Who We Are
An advocate for the growth of our clients,
our employees, and our community
About Us
Building Promising Futures Together
Martha J. Morrissey,
Founder
Promising Futures Inc. was founded through a personal journey of a mother navigating life with her daughter, Tiffany, who was diagnosed with autism at a time when few understood the condition. Driven by love and a determination to help her daughter thrive, she immersed herself in a journey of learning, and exploring therapies—gaining hands-on experience and building a fifty year foundation of knowledge in behavioral support and individualized care.
Over time, her work in private schools and developmental programs exposed her to both effective practices and deeply troubling care systems. As her daughter grew older, so did her urgency to create safe, nurturing living environments—especially after witnessing firsthand neglect, overmedication, and abuse often found in institutional settings and small living environments. Fueled by these painful experiences and a desire to ensure that vulnerable individuals who need protection, would find safe living environments and that model of protection is implemented throughout Promising Futures Inc. residential homes and day treatment programs.
With encouragement from mentors and guidance from her faith, she applied for and was awarded a grant to open the first Promising Futures home—despite initial doubts and the challenges of starting from scratch. A powerful moment of spiritual clarity and confirmation gave her the strength to move forward. What began as a mother’s mission has grown into a thriving organization that has served families challenged with developmental disabilities for over 40 years.
Through God’s faithfulness and inspiration, He built three homes, the last home to serve individuals her daughters age. Faithful donors, dedication of remarkable staff and the support of the community, have made it possible to provide a rich environment of learning, experience the dignity of independance and the satisfaction of a jobwell done, while maintaining safe environment with compassionate care that enriches lives and empowers people every day.
Our Mission
Empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through individualized person-centered services that promote independence, dignity, and meaningful community inclusion.
Our Vision
We envision a community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live as independently as possible and are fully included, supported, and valued.
What We Stand For
Empowerment
We focus on each person’s strengths and help build the skills to bring out their full potential, cheering them on along the way.
Personalization
With a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio, we give each person the personalized support they need to thrive.
Inclusion
Everyone is welcomed and respected, with opportunities to participate in ways that feel safe and comfortable for them.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
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Gina Parra
Executive Director
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Jennifer Valencia
CIA Director
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Tanner Harvey
Art Director
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Alex Watson
CIA Program Administrator
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Makaila Jenkins
QIDP
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Johnny Lopez
Director of Finance
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Sherry Pendray
Director of Human Resources
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Ashley Gondek
Transportation Coordinator-Support Specialist
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Elizabeth Guth
Administrative Assistant
Changing Lives, One Step at a Time
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“I am externally grateful for the purpose and meaning Promising Futures provides for our daughter Sonja. Knowing that she is productive and enjoying her days brings us peace and joy and allows me to work with the knowledge she is safe and having a great day. Best ay program ever!”
Mom & Dad Reiner
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“Colin has been part of the Promising Futures family for 20+ years. Within 6 months we saw a difference in Colin, and today at 40yrs he is a productive/happy/content guy always with a smile. The personalized support, specialized teaching strategies, and patient, knowledgeable staff helped him grow in confidence and ability. A large part of his success is due to the caring and nurturing staff at both the home and day program, as well as the overlapping IEP development and consistency. Promising Futures absolutely made a difference in our journey. It was a hard decision to put our faith in Promising Futures, but it did not take long to know we made the right decision. Colin has found his niche in the world because of Promising Futures.”
The Gilley Family
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“We are incredibly grateful for the support and care provided by Promising Futures for many years now. The staff is exceptionally patient and kind and ensures that Kier is engaged and challenged in the program. He is always treated with dignity and respect. The staff knows what Kier likes and incorporates those preferences into his program, making his experiences enjoyable and fulfilling.
Our family benefits greatly from the several hours of respite most weekdays, allowing us to refresh and better care for Kier. The staff keeps Kier safe, and the training and education program for him is structured and well-executed.
Thank you for making such a positive impact on Kier and our family.”
The Williams Family
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“Promising Futures is an organization providing services for adults with various disabilities comprising of a residential and day program. Our son is fortunate to be a participant in both programs. We appreciate the daily exchange of communication between the programs. Clients are treated with dignity and taught to be independent to the best of their abilities. During our son’s time at the programs, we have seen much growth and improvement. We are relieved to have found this gem of a program. We feel at ease to travel knowing our son will be in excellent hands. This program offers hope for families looking for peace of mind.”
The Eng Family
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“Promising Futures was already started when we desperately applied to place our daughter Staci. Both Mom and I had to work in order to pay the bills and try to keep Staci in school. She was a handful, and the special ed teachers at the time, did not have the skills to deal with Staci’s rants, physical confrontations, and meltdowns. When Staci was accepted and moved out of our home and into a new home, and shared her new shelter with 5 boys, Mom and I had mixed emotions. Promising Futures changed all of our lives as it brought Staci a safe place to live with regulations put into place that brought Staci special medical attention and care, a learning place to mentally grow and deal with everyday life. Promising Futures also brought us as parents, peace of mind when it comes to Staci’s well being.”
The Wismont Family
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for any programs?
No. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and our programs are supported through funding from the San Diego Regional Center, as well as community donations.
Do I have to be a resident to participate in the CIA?
No, the Center for Independent Achievement (CIA) day program is open to both residents and non-residents. Participants must be a client of the San Diego Regional Center in order to partake. Many participants live at home or in other supported settings and attend CIA during the day.
Let’s Stay Connected!
🍿⭐️ Movie day!
Our clients had such a fun time getting out into the community to see the new The Super Mario Bros. Movie together! Outings like these are more than just entertainment — they help build social skills, community confidence, friendships, and shared experiences that …make memories last.
