The CALI Project

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The CALI Project

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At CALI, Community Alliance for Lifelong Independence, we coach differently-abled adults in life skills and work with them to integrate into the community

Founded in 2016, CALI is an intensive, two year, goal based, life skill training program that uses an innovative coaching approach in a part-time temporary residential setting known as a CALI Transition Home (CTH). Unlike traditional life skill training programs, CALI provides the opportunity for consumers to transition slowly into the adult world. By coming to a CTH for a portion of each week our consumers experience what it's like to live on their own with the safety of returning to their familiar environment to practice their new found skills.

10/15/2026

There is something deeply grounding about working in a garden, and our crew felt every bit of it at 🌱🌾 The CALI crew showed up to the Community Garden Club ready to dig in,and that's exactly what they did. From tending to the garden beds to connecting with fellow community members and volunteers, every moment at the farm was a reminder of how powerful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself. isn't just a place to grow vegetables. For the crew, it became a space to build community, practice teamwork, and discover new interests, all while contributing meaningfully to something that feeds and nourishes the people around them. A huge thank you to the team at Common Roots Farm for welcoming our crew with open arms. We can't wait to come back! 🐓🥕

10/08/2026

There's something about a bike ride that just makes everything better. 🚲☀️ The Crew took to the road for a biking outing that checked all the right boxes — fresh air, movement, independence, and great company! Navigating routes, keeping a pace, and enjoying the ride together are exactly the kinds of real-world experiences that build confidence and make the community feel alive. Here at CALI, we believe that life skills aren't just learned indoors. Sometimes the best classroom is the open road! 🛣️💨

10/06/2026

hat a night!
Ten Years of the CALI Project, and we celebrated the only way we know how: together! 🙌🙌
Thank you to everyone who came out to Pono Hawaiian Grill for 10 Years of Ohana! To our CALI crew and their families, our supporters, our friends, and everyone who stopped by to say aloha, you made this night what it was. 💙
Thank you to and Dave Abrahams for filling the evening with beautiful music. To the whole team at , thank you for hosting us so warmly and for giving back to our mission.
To our staff, volunteers, and board, thank you for the work you put in, not just this week but every day for the last ten years.
And to everyone who has supported, cheered on, and believed in The CALI Project since 2016: this milestone belongs to you.
Ten years down. Here's to the next ten. 💙

10/02/2026

Not everyone connects with animals the same way — and N is showing us that's perfectly okay. 🐱 N clocked in for his volunteer shift at the animal shelter and spent his time doing something truly special: earning the trust of cats who aren't yet comfortable around people. He doesn't rush them. He doesn't force it. He gets down to their level, engages them at their pace, and lets them come to him. While he's still working up to holding the animals himself, the way N shows up for the ones who need the most patience says everything about the kind of person he is. Gentle, consistent, and genuinely kind — those qualities matter more to a nervous shelter cat than anything else. N, the animals may not be able to say it — but we will. Thank you for showing up and giving them exactly what they need. 🐾💙

09/30/2026

Step right up — because J came to win! 🎪🧸 J tried her hand at the carnival games and walked away with a stuffed animal to show for it. But more than the prize, it's the moment that matters, stepping up, giving it a shot, and not giving up until you get there. That kind of confidence and determination is something we see Jess carry with her every single day.
Whether she's working on life skills or taking on carnival rings, she shows up and she gives it everything she's got. Jess — that stuffed animal has no idea how lucky it is to be going home with you. 🏆🎉

09/26/2026

We are beyond proud to share this incredible news! The CALI Project's Recycled Reef Project just won FIRST PRIZE at the Santa Cruz County Fair! 🥇🎉
What started as creativity, dedication, and a whole lot of heart turned into an award-winning project that represents everything we stand for! The remarkable talent and capability of our Crew who became Family. This isn't just an award, it’'s a reminder that when individuals are given the space, the support, and the opportunity to create — they don't just participate. They excel. They inspire and they win!
Congratulations to our amazing CALI Crew! We couldn't be prouder. 🏆 🙌💙

09/24/2026

First times can feel big — and this one absolutely was! We accompanied N for her very first gym class. A new environment, a new routine, and a brand new challenge — and she stepped right into it! Showing up and pushing yourself in a new physical space takes courage and determination. And she had both in abundance. Moments like this are exactly why we do what we do at CALI. Every first is a foundation — and this one is just the beginning. 🏋️‍♀️✨

09/23/2026

Some days are just meant for the beach. 🌊🔥 The Crew came together for a beach day to remember! Soaking up the last of the summer sun, sharing good laughs, and gathering around a bonfire as the evening rolled in. Moments like these are about more than just a fun outing. They're about belonging, connection, and the joy that comes from being fully present with people who lift you up. Here's to the memories made, the stories shared, and the warmth that stays long after the fire burns out. 🌅

09/19/2026

From the first lap to the last — he showed up and showed out. 🏊‍♂️💪 A attended his swimming class and absolutely made it his own. Placed at a moderate level based on his skills, he swam independently, completed around 10 laps with ease, and used a flotation device to fine-tune his technique. He communicated confidently with his instructor and classmates and was a team player throughout. And when class was done? He independently showered, changed, and gathered his belongings — no prompts needed. That's not just swimming. That's independence in every sense of the word. We are so proud of you! 🌊🌟

Address

Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95060

Website

http://www.thecaliproject.org/

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