Since 1967

Building Bridges
In Our Communities For More Than 50 Years.

Our History

Founded in 1967 as a nonprofit organization, BuildAbility has supported thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more than five decades, over 9,000 people have accessed our programs, gaining greater independence and enhancing their quality of life. Our services are designed to empower individuals, meet diverse needs, and foster community inclusion.

ABOUT US

We have been supporting people throughout the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys for more than 50 years. We will soon be expanding into the Antelope Valley and Greater Los Angeles!

At BuildAbility, we have a diverse menu of services, including:

    • Supported Employment
    • Vocational Training
    • Paid Internship Program
    • Independent Living Services
    • Community Integration Training
    • Behavior Management Program
    • Coordinated Family Supports
    • Tailored Day Services

Future programs coming soon!

    • Coordinated Career Pathways
    • Customized Employment
    • Community Activities
    • And More!

Supported Employment Services For Companies In Our Community

BuildAbility is a great resource for businesses in our community. We have an excellent supported employment service, and we take pride in the high ethical and professional standards we use in the training and placement of a diversified workforce. This service helps our company partners stay profitable and efficient. We will provide you with the best talent that suits your business at NO COST TO THE COMPANY!

 

Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Your Employment Services Benefit My Company?

Imagine a workforce optimized with talent precisely aligned to your roles and culture—engaged, productive, and consistently meeting expectations. BuildAbility connects employers across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area with candidates for direct hire, contract, and temporary-to-hire positions, ensuring a tailored match that benefits your business.

why is our service so affordable for businesses?

At BuildAbility, we focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities rather than pursuing profits. Over the years, we have supported more than 9,000 adults in accessing vocational rehabilitation, opening doors to new possibilities and fostering individual strengths.

WHAT IS THE PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

Our Paid Internship Program provides a time-limited opportunity for participants to gain paid experience in a work setting with the intention of preparing them for competitive employment.

what type of skills does the independent living service provide?

Participants are provided with the individualized supports needed to maintain and/or increase independence, with a particular emphasis on health/wellness, safety, budgeting, social skills, and developing problem solving skills.

how does the behavior management program work?

Our Behavior Management Program provides intensive, personalized support with a 1:2 staff-to-participant ratio, ensuring individuals receive the care they need to thrive safely. Each person has a unique behavior management plan tailored to their strengths and goals, using creative approaches like music, visual aids, and sensory activities to provide natural, innovative support.

What does the community integration training include?

Participants explore and engage with the community in small groups, focusing on building vocational skills, accessing local transportation resources, and developing interpersonal skills. We work through any barriers to help each person reach their employment goals, while fostering community partnerships that support meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.

Leadership

At BuildAbility

jonathan kim

Co Executive Director

Nicholle Cash

Co Executive Director

Rachel Waddy

Director, Development

Anna Polin

Manager, Quality Assurance/HCBS

sofia good

Manager, People Operations

Members of the

BuildAbility Board

Avi Zaraya

Chair Person

Jess Trinca

Vice-Chair Person

kristin lafirenza

Secretary

Sheila Arasawa

Treasurer

Anarosa estevez
peter lasky
Dr Eric Schallert
Stephani Anderson
Sebastian Ardemagni
Barry Baxter
Paul Nankivell