We love incorporating a variety of outings into our weekly schedule so there’s always something exciting to look forward to. 🎬❤️
#PromisingFuturesInc #CommunityOuting #MarioMovie #InclusivePrograms #AdultDayProgram
A little peek into our week at Promising Futures! 💙
From dancing the day away at our weekly dance class, to engaging in story time activities at the center, to exploring our local library, and enjoying a fun movie outing to see the new Mario movie— our clients continue to grow through… meaningful community experiences each week. While some activities are part of our regular routine, every week is a little different, allowing us to add variety, new experiences, and exciting opportunities into our clients’ schedules.
As a community-centered program, these outings and activities are so important in encouraging independence, social connection, confidence, and active participation in the world around us. We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff who make these experiences possible through their support, encouragement, and commitment to our clients each and every day. ✨
A day full of creativity, culture, and connection at the Mingei International Museum 🎨✨
Our clients recently explored incredible artwork from around the world, asked thoughtful questions, and fully immersed themselves in the experience. It’s always so rewarding to see curiosity …spark and confidence grow in new environments. 💛
Huge thank you to our amazing tour guide, Nancy—especially meaningful as a parent of one of our own clients. Your insight and support made this visit truly special! 🤍
#PromisingFutures #CommunityOuting #ArtInspires #mingeimuseum #DayProgram
Some of our groups recently had an inspiring day exploring the Mingei International Museum! 🎨✨
From beautifully crafted pieces to hands-on creativity, this outing gave our clients the opportunity to experience art in a meaningful and engaging way. We loved seeing everyone take their …time, ask questions, and connect with the exhibits in their own unique way. Moments like these continue to build confidence, spark creativity, and encourage community involvement.
A very special thank you to our wonderful tour guide Nancy —who also happens to be a parent of one of our own clients. Your time, knowledge, and personal connection made this experience even more meaningful for everyone. 💛
Outings like this are more than just a trip—they’re opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences together.
Celebrating our April birthdays! Happy Birthday to our beloved Sarah, Steven, and Rachel💐😊🎊🎂
Join us at the upcoming Cuyamaca Spring & Garden Festival! 🌸🌿 May 2, 2026 9am-3pm 🌷⛲️
Promising Futures, Inc. will be in attendance again this year, and we’re looking forward to being part of such a vibrant community event. Come out and enjoy a day full of nature, music,… local vendors, and family-friendly activities while connecting with our team and learning more about the work we do.
We love being part of events that bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity, and growth.
We hope to see you there—stop by, say hello, and join in on the fun! 🪷🪴🐛🐞
Join us at the upcoming Cuyamaca Spring & Garden Festival! 🌸🌿 May 2, 2026 9am-3pm 🌷⛲️
Promising Futures, Inc. will be in attendance again this year, and we’re looking forward to being part of such a vibrant community event. Come out and enjoy a day full of nature, music,… local vendors, and family-friendly activities while connecting with our team and learning more about the work we do.
We love being part of events that bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity, and growth.
We hope to see you there—stop by, say hello, and join in on the fun! 🪷🪴🐛🐞
We recently had the pleasure of attending a ribbon cutting ceremony through the at Hillside Ranch Winery, and it was such a beautiful experience.
From the moment you arrive, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, and peaceful—set against scenic hills that make you feel like you’ve stepped …away from the busyness of everyday life. It’s the perfect setting to relax, connect, and enjoy time with others.
What made it even more special was getting to meet the owner and her family, including her adult children who are the winemakers. You can truly feel the pride, passion, and history behind what they’ve built—it’s not just a winery, it’s a labor of love rooted in family and community.
At Promising Futures, we are always looking for meaningful ways to stay connected to our community and create inclusive opportunities for the individuals we serve. Places like this represent exactly what community connection is all about—welcoming spaces where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.
If you’re looking for a local spot with great wine, beautiful views, and a genuinely inviting atmosphere, I highly recommend checking them out and supporting this amazing family-owned business.
#EastCountyChamber #RibbonCutting #SupportLocal #FamilyOwned #JamulCA #CommunityInclusion #BuildingCommunity #SanDiegoNonprofits #PromisingFutures
A little late, but on 4/16 we had the opportunity to attend the Leading the Charge Conference—and it was truly an inspiring and impactful experience for both our staff and the clients who attended.
We had the privilege of hearing from Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum, who shared her… journey of building DaniMation Entertainment. Her story was powerful, relatable, and a great example of what can be achieved when individuals are given the right support, opportunities, and encouragement to follow their passions.
Throughout the day, we participated in several breakout sessions including Self-Determined Life, Story in Motion, Learning Through the Art of Animation, and Innovative Pathways to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Each session provided valuable insight, practical strategies, and new ideas that we can bring back to continue enhancing our programs and supporting the individuals we serve.
Experiences like this are so important—not only for professional growth, but for expanding perspectives, building confidence, and creating meaningful opportunities for our clients to explore their interests and potential. We are committed to continuing to invest in opportunities like this, getting out into the community, building connections, and ensuring that both our staff and clients have access to innovative, enriching experiences.
We’re excited to take what we learned and continue growing, together. 💙
#LeadingTheCharge #DDPN #CommunityInclusion #IDD #PersonCentered #VocationalTraining #NonprofitWork #SanDiegoNonprofits #PromisingFutures
Our clients recently enjoyed a meaningful lunch outing at @pizzabilities_ ! 🍕
This local and inclusive pizza shop is dedicated to serving and employing adults with developmental disabilities, making it an especially impactful place for our clients to visit and connect with. It was a …great opportunity to practice community-based skills like ordering, social interaction, and making independent choices—all while supporting a business that shares our mission.
Experiences like these go beyond just a meal—they build confidence, promote inclusion, and create real-world connections within our community. 💙🍕