[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MOVING FORWARDS TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 7, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
20th anniversary of the founding of Moving Forward Towards 
Independence, an organization that provides adults with intellectual 
disabilities the skills needed to live and work independently.
  Moving Forward Towards Independence was founded in 1998 by a group of 
parents. This group created a unique transitional housing program that 
assists young adults with intellectual and high functioning Autism 
Spectrum Disabilities. Moving Forward Towards Independence offers 
structured on-campus group housing, apartment living near campus and 
off-campus community living. Moving Forward Towards Independence 
provides classes, social activities and individual case management 
services to its clients to assist them in maintaining friendships, 
relationships and employment.
  Moving Forward Towards Independence has had hundreds of adults, ages 
18 to 37, participate in its program. Residents are from all over the 
country and come to Moving Forward Towards Independence with the goal 
of eventually being able to live independently with minimal support.
  Moving Forward Towards Independence is an integral part of our 
community. It is active in the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit 
Leadership and is a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce. The 
organization regularly meets with the Napa Valley Community 
Organizations Active in Disaster for disaster relief preparedness. 
Moving Forward Towards Independence is a strong supporter of the Napa 
Special Olympics and partners with the Napa College Disability Services 
Unit. The organization is also an active member of the Disability 
Committee to the Napa Nonprofits Coalition.
  Mr. Speaker, Moving Forward Towards Independence is a great 
contributor to our Napa Valley community. It is therefore fitting and 
proper that we honor Moving Forward Towards Independence here today.

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