Futures Explored

09/02/2026

Mark your calendars! The Creative Spotlight™ collective exhibition is coming to the Minnesota Street Project on Friday, November 13!

Brought to you by AbilityPath, Futures Explored, and Helpers Community Inc, this multi-studio exhibition celebrates the power of access, representation, and belonging by elevating Bay Area artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Come experience stunning contemporary gallery installations, meet the creators, and enjoy remarks from guest speaker Antonia Dapena-Tretter, Art Curator at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. We hope to see you there!

08/31/2026

Creative Arts & Media (CAM) Concord had the incredible opportunity to film their project, “Getting There” along the beautiful water at Benicia State Recreation Area during magic hour—creating a setting as unforgettable as the story itself. At our Art & Media programs, we empower participants to express their creativity, develop valuable media skills, and apply what they’ve learned toward meaningful career opportunities.

Want to be part of any of our Futures Explored programs? Visit our official website at www.futures-explored.org or contact your regional center for more information.

Image 1: CAM Students look at an external monitor. Ryan carries the external monitor while Reese looks over his shoulder. Jabari looks at the monitor while working on a focus puller.
Image 2: CAM instructor Owen works with the camera team as the camera operator, Timothy, shoots towards the left.
Image 3: A group photo of the whole CAM team in front of the bay in a gorgeous orange glow.

08/27/2026

Meet Marsha!

Through the employment program at Futures Explored, she volunteers at the St. Vincent Thrift Store, where she helps repair jewelry. Marsha dreams of building a career in fashion, and this opportunity is a first step toward making that dream a reality. With the support of her DSP, Michelle, and the team at St. Vincent, she has the chance to contribute to her community, build valuable skills, and pursue her passion every day.

We're proud to celebrate Marsha's journey and look forward to seeing where her talents take her next!

Want to be part of any of our Futures Explored programs? Visit our official website at www.futures-explored.org or contact your regional center for more information.

Image 1: Marsha sharing an earring she repaired to the camera.
Image 2: Marsha & Michelle are at the storefront. Both hands reached to a jewelry piece hanging from a display.
Image 3: At Marsha's workstation at the back, Michelle overlooks Marsha's repairing a necklace.
Image 4: Marsha, sitting in a wheelchair, crossed arm with confidence; poses in front of the St. Vincent Thrift Store building.
Image 5: Michelle assisting Marsha side by side repairing a jewelry piece.

08/25/2026

This summer, Film & Media in Stockton brought a story to life. 🎬

FMS Stockton's thesis film, “Parallel,” reflects the shared experiences, perspectives, and journey of our entire class. They filmed across San Joaquin County—from Lodi to Stockton. We’re incredibly excited to share “Parallel” with audiences and can’t wait for its upcoming premiere. Stay tuned!

Image 1: On location, FMS Stockton film crew gathered around a living room readying their next scene. Cruz sets up a light tube, hovering above the actor, Caelen's, head. Meanwhile, Mario, holding a boom mic & Austin next to the camera check the monitor for any details needing to adjust.
Image 2: The film crew is outside the Lodi house, hurrying up and waiting.
Image 3: A preview of the Parallel film, seeing an actress and Caelen inside a car.

08/18/2026

These photos were taken by FMS Sacramento's Ethan with his new camera. He is an aspiring photographer, improving with each photo taken! At our Art & Media programs, we empower participants to express their creativity, develop valuable media skills, and apply what they’ve learned toward meaningful career opportunities.

Want to be part of any of our Futures Explored programs? Visit our official website at www.futures-explored.org or contact your regional center for more information.

Image 1: Sacramento's Taylor showing a couple of students specific features a camera has that's attached to a tripod.

Image 2: Sacramento's Brandie offering feedback to a student's artwork at the art studio.

Image 3: Emma, wearing an apron, works on her art project in the art studio.

Image 4: Left picture is Ethan looking through his camera readying his shot. Right picture is Ethan smiling for the other camera.

08/14/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Are you looking for a career with purpose? 💙
Join the Futures Explored team and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout the Bay Area!
Our team members are more than employees—they’re advocates, mentors, and supporters who help the people we serve build independence, reach their goals, and live fulfilling lives.

Apply directly through our Indeed links:
Personal Wellness Support Lead - Futures ALIVE, Concord
https://www.indeed.com/job/personal-wellness-support-lead-83c3c2e41ae2c493

Personal Wellness Support Professional - GARDEN Tri Valley, Livermore
https://www.indeed.com/job/personal-wellness-support-professional-driver-b767dbbf78ed527e

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - GARDEN Tri Valley, Livermore
https://www.indeed.com/job/licensed-vocational-nurse-lvn-adult-day-program-5f4e0a2f6c91892d

Virtual Support Lead - ALIVE East, Antioch
https://www.indeed.com/job/virtual-support-lead-dsp-lead-b25ab08bebc65ca4

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them or share this post!

08/13/2026

On September 5th, the Kipekee Society is offering free haircuts hosted at The Groom Room Barbershop in Oakland, CA.

The Groom Room will provide sensory-friendly, accommodating services, including quiet announcements before clippers are turned on, a dry-cut option with no water spray, and stop/slow-down communication cards for guests who are nonverbal or prefer not to speak.

This event is creating a welcoming space dedicated to both autistic adults and children, recognizing the need for greater accessibility, understanding, and support in everyday life.

From Jacob Nyamu, Founder of Kipekee:

“Beyond the haircuts themselves, this event is really about raising awareness that autistic adults are still very much part of our society and deserve support, dignity, and community, not just services aimed at children. That message matters as much to us as the haircuts do.”

Interested in signing up? Fill out the registration form here: https://form.typeform.com/to/kZpozBYa

08/11/2026

In our Concert Era and loving every minute! 💖

Connection Central's David, Catherine, and Jenny enjoyed a Taylor Swift tribute band at their local downtown park last night. They grabbed some food, danced along, and made some new friends! It was a great time filled with laughter, music, and community!

Want to be part of any of our Futures Explored programs? Visit our official website at www.futures-explored.org or contact your regional center for more information.

Video Description: The camera focuses on the Taylor Swift impersonator and pans to our group – David, Catherine & Jenny singing along to "You Belong With Me". It then cuts to David meeting a stranger who offers to dance with him. They dance together and invite two more women to dance along to the end of the song.

08/07/2026

We offer Art & Media programs in Sacramento, Stockton & Concord! If you like to know more head over to our website!
www.futures-explored.org

Meet FMS Sacramento’s Vincent. And this is his first mural! In Cora’s art class, the assignment required students to create either a character or an environment, and Vincent chose to bring his original character, “Scarlight Burn,” to life on a big scale.

Vincent has been drawing his character for years, this mural represents not only his first self-directed mural but also the culmination of years of creativity and character design!

Want to be part of any of our Futures Explored programs? Visit our official website at www.futures-explored.org or contact your regional center for more information.

Image Description: Vincent, crossed arms, standing near his mural twice his height. The mural is a red knight with yellow accents. “Scarlight Burn!” Is displayed at the bottom of the mural.