​Moving Forward Towards Independence is proud to announce that we now offer a mentor program called Moving Forward Ambassadors; a program which was originally brought to our attention by Ellen Sweigert. On April 29th , we had our first meeting for residents who were interested in becoming mentors. We discussed what a mentor is, and how each mentor will use their individual strengths and skills to assist other residents at MFTI. The energy in the meeting grew as everyone started to share their own strengths and discover how they could be a great mentor! Many in attendance have experience being mentors through other programs, while for others this will be a first-time experience. The Moving Forward Ambassadors group will empower mentors by building their confidence in their own skills and give their peers a chance to learn from each other. We are excited for the opportunity this group will offer our residents, and can’t wait to see how our mentors use their skills to build each other up!

​Moving Forward Towards Independence has now been participating in the CanDo Napa Food Project for 9 months, and wow we’ve donated a lot of food! We’ve had 14 residents and staff members collecting and donating food every 2-months which supports others in our community. This last month, Moving Forwards Towards Independence donated just over 100 lbs of food! Between our donations, and the donations of our Napa neighbors, we collected a whopping 11,072 lbs of food! It has been such an honor to contribute to the CanDo Napa Food Project, and to help out others in our community.

Moving Forward residents just came back from an exciting trip to Monterey and Santa Cruz!  Check out our latest Newsletter with a summary of the trip:  April Newsletter. 

Moving Forward continues to offer a wide variety of fun and informative classes.  More fun events and classes have been scheduled for the month of May.  Here are a few of the Highlights:

*  Picnic and lawn games at the park
* Trip to the Fairfield Mall
* The Napa Farmer's Market
* Sonoma Square
* A car show


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Click here to view the Event and Class Calendars for May:

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​To view photos from the trip, click here:

In April 2018 Moving Forward Towards Independence took a weekend trip to Monterey Bay! We drove down to Pacific Grove Friday night, and stayed at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Grounds right on the ocean. That night we were able to roast marshmallows while listening to the sounds of the waves in the distance. On Saturday we drove up to Santa Cruz to see the Walton Lighthouse, and spend the afternoon on the Boardwalk! Everyone was able to do something different on the boardwalk from playing arcade games to riding rollercoasters. That night we were treated to a fire and hot dog dinner on the beach by Jan and David Sweigert. Sunday morning after a delicious breakfast at Asilomar, we explored the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Here we were able to see jelly fish, sea otter feedings, learn what creatures lurk in the deep, and enjoy a delicious lunch with a beautiful view of the ocean. With so much packed into a few short days, this weekend was definitely one to remember!
  

To view a video of the awesome trip, click here:

Moving Forward residents will be attending many fun activities in April.  Here are some highlights:

* Monterey Bay Aquarium!!!
* Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!!!
​* Dive into Color ceramics painting
​* Marine Mammal Center Tour
​* Movie Matinee
* Flea market

Also, Special Olympic sports are in full swing in April with the following sports being offered:
* Bowling
* Bocce ball
* Volleyball
* Swimming
* Tennis

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​Pictured:  Moving Forward residents enjoying Special Olympics Swimming, a weekend outing to the Benicia Tea house, and our Arts and Crafts class. 

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The Moving Forward Towards Independence Newsletter, "MOMENTUM", February 2018 Issue has been posted!  

​This issue features articles about:
* Success Spotlight: a resident's vocational success story
* Moving Forward's night at the ballet
* Artist of the month
​* An article about our creative Arts and Crafts class
* An article about our expressive Journaling class



  More to come in March!
                               
Please click here to read this month's edition:

This month at Moving Forward, we have another packed schedule of fun and entertaining activities to offer to our residents. Here are some highlights:

Superbowl Party
Benicia Tea Room
DiRosa Preserve Art Tour
Sleeping Beauty Ballet at the Lincoln Theater
Tour of Castello di Amorosa 

To see all of the classes, groups, clubs, and activities planned for February,
​ please visit our "Calendars" page:

Each year, Moving Forward Towards Independence residents and staff get together for a fun-filled and joyous Holiday Party.  Everyone is encouraged to either dress up or dress down in an "ugly sweater".  Regardless of attire, each and everyone that attends has a wonderful time.  This year we had a round of fun games.  Competition was fierce, yet one resident prevailed over staff and residents alike to become the "candy cane game" champion.  Everyone was treated to a feast of a meal for dinner.  Residents made some touching speeches and toasts.  Our wonderful sing-a-long group lead by music directors Jack and Ken performed a medley of holiday music.  It was a great performance enjoyed by one and all!  It was especially nice to see new members of the group perform in front of their peers for the first time. We ended the evening with a secret santa gift exchange.  All evening, holiday spirit ran high, and it was a pleasure to celebrate the holidays with each and every staff and resident at Moving forward.  Happy Holidays!!!!

​To view the monthly calendars of Moving Forward classes, events, groups, activities and trips, click here to view the Moving Forward "Calendars" page:

2017 has been the year of activities, events, parties, and trips here at Moving Forward Towards Independence.  Moving Forward residents have given input on which activities they would like to participate in, and where they would like to travel to.  Each month we hold a resident meeting to discuss activity ideas.  In 2017 many, if not all, of these suggested activities have become a reality.  Our Community Living residents have hosted fun game nights and dinners involving an interest or hobby of theirs.  Each weekend Moving Forward has offered a variety of enjoyable activities and trips.  Moving Forward residents went camping, to a Golden State Warriors game, to a Safari, and to Disneyland!!!  Our residents and our event planner have already come up with some new and fun ideas for 2018.  More information to come.  To end 2017, we have put together another great month of activities and events in December for our residents.   

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To view the Events Calendars ​for Moving Forward in the month of December, click here:

Moving Forward residents (pictured here) attended a Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze this fall.  This is one of dozens of fun opportunities offered monthly at Moving Forward.  Each month we plan exciting and entertaining weekend events and activities for our residents.  This year we traveled to Disneyland, to a Warriors basketball game, a campground, to a Safari, and more.  To view the upcoming events for December at Moving Forward, click here:

Moving Forward had its Annual Halloween Party this year on Halloween night.  Many residents and staff participated in the evening by wearing creative and awesome costumes.  Everyone present was treated to spooky snacks, a devilish dinner, and demon-like desserts.  Aside from the food, we held a dance party with good participation.  A few of our residents are quite the dancers, and dance teachers, and they were able to get even the most timid on to the floor with their confidence and leadership!  Next, there was a costume contest.  All of our residents received an honorary mention, and three creative and hard working residents won a prize for winning first, second, and third place for their costumes.  This was a fun night, as always, at Moving Forward.  We capped off the night by watching scary movies and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids.  Happy Halloween!!!!