[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 7, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING MOVING FORWARDS TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, August 7, 2018 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th anniversary of the founding of Moving Forward Towards Independence, an organization that provides adults with intellectual disabilities the skills needed to live and work independently. Moving Forward Towards Independence was founded in 1998 by a group of parents. This group created a unique transitional housing program that assists young adults with intellectual and high functioning Autism Spectrum Disabilities. Moving Forward Towards Independence offers structured on-campus group housing, apartment living near campus and off-campus community living. Moving Forward Towards Independence provides classes, social activities and individual case management services to its clients to assist them in maintaining friendships, relationships and employment. Moving Forward Towards Independence has had hundreds of adults, ages 18 to 37, participate in its program. Residents are from all over the country and come to Moving Forward Towards Independence with the goal of eventually being able to live independently with minimal support. Moving Forward Towards Independence is an integral part of our community. It is active in the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership and is a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce. The organization regularly meets with the Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster for disaster relief preparedness. Moving Forward Towards Independence is a strong supporter of the Napa Special Olympics and partners with the Napa College Disability Services Unit. The organization is also an active member of the Disability Committee to the Napa Nonprofits Coalition. Mr. Speaker, Moving Forward Towards Independence is a great contributor to our Napa Valley community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Moving Forward Towards Independence here today. ____________________