Group for disabled moves, to celebrate 30th birthday

Project Independence is celebrating its 30th anniversary and showing off its new building in Costa Mesa on Friday afternoon.

The organization, which aims to help people with developmental disabilities, merged with a group with a similar mission last year, and the combined resources allowed it to buy new digs with space to entertain.

The old Project Independence building, across the street from the new one, was not as well suited for some of the events the nonprofit hosts, including karaoke nights, holiday parties and meetings to teach people with disabilities their rights, according to Executive Director Debra Marsteller.

“It’s a place where people with disabilities can come and have a place to get together and do different things,” Marsteller said.

On Friday, guests will be served hot dogs, melon, chips and drinks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while they have an opportunity to tour the new facilities. The building is at 3505 Cadillac Ave., Suite O103.

— Alan Blank