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!
Sensory play + Fun Friday = a perfect combination! ✨
This week, our clients got creative making their own slime, exploring different textures with kinetic sand, and testing their noses with a variety of scents. Activities like these encourage exploration, creativity, and engagement while… stimulating the senses of touch and smell.
Learning, creating, and having fun all in one afternoon! 💚
#PromisingFutures #FunFriday #SensoryPlay #GrowingPromisingFuturesTogether #SanDiego
Fun Friday was all about exploring our senses! 🎉
Our clients enjoyed a variety of sensory play activities, including making their own slime, creating with kinetic sand, and experiencing different scents. These hands-on activities encouraged creativity, exploration, and engagement while …focusing on the senses of touch and smell.
There were plenty of smiles, laughs, and discoveries as everyone explored textures, colors, and scents in a fun and supportive environment. What a great way to wrap up the week here at Promising Futures! 😁✨
#PromisingFuturesInc #GrowingPromisingFuturesTogether #SensoryPlay #EastCounty #SanDiego #FunFriday
🌱 Watching something grow is even more special when you start from the very beginning!
Our clients selected seeds during a visit to the local library, carefully germinated them in class, and recently planted them in our garden. From choosing what to grow to getting their hands in the …soil, this project has been full of learning, patience, and excitement.
A big thank you to our local library for inspiring this activity and to our amazing staff for helping make it all possible. We can’t wait to see what blooms next! 🌿💚
#PromisingFuturesInc #GrowingPromisingFuturesTogether #EastCounty #Garden #SanDiego
From library shelves to garden beds! 🌱
Our clients recently planted seeds they picked out during a visit to the local library. After spending time germinating them in class and watching the first signs of growth appear, they were excited to finally get their plants into the soil.
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Activities like these provide hands-on opportunities to learn about nature, practice patience and responsibility, and experience the joy of nurturing something from seed to sprout. We can’t wait to watch their gardens continue to grow!
A special thank you to our local library for helping inspire this project, and to our incredible staff for supporting our clients every step of the way—from choosing seeds to planting day. 🌿💚
🍽️ SAVE THE DATE! 🍽️
Join us on Wednesday, July 22nd from 3:00 PM–9:00 PM at Texas Roadhouse in El Cajon for a Dine to Donate fundraiser benefiting Promising Futures, Inc.!
Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting programs and opportunities for adults with intellectual …and developmental disabilities in our community.
✨ How to participate:
• Dine in at Texas Roadhouse El Cajon between 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Show this fundraiser flyer to your Texas Roadhouse server or let them know you are there to support Promising Futures, Inc.
• A portion of your purchase will be donated back to our organization
Invite your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for a fun night out that gives back. Every meal helps support the individuals we serve!
📍 Texas Roadhouse – El Cajon
103 Fletcher Pkwy
El Cajon, CA 92020
United States
📅 July 22, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
Mark your calendars, save this post, and help us spread the word! ❤️
#PromisingFuturesInc #TexasRoadhouse #EastCounty #ElCajon #BuildingPromisingFuturesTogether
Nothing says Fun Friday like games, laughter, and Kona Ice! 🍧☀️🎉
We had an amazing time celebrating our longtime PFI client, Collin, alongside the Gilley family. A huge thank you to them for treating everyone to Kona Ice and helping make the day extra special.
What a …sweet way to end another great week at Promising Futures! 💙
#BuildingPromisingFuturesTogether #PromisingFuturesInc #SanDiego #KonaIce #EastCounty
What a wonderful way to wrap up the week at Promising Futures! ☀️🍧
Our Fun Friday was filled with laughter, games, great company, and plenty of Kona Ice. A special thank you to the Gilley family for generously treating our clients and staff to shaved ice while celebrating their son …Collin’s birthday. Collin has been a longtime member of the PFI family, and we were honored to celebrate this special occasion with him.
Moments like these bring our community together and create lasting memories for everyone involved. Thank you, Gilley family, for helping us end the week with smiles, fun, and a sweet treat!
Happy Birthday, Collin! 🎉🎂🍧
#PromisingFutures #FunFriday #KonaIce #HappyBirthdayCollin #PFIFamily
A day full of discovery, laughter, and fun at the Fleet Science Center! 🔬✨
From interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, our clients had a great time exploring, learning, and making memories together. Seeing the smiles, excitement, and enjoyment throughout the day is what these …community outings are all about. 💙
A special thank you to our incredible staff for making experiences like this possible and for the care, support, and encouragement they provide every day.
#PromisingFuturesInc #fleetsciencecenter #sandiego
Laughter, learning, and plenty of fun filled our day at the Fleet Science Center! 🔬✨
Our clients had a wonderful time exploring interactive exhibits, trying new hands-on activities, and sharing lots of laughs along the way. The excitement, curiosity, and enjoyment throughout the …outing made for a truly memorable experience.
Community outings like these provide opportunities to learn, build social connections, and enjoy new experiences in an engaging environment. We’re grateful to our dedicated staff who help make these meaningful adventures possible and support our clients every step of the way. 💙
Celebrating our May birthdays— Michael, Spenser, and Matthew! 🎉🎂💙
Here’s to another year of laughter, growth, and making great memories together. Happy Birthday to all of our May stars! ✨
Happy Birthday to all of our May birthdays — Michael, Spenser, and Matthew! 🎉🎂
We loved celebrating another month of amazing individuals. Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, laughter, and special memories! 💙