Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Transitional Residential Program for Adults with Learning Differences
For over four decades, Independence Center has dedicated itself to empowering adults with learning differences through structured residential programs and community-based support services. Founded in 1981 by Sandy Gordon and a group of parents seeking solutions for their young adults transitioning to independent living, our organization has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in life skills development. Our hands-on approach replaces traditional classroom learning with real-world experiences in modern, supervised apartment settings across West Los Angeles. We emphasize peer group interaction while maintaining family connections, offering personalized programming that addresses each individual's unique strengths and challenges. With a team of experienced professionals including licensed therapists and program coordinators, we provide vocational support, budgeting instruction, and socialization training.Our phased approach accommodates residents at different stages of independence, from initial transition to post-program outreach. The program's success is evidenced by long-term residents who have achieved independent living, supported by our comprehensive crisis intervention and community integration services. Located in a vibrant urban setting with access to public transportation and cultural resources, we create optimal environments for personal growth. Our commitment to quality care remains unwavering, as demonstrated through decades of positive outcomes and testimonials from satisfied families.
Services
Residential Program
Transitional Phase
Outreach Services
Budgeting Assistance
Job Guidance
Cooking Classes
Socialization Skills
Community Living
Crisis Intervention
Vocational Support
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized experience in transitional living programs
- Our structured apartment-based learning environment replaces traditional classroom instruction
- We maintain family connections while promoting peer group development
- Our staff includes licensed therapists and experienced program coordinators
- We provide three progressive program phases for different independence levels
What people say
Dedicated staff
Life-changing programs
Successful transitions
Supportive community
Practical training
Services
Residential Program
Our Residential Program provides structured independent living experiences for adults with learning differences. Residents live in modern apartments while receiving daily support in life skills development. The program combines hands-on learning with personalized guidance to build essential competencies for self-sufficient living.
Transitional Phase
The Transitional Phase supports residents moving from full program structure to greater independence. Participants maintain apartment living while counselors help determine which services remain essential. This phase emphasizes decision-making and community integration skills.
Outreach Services
Outreach Services assist graduates and independent residents with ongoing needs. We provide vocational support, budgeting guidance, and socialization training while maintaining crisis intervention capabilities. These services help individuals sustain independent living achievements.
Job Guidance
Our vocational support program includes job search assistance, resume development, and interview preparation. Counselors work one-on-one with residents to identify strengths and match them with appropriate employment opportunities. The program emphasizes workplace communication and time management skills.
Budgeting Assistance
Financial literacy instruction covers money management, grocery budgeting, and bill payment. Through practical apartment living experiences, residents learn to create and maintain personal budgets. The program emphasizes responsible financial decision-making in real-world contexts.
People
Miriam Gonzalez-Coultas
CEO
Miriam brings 20+ years of social services experience to Independence Center. As former Chief Program Officer at Bienvenidos, she managed $20M+ budgets and oversaw mental health and foster care divisions. A licensed therapist, she holds degrees from CSUN and Pepperdine University.
Sarah Landa
Program Coordinator
Sarah supports daily operations and resident counseling. With a master's in clinical psychology from Pepperdine, she specializes in CBT therapy. She transitioned from intern to coordinator in 2024, focusing on personalized resident support and program development.
Questions
What type of program does Independence Center offer?
We provide transitional residential programs for adults with learning differences, focusing on life skills development through structured apartment living and personalized support services.
Who benefits from your services?
Our programs serve adults with learning differences who need support transitioning to independent living, including those completing high school or seeking improved life skills.
What makes your location unique?
Our West Los Angeles campus offers convenient access to public transportation, community resources, and cultural amenities that enhance residents' learning experiences and community integration.
What success stories do you have?
Many residents successfully transition to independent living after program completion, with some maintaining independence for over a decade following their training at Independence Center.
How do I enroll?
Contact us through our website or phone to schedule a tour and discuss individual needs. Our team will guide you through the application process and program phases.
