Futures Explored

04/13/2026

We had a chance to visit Passport to Independence while the group was learning how to make blueberry pancakes! The group learned about making an easy breakfast for themselves. Chris referred to the pancakes as "FLUFFALICIOUS" which the group adapted as the word of the day. Obviously it meant the food was both "Fluffy" & "Delicious".

Image 1: Two participants are mixing the pancake mixture into the bowl.
Image 2: A thumbs up from our friend as he shows off his pancake.
Image 3: Participant flipping over his first batch of pancakes.
Image 4: Another participant multitasking with multiple pancakes on the griddle.

04/09/2026

Here are some snapshots of our last clean-up session at March.

On April 9th & 11th, we will be hosting another clean-up session, courtesy of Futures Explored! Our goal is to keep Sacramento’s storm drains clean, protect our local waterways, and create meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to lead community impact projects.

Here are the latest clean-up dates (all days are 10am - 12pm):

1st Friday of Each Month
- May 1, 2026
- June 5 2026
- July 3 2026

2nd Thursday of Each Month
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June 11, 2026
- June 9, 2026

& Quarterly Saturday events:
- April 11, 2026
- June 13, 2026

Meeting Location: 2533 R. Street, Sacramento, CA

We welcome volunteers of all abilities. This event supports leadership opportunities for adults with disabilities, and collaboration with community partners is actively encouraged.

To join our email or text outreach list for updates, training resources, and future clean-ups, please contact:

Laura McCrary
📧 lauramccrary@futures-explored.org
📞 (916) 792-1793

Image 1: A group of volunteers, wearing safety vests, walking along the sidewalk, holding buckets, trash pickers, and trash.

Image 2: Volunteers gathered around the dumpster putting away the garbage collected on the street.

Image 3: A wide shot seeing the neighborhood as two volunteers in the center of the picture, collecting trash in the middle of the street.

Image 4: A volunteer carrying an expired Christmas Tree over his shoulder.

04/03/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to listen to autistic voices, celebrate neurodiversity and create more inclusive communities.

Acceptance goes beyond awareness. It means valuing different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world.

What does autism acceptance mean to you, or what is one thing people should better understand about autism? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Image description: A white graphic with a teal border reads “April is Autism Acceptance Month,” with a multicolored infinity symbol above the text.

Note: This post has been updated to reflect more widely accepted autism community symbolism.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Acceptance Day, a time to celebrate the strengths, perspectives and contributions of people with autism, and continue advocating for a community with stronger understanding & inclusion.

At Futures Explored, we’re committed to offering folks a chance for independence with tremendous support from our team.

We thank you for choosing us to be both your safe space but also your platform for opportunity.

Image: A collection of photos celebrating the folks that are part of Futures Explored. Upper left is a group of alumni at Creative Arts & Media in Concord together with staff. Upper right is a photo of Tailor-Day Services' Kassie & Jorel smiling in front of Sacramento State's fountain. Bottom left is ETP's Emily working at a thrift, while Sheila supports her. Bottom right is Laura counseling her students in their Passport to Independence class.

04/02/2026

Tomorrow, Futures Explored is hosting another clean-up session – keeping Sacramento’s storm drains clean, protecting our local waterways, and creating meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to lead community impact projects.

Here are the latest clean-up dates (all days are 10am - 12pm):

1st Friday of Each Month
- April 3, 2026
- May 1, 2026
- June 5 2026
- July 3 2026

2nd Thursday of Each Month
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June 11, 2026
- June 9, 2026

& Quarterly Saturday events:

- April 11, 2026
- June 13, 2026

Meeting Location: 2533 R. Street, Sacramento, CA

We welcome volunteers of all abilities. This event supports leadership opportunities for adults with disabilities, and collaboration with community partners is actively encouraged.

To join our email or text outreach list for updates, training resources, and future clean-ups, please contact:
Laura McCrary
📧 lauramccrary@futures-explored.org
📞 (916) 792-1793

03/23/2026

Folks of Futures Film & Studios in Sacramento took a visit to the famous Crocker Art Museum, , to get some inspiration for future film & art projects! It’s always fun seeing modern art with a group of like-minded artists!!

Image Description 1: A student looking at an array of paintings encased in golden portraits scattered on the wall.

Image 2: Two students deciphering the meaning of a statue of two horses with glowing red eyes.

Image 3: A group photo of 7 students outside the Crocker museum.

03/12/2026

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month and we're celebrating how we always do: advocacy! Today, CDSA members, self-advocates, families, and direct support professionals are spreading awareness at the State Capitol. They're in meetings with all 120 state legislators.

This good-looking group got trained on advocacy skills and public policy issues yesterday. Tag yourself and your organization if you were in this crowd!

03/11/2026

Let us introduce you all two new faces in the Podcasting world!
Meet Hannah – a film writer, instructor & advocate at Futures Explored Film & Media in Stockton.

Also, meet Hannah – a participant that loves to speak her mind and do karate moves.

Together? They are FMS Stockton's latest project in our new recording studio! And they are: TWO HANNAH'S IN A POD!

Come check out the first episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0X2Zg0JrgA

The Hannah's have finally started recording their podcast! Each week they will discuss a new, hot topic. This week's topic: Introductions. ...

02/20/2026

Futures Explored is proud to lead an inclusive community volunteer initiative focused onkeeping Sacramento’s storm drains clean, protecting our local waterways, and creatingmeaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to lead community impact projects.

Here are the upcoming clean-up dates (all days are 10am - 12pm):

1st Friday of Each Month
- March 6, 2026
- April 3, 2026
- May 1, 2026
- June 5 2026
- July 3 2026

2nd Thursday of Each Month
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June 11, 2026
- June 9, 2026

& Quarterly Saturday events:
- April 11, 2026
- June 13, 2026

Meeting Location: 2533 R. Street, Sacramento, CA

We welcome volunteers of all abilities. This event supports leadership opportunities for adultswith disabilities, and collaboration with community partners is actively encouraged.

To join our email or text outreach list for updates, training resources, and future clean-ups, please contact:

Laura McCrary
📧 lauramccrary@futures-explored.org
📞 (916) 792-1793

02/17/2026

This month, Choose Work! will highlight the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program and resources that can help Ticketholders decide to pursue work, find opportunities, and successfully transition to work. Come join us!

Are you ready to work but not sure how it will affect your Social Security Administration benefits? Learn how Ticket to Work can help you on your path to employment at our FREE webinar on February 25 at 3 p.m. ET.

Discover the free resources available to you that can help you achieve your work goals!
Register now: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

10/06/2025

We invite you to an interactive night of art, light, and connection—where every spark ignites creativity, community and change. On October 23rd, BE THE SPARK, is our capital campaign to raise $100,000 towards the buildout of the Creative Arts Center in Concord, CA.

We're celebrating the incredible talents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they showcase their art. Be the Spark is not just about raising funds; it's about empowering these artists and giving them a platform to express themselves through art. Your participation and support will not only help raise funds but also foster an inclusive environment where everyone’s abilities are celebrated.

You can buy your tickets here: https://shorturl.at/FpotV

We look forward to seeing you there!

Video Description: A montage of various light bulbs lighting up as soon as a person touches it. The final scene is a man in awe of the light above him. "Be the Spark, October 23rd" Displays at the end of the video.

09/25/2025

Today’s the day!
Please consider giving to our community!
Link: https://www.925gives.org/organizations/futures-explored

On September 25th, Be the reason someone gets the support they deserve. Support Futures Explored on 925 Gives Day!

In honor of our campaign, we’re asking for your support to fund critical services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your donation helps provide critical IDD services—like job coaching, life skills training, and community access.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), your donation makes a life-changing impact. Join us in supporting inclusion, empowerment, and independence.

Donate now: https://www.925gives.org/organizations/futures-explored