Building Career Pathways Through Collaboration

While working with Beacons, Inc. staff & trainees created this Impact Project—The Save the Ocean Exhibit. This was part of the Beacons North County Art Fair, showcasing the talents of neurodiverse artists. Built by adult trainees at Beacons, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to person-driven learning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the exhibit transformed single-use plastics from local beach cleanups into meaningful environmental art.

Through this project, trainees gained hands-on experience in teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving, while connecting with advocacy partners like the Surfrider Foundation. They developed confidence, vocational skills, and a sense of purpose—all while making a real-world impact.

The Art Fair itself provided a vibrant space for neurodiverse artists to shine, offering authentic experience in event planning, art curation, and public engagement, and inspiring increased inclusivity among participating organizations.

🎥 Watch how a simple plastic bottles can spark advocacy, empowerment, and systemic change.