Adult development program opens an expanded facility near Salinas Sports Complex.

New Perspectives Inc., an