Local nonprofit Independence Through GRACE Foundation (ITG) expands its offerings by
adopting the services of two former Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) service
organizations.
Independence Through GRACE Foundation (ITG) is pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2023
they have adopted the service programs of Limitless Micro-Enterprise Development Inc.
(Limitless), and New Options, LLC (New Options). In a move rarely seen in the nonprofit sector,
the founders of ITG, Limitless and New Options recognized that the services they provided
under different organizations could be run much more efficiently and effectively by combining
resources and programs as one dynamic organization. By combining their expertise and
resources to further their shared mission, it was determined that the outcome for the IDD
community would truly be greater than the sum of the three programs working separately.
“Because of our shared vision of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (IDD) through innovative programming, the joining together of New Options and
Limitless with ITG just makes sense.” said Mike Butler, former New Options CEO and now
Executive Director of Independence Through GRACE Foundation. “New Options is now the
community employment program under the broader ITG umbrella, and Limitless is a program
assisting those within the IDD community desiring to become entrepreneurs.”
About Independence Through Grace Foundation (ITG):
Independence Through GRACE Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2012 to fulfill a need in the Bakersfield community for a faith-based life-enhancing program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When founders Catherine & Grover Waldon struggled to find a local program that suited their youngest son, Trevor, they decided to start a program themselves. Through the GRACE enrichment program, ITG has been providing engaging activities for participants since 2016 that aim to foster independence and provide opportunities for community engagement. Cooking, music, art, dance, Bible study, and community service are just some of the activities that GRACE participants engage in on a weekly basis. In 2022, ITG acquired the service model of Limitless Microenterprise Development, a budding nonprofit providing aspiring entrepreneurs with diverse abilities with the resources they need to start and grow their own small businesses. Now, with the inclusion of New Options, ITG will be able to open up the world of community employment to their participants.
About New Options:
New Options, LLC was founded in 2011 by Mike Butler to provide customized employment and microenterprise development services for local individuals with diverse abilities. New Options utilizes a Discover, Dream, Develop, Succeed model, where each individual undergoes a thorough process of understanding his or her own goals, abilities, and available resources. That participant then works with success coaches to identify employment or business opportunities that match the individual’s personal plan. As a program under the ITG umbrella, participants will be able to utilize ITG’s extensive network of community connections to take part in individualized internship and employment opportunities.
Through this merger, ITG, Limitless and New Options aim to maximize their impact, addressing the critical needs of the IDD community and empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. The merged organization will continue to honor the legacy and values of each organization while embracing new opportunities for growth and collaboration. ITG co-founder Catherine Waldon shares, “This strategic merger marks a momentous milestone in our mission to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow in independence and empower our participants to see themselves as valuable contributors to their community. Together, we will unlock boundless possibilities, paving the way for a future where every person can realize their full potential.”
Under a unified vision to foster independence for people with diverse abilities, ITG’s newly blended staff, volunteers, and supporters are committed to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bakersfield and beyond. For more information about ITG, please visit itgfoundation.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mike Butler
Executive Director
Independence Through GRACE Foundation
mike@itgfoundation.org