Hobbyists with Developmental Disabilities Debut Potential Entrepreneur Opportunities at Annual Harvest Festival by Kelly Koehler - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Hobbyists with Developmental Disabilities Debut Potential Entrepreneur Opportunities at Annual Harvest Festival

By Kelly Koehler, Community Writer
November 19, 2014 at 10:11am. Views: 58

Each year, Inland Regional Center of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (IRC), throws a party to “celebrate the season” for its more than 29,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities such as intellectual developmental disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome, and autism. This year, the festival had an added feature. On Oct. 25, twelve consumer hobbyists debuted their vendor booths and offered the opportunity to participate in a future “microenterprise” program through the regional center. From photography, website design, art, custom jewelry, and more, IRC encouraged these potential entrepreneurs to show their wares and services and perhaps seek a mentorship opportunity. Following the Harvest Festival, those entrepreneurs serious about starting a business may be selected to participate in a microenterprise training program that will teach consumers valuable business-savvy skills including marketing, community networking, financial education and more. While the program has not officially launched, the Annual Harvest Festival marks a milestone in its development. Regional centers across the state are working on efforts such as this to provide viable work options for consumers. “The Harvest Festival is an event that is aligned with our core values of independence, inclusion and empowerment in mind. We want our families and friends to have fun, and walk away with the resources they need to help them in their everyday lives,” said Community Engagement Unit Program Manager CJ Cook. Also, more than 1,000 people attended the event. The Annual Harvest Festival was an exclusive opportunity for IRC’s consumers, families, vendors and staff to celebrate the autumn season in a carnival setting complete with a costume contest, festival games, face painting, sweet treats, and much more. The goal of the festival was to provide families with important information about services and resources available in the developmental disabilities community while providing a fun afternoon of family-friendly activities. More than seventy IRC vendors and community booths provided information and answered questions about the programs and resources available. This year’s festival was made possible through the support of volunteers from Future Social Workers in Action, Girl Scout Troop #714, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), as well as family and staff members. The event is sponsored by Pathways Inc., Supportive Living Services and Mobility Works of Riverside. The event is presented by Molina Healthcare, IEHP and Southern California Edison. Many thanks from IRC are in order for the collaborative coordination and help provided by the City of San Bernardino, the City of San Bernardino Fire Department and IRC’s property management group, Tiarna Real Estate Services.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 321

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 362

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 315

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 200

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 331

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 448

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 442

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 377

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 302

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 252

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 472

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 221

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->