/26/2025

SCDD State Plan Survey - Please provide feedback!

SCDD State Plan Survey for 2027.

08/26/2025

Meet Edgar!

Edgar joined IRI in May 2023 with a dream of working at the Santa Ana Zoo. With support from his circle, he overcame initial challenges and began volunteering at both the zoo and La Mirada City Hall. As his confidence grew, so did his initiative and job skills, and he’s now building strong relationships with coworkers while actively pursuing permanent employment.

Edgar's journey is just one of many highlighted in our 2025 Impact Report, which can be viewed here: https://www.irioc.org/impact



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08/21/2025

Today is National Senior Citizens Day, a time to honor the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of older adults in our communities. Whether they're mentors, caregivers, or advocates, seniors play a vital role in shaping our world. Take a moment today to call or visit an elder in your life!



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08/19/2025

Meet Jimmy!

Jimmy moved from El Salvador to Los Angeles in 2022, facing language and cultural barriers. Since joining IRI in 2024, he’s taken ESL classes, built friendships, and explored employment options through interviews and volunteering. He now supports food bank operations and is learning life skills through IRI’s Independent Living Services, thriving with the help of his dedicated coaching team.

Jimmy’s journey is just one of many highlighted in our 2025 Impact Report, which can be viewed here: https://www.irioc.org/impact



ID: The first photo is of a man smiling at the camera sitting in front of a "Sorry!" game board. He has short black hair and is wearing black-colored frame glasses, a gray t-shirt that says "I work with superheroes," and a black watch. The second photo is of the same man, but he is wearing a blue baseball cap and blue and white striped t-shirt. He is learning while seated next to a woman with medium-length dark-brown hair, wearing tortoise frame glasses, yellow blouse, and black jacket. She has a pen and is showing the man something on paper.

08/18/2025

IRI would like to show our appreciation to August's Employee Spotlight, Employment Coach Daisy Fuentes! 🎉

Employment Coach Daisy has been an invaluable member of the IRI team for over 3 years. During her time with us, Daisy has worked with individuals who have diverse support needs. She effectively communicates and collaborates with her Support Manager to ensure that goals are being met and helps implement person-centered, meaningful activities that align with the skills, strengths, and interests of those she supports.

Daisy’s positivity is one of her key attributes; many people specifically request her services because of her uplifting perspective. Daisy also frequently adjusts her availability to meet the needs of the individuals she serves, providing seamless opportunities for their growth and success.

Thank you, Daisy, for your dedication, flexibility, and most importantly, your unwavering commitment to ensuring that the people you support achieve success within our services and in their lives.

“I enjoy working for IRI because not only is this a great company, but IRI takes care of its employees and the people we serve with intentionality and integrity. As a job coach, I have the privilege of serving my community and making a meaningful impact on lives, and in return, this company has made a positive impact on my own life. Working here allows me to be part of something bigger—where compassion, purpose, and excellence come together.” - Daisy



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