News & Events Archive

Gallery of Sea & Heaven set to re-open

July 12, 2010 - The BI ArtWorks program suffered a setback in 2009 when the downtown building that housed BI's Gallery of Sea & Heaven was closed due to structural deficiencies. Thanks to the hard work of the building's owners, the gallery will be back up and running in August. The ArtWorks ceramics class designed & created a wall plaque that will proudly hang outside their new studio on A Street in Santa Rosa.

The Gallery's grand reopening will take place on the evening of August 21s from 5 to 8 pm. Check our online calendar for details.

19th Annual Dinner Under the Stars

June 19, 2010 - This year's Dinner Under the Stars marked the 19th consecutive year that Becoming Independent's supporters have gathered for a gala evening at the Benziger family's Imagery Estate Winery in Sonoma Valley. This year's theme was "Let the Good Times Roll," 1940's swing era. Thanks to the Benziger family's generous partnership, Dinner Under the Stars has become one of Sonoma Valley's most popular wine country events. Read more about Dinner Under the Stars.

We netted $190,000 in 2010, $34,000 more than DUTS 2009. We hope to raise even more in 2011. Thank you to everyone who made this possible: the volunteers, sponsors, donors, Board of Directors, and supporters.

Self advocates visit Sacramento

June 13, 2010 - Two individuals from our Community Living Supports (CLS) program attended the 15th annual People First of California conference in Sacramento

Union Bank supports Sonoma location

June 1, 2010 - Union Bank generously provided Becoming Independent with a grant for our Sonoma Valley location's Continuing Adult Education program. This grant will help buy needed supplies for our computer lab and educational support.

CEO interviewed by KOWS radio

May 10, 2010 - Cami spoke with Arnold of KOWS radio about Becoming Independent. Hear the interview here.

350 Protest additional state budget cuts

May 5, 2010 - Over 350 people gathered at the State Building in Downtown Santa Rosa. Individuals were protesting additional state budget cuts to disability services. "We've taken our fair share of cuts already" was the theme of the protest. Protesters were deeply concerned that additional state budget cuts would affect their ability to live on their own, keep their jobs, and be independent, contributing members of the community. Read the press release.

Early start & early intervention advocates

April 2, 2010 - One of BI’s Board of Directors, Diane Hobaugh and her daughter, Hannah attended the
5th Annual Legislative Breakfast. They spoke about Early Start and Early Intervention programs to a group of
Sonoma County service providers and Legislators. Read Diane’s speaking points.

Everyday hero

March 17, 2010 - Recently, Cami Weaver, CEO and Carin Lawrence, Chief of Services, traveled to Sacramento to share a key message with legislators: "We've done our share... no more cuts to people with disabilities." Cami and Carin persoanlly shared this message with Wesley Chesbro, Noreen Evans, Jared Huffman, Mark Leno, Jeff Denham, Fiona Ma, and Jim Silva.

Assemblyman Jared Huffman received the "Everyday Hero" award from the California Disability Services Association on March 17, 2010 at the state capitol. He was recognized for his efforts in Sonoma & Marin county and now statewide, as an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Mr. Huffman has been an inspirational leader in the capitol for his constituents with various disabilities and continues to fight to bring much needed "revenue" into CA to help protect the citizens of the 6th district.

Mr. Huffman welcomed several leaders from the North Bay into his office as part of CDSA legislative day. He was well-educated about the DDS budget and the specific areas of concern we shared. Pictured here (left to right) is: Cami Weaver, Becoming Independent; Liz Sutton, North Bay Industries; Assembly member Jared Huffman; Carin Lawrence, Becoming Independent; and John Rumsey, Marin Ventures

BI announces Bonds' blog

February 26, 2010 - Today we had several guests from the National Headquarters of Canine Companions for Independence visit our Santa Rosa Campus. And we figured, what a great time to announce that Becoming Independent's facility dog, Bonds, has his own blog! Follow Bonds' Blog.

BI celebrates the Year of the Tiger

February 12, 2010 - Becoming Independent celebrated the Chinese New Year on Friday the 12th with a parade around the Santa Rosa campus. Parade participants dressed up and showed off hand-made dragons and tiger masks.

BI Steps Up to Help with Transportation

February 3, 2010 - When North Bay Regional Center lost their transportation contract with Pride Industries, BI stepped up at a minute's notice to help individuals with developmental disabilities. Listen to the interview on KRCB.

Healdsburg Area Fund supports BI

January 2010 - The Healdsburg Area Fund, an affiliate of Community Foundation Sonoma County, awarded a $5,000 grant to Becoming Independent to help fund the expansion of our Healdsburg program. This partnership was very timely and highly appreciated. Increased community demand for our client services and available adjacent office space combined to create a unique opportunity for expansion. The first phase of expansion included new office space, an exercise area, and a new vocational area. The current art and lunch areas will be expanded and the center hallway will become a space to showcase artwork. Read more about the Healdsburg Area Fund here.

A credo for support

January 22, 2010 - Norman Kunc & Emma Van der Klift's video, "A Credo for Suppport" - spoken by members of San Luis Obispo People First.

Follow the collaboration between BI & Deep Craft

Scott Constable of Deep Craft was inspired to collaborate on an art piece after touring Becoming Independent. The result was eight amazing chairs for our new children's playroom. Follow the story on Scott's Blog: Deep Craft.

Furloughs hit Becoming Independent

Find out more about how mandatory closure days are affecting workers with disabilities.

View news story from KTVU Channel 2 News

See the recent Press Democrat article

Interview on KCRB radio

BI is now on Facebook & Twitter

Visit us on Facebook or Twitter for frequent updates on all the happenings at Becoming Independent.

BI's Garden is finished!

Becoming Independent has been fortunate enough to receive a new garden at our Santa Rosa Campus. This garden will be used by our participants to grow crops to sell and for cooking classes. Thank you to just a few of the contributors: Dennis Hunter and his family, Bill Reinking, Frank Patane, Sonoma Compost and more! To see the garden's progress, visit the Garden Page.

BI Named 'Best Place to Work' in the North Bay

August 10, 2009 - Becoming Independent was selected as one of the best places to work by the North Bay Business Journal.

To Supporters and Friends of Becoming Independent and California Programs for the Autistic:

Time Magazine in May 2009 published a memoir by a Time editor and writer whose younger brother is autistic. The following is a response written by Cami Weaver, CEO of Becoming Independent, and Carol Fremault, Executive Director of California Programs for the Autistic, Inc., which operates two homes in Santa Rosa for 12 men with autism.

The first response was sent to Time Magazine although it was not published. The second response was published  in the Sonoma West Times and News, Healdsburg Tribune and Windsor Times.

We offer an alternative perspective in support of people with autism and their families and in the belief that with proper support people with autism can live happy and productive lives.

-- Cami Weaver and Carol Fremault

"Some Words of Hope for Growing Old with Autism" (.pdf)

250 Protest State Budget Cuts

Santa Rosa, July 15, 2009 -- 250 people with disabilities and the staff who support them converged at the local State Building on D Street in Santa Rosa today to protest significant budget cuts facing the disability service system. 

The rally was organized by persons served and employees at Becoming Independent.  Other programs serving people with developmental disabilities such as North Bay Industries, Old Adobe Developmental Services, Oaks of Hebron, Redwood Empire Industries, United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, and Napa Valley Support Services were also in attendance.

Laura Robinson, Aide to Senator Pat Wiggins, Ed Sheffield, Field Representative for Assembly Member Noreen Evans, and Maddy Hirshfield, Aide to Assembly Member Wes Chesbro addressed the crowd and heard direct testimony about how the budget cuts would affect the lives of hundreds of residents with disabilities.  Individuals spoke candidly about how the cuts may affect their jobs, their ability to live independently in their own homes, and the effects on their medical care.  In particular, the loss of dental services was highlighted.

Check out the article in the Sonoma Valley Sun: "School District Cuts Adult Special Education Budget by 85 Percent"

BI joins the iWALK Movement

Becoming Independent is joining Sonoma County to create a healthier community. We're starting with walking. Learn more about the iWALK movement at www.iwalksonoma.org

BI receives $2,400 from the Wine Country Chapter
of the California Credit Union League

June 15, 2009- Cami Weaver, CEO, accepted a $2,400 check from representatives of Community First Credit Union and Redwood Credit Union. Thank you to all of the wine country credit unions for keeping BI in mind!

Another Great Success!

Click here for more information about Dinner Under the Stars

Volunteers Help Wash our Vehicles

May 16, 2009 - We would like to thank everyone who came out to help wash Becoming Independent's vehicles. BI operates two transportation programs, with a fleet of over 60 vans and mini buses. Annual fundraising and
"car wash" days like this are needed to offset the expenses of BI's transportation services. We could not provide transportation to individuals with disabilities without the help of the community!

BI receives $1,000 Grant from State Farm Insurance

May 8, 2009- Cami Weaver, CEO, and Timmy Crew, BI participant, accepted a $1,000 check from State Farm Insurance representative, Joe Ruppe. This grant will be used to help prepare individuals, who receive services from our Community Living Support program, for emergencies and natural disasters. Thank you State Farm for helping to keep us safe!

Swine Flu

There is understandably a lot of concern surrounding the Swine Flu currently. We encourage individuals, staff and participants to follow the suggestions put forth by the California Department of Public Health.

For more information, please visit:
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
The Press Democrat

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day

April 24, 2009 - The Becoming Independent community celebrated World Tai Chi & Qigong day with our Fitness Lead Instructor, Michael Rinaldini.

This is a special healing event which occurs on the last Saturday of every April in hundred of cities in over 60 countries. Many forms of Tai Chi have been practiced in China for 5,000 years, and presently by millions of people worldwide.

One World.... One Breath

CDSA Legislative Conference

March 24, 2009 - Cami, CEO, and Carin, Chief of Services, attended a CDSA Legislative Conference in Sacramento, March 24 to March 26, 2009.  The following picture give you a glimpse into their activities while they were not in the conference.

Cami and Carin are pictured here outside of Assembly Member, Wes Chesbro's office. Andrew Shocket, who is on the cover of BI’s 07-08 annual report, painted a picture that still hangs in the Chesbro office.