EXCEED

What they do

EXCEED is a Riverside County nonprofit empowering adults with disabilities through job training, education, and employment support to enhance independence and inclusion. For Executive Director Lee Trisler, who has led the organization since 1995, their impact is a personal point of pride. Her nephew moved into their residential facility. “He lost his mom, and we weren’t sure how he was going to make that transition because he had always lived at home and been pretty protected,” Lee shared. But since moving into the facility, “he’s just blossomed.”

Their person-centered, holistic approach, where residents choose their activities and meals, expands choice, dignity, and labor market access for individuals who are often overlooked.

In addition to providing transportation for over 100 people each day to and from services and community activities, EXCEED provides several other individual support options. Their Adult Developmental Centers support individuals in developing daily living skills, the Community Integrated Services program enables individuals to explore opportunities in their local communities, and the Employment Services department places individuals in paid jobs with employer-paid benefits. Their services help hundreds of clients achieve their dream of greater independence every year!

“Many of our clients have lived a sheltered life,” Lee explained. “Once they finish high school, they want to work and be in the community.”

One client had severe anxiety about entering the building a year ago, but recently secured a job thanks to the wraparound services. “We have clients who started in a sheltered work setting,” Lee said. “And now they have their own job, their own car, or are buying a house.”

A newer initiative is “Art in the Park,” a way for clients to share their creativity and provide safe outdoor settings for public health and fresh air. Their annual Art Show featured over 600 pieces of client artwork.

EXCEED’s Sandra Aldridge notes the profound impact: “We have individuals who were nonverbal, withdrawn, didn’t interact or engage, and now they do. In fact, they would tell people about their artwork and what inspired them…The effect of this program on our clients’ lives as they develop social and personal skills has been truly amazing!”

Why we invested

EXCEED sought gap funding due to delayed state rate increases and unexpected expenses. “Most commercial banks and lenders don’t like to work with nonprofits,” said Lee. “We needed short-term funding and wanted to see what else was out there for us.”

Mission Driven Finance partnered with the Elevance Health Foundation (known as Anthem Foundation in California) to make an impact investment in EXCEED, ensuring continuity of services.