At Designated Exceptional Services for Independence (DESI), we foster independence through inclusive programs. Our major focus is empowering marginalized communities to achieve economic mobility.Our initiatives:Educational Workshops: Offering practical skills trainingEconomic Mobilization: Initiating job placement assistanceSocial Integration Program: Promoting community engagement activitiesYour contribution directly nurtures their economic mobility and independence.Stand with us, donate today! 🙂

Established in 2016, the DESI Food Bank, provides weekly access to perishable food items through both a walk-up bank located in East Los Angeles and through delivery services for those clients and their families that are unable to travel to the distribution hub.Although the program was initially founded to assist our clients living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families – it has now grown to also provide support for hundreds of families and individuals per week in East LA and the surrounding communities. Today, the DESI Food Bank has a geographical reach of 26 cities in the Southeast Los Angeles and East Los Angeles area which contains historically underfunded communities and is where the pantry hub is located. Your support keeps this program alive and thriving so that together, we can work towards ending food insecurity.Watch How We Fight Hunger

At D.E.S.I, summer isn't a break. It's the hardest stretch of the year.School is out, food access gaps widen, and families supporting individuals with developmental disabilities face longer days with fewer community resources. For the people D.E.S.I. serves, independence isn't seasonal — it's something they work toward every single day. And they need us most right now.Your gift this summer keeps D.E.S.I.'s core programs running when the need is highest:The Food Bank — providing reliable access to food for individuals and families in our communitySkills Training — equipping adults with developmental disabilities with tools for greater independenceWorkforce development and economic mobility — through our Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) and Youth@Work Elevate (AJCC) programs, we connect job-seekers facing significant barriers with paid work experience, career mentorship, and employers committed to hiring — building the employability skills and economic opportunity that independence is built onWe’re looking for 10 new donors and 10 new recurring monthly donors by Labor Day — September 7. Donations traditionally dip in summer. Need doesn’t.Every dollar you give helps D.E.S.I. keep the lights on for the people who can't afford for us to slow down.Independence doesn't take a summer break. Neither do we.