Independence Through GRACE

ITG IS FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE AND ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO BE DIVERSELY YOU

Independence Through GRACE Foundation (ITG) has been serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Bakersfield for over eight years, and has proudly taken part in Give Big Kern since 2018! In these years, ITG has expanded its programming to include enrichment, pre-vocational, community employment, and microenterprise development services. Each participant that enters our front doors is unique, each with their own passions, hidden talents, and dreams! At ITG, we see differences as a STRENGTH and believe that everyone can contribute to their community when differences are cherished and respected.

Will you help us empower participants to be exactly who God made them and THRIVE?

Jemima

Jemima, who moved from San Diego to Bakersfield just two years ago, lives with her parents and sister. While she doesn’t miss the beach life of San Diego, she does miss her extended family! Regardless, Jemima likes her life in Bakersfield, and has enjoyed getting involved in many activities in the GRACE program.

Jemima is passionate about several hobbies, including making beaded bracelets, which she organizes meticulously by color and size. She also loves to unwind by watching romantic dramas like her all-time favorite series Twilight (team Jacob!), or her current choice on Netflix, XO, Kitty.

Helping her mom with cooking and chores is a big part of Jemima’s daily life. One of her specialties is pozole, a dish she knows by heart after years of helping in the kitchen. Known for being organized, fun, and helpful, Jemima loves maintaining a routine and supporting her family (even if they are Edward fans!)

Jemima has started preparing for employment in the Bridges program a few days a week, and is excited to start an internship when she’s ready! No matter what her vocational path is, she will shine by being her diverse self!

Luis

Luis, originally from Venezuela, is a vibrant, energetic person who fills every moment with lighthearted fun. From a young age, he’s always been passionate about dance, sports, and music. Whether it’s swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball, or even karate and hockey, Luis is always on the move. In fact, he’s the only player with Down syndrome on his hockey team, where –though it took some practice–he has mastered his balance on the ice. He loves going to dance classes with his parents every other week, where he practices Salsa and Bachata. (And he brings those skills with him to the GRACE program during ballroom dance!) Luis has an impressive memory for music, often identifying bands and singers. At home, he’s always planning vacations or chatting with his imaginary friends, bringing a touch of fun to everything he does.

Luis’ life is full of fun extracurricular activities, but he counts on ITG to help him develop his job skills with a goal of finding employment in the community. One of the most exciting moments Luis has experienced recently is when he found out he would intern at Bakersfield Roasting Company! He couldn’t help but talk about it all day with his parents, and once he started the internship, he truly began to thrive! With his infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor, Luis brings joy to everyone around him, and being diversely HIM is an amazing asset to the workplace.

Javier

Born with cerebral palsy, Javier and his mother moved from Mexico to the U.S. in pursuit of the medical care he needed. Thanks to his mom’s unending love and encouragement, Javier has never let his disability define him. A true entrepreneur at heart, Javier has always kept himself busy, from his early days selling Mexican candy to his neighbors to his current pursuits as an author, motivational speaker, and business owner. 

When he’s not working, Javier loves playing poker with his nephews and listening to Spanish music while working in his home office (especially Laberinto!). From time to time, he’ll dress up in his cowboy boots and go dancing. Javier enjoys quality time with family and friends, making them laugh with his strong sense of humor. 

His mother remains his greatest inspiration — a constant source of strength and love. After seven years of painstakingly typing his memoir The Evidence of Her Love one letter at a time with a pointer attached to his head, he published the book in 2018. With the help and encouragement of ITG staff, Javier is proud to be releasing the second edition this month! This summer he will be hard at work promoting the book, with ITG staff cheering him on all the way. With this new version, Javier hopes to inspire many people, encouraging each reader to be diversely you!

Your donation during Give Big Kern will encourage participants like Javier, Jemima, and Luis to confidently embrace what makes them unique!

Will you help us empower participants to be exactly who God made them and THRIVE?

More ways to support:

Thank you to Tastries, Pieology, and the Bakersfield Fitness Community for your support!

Who We Are

Independen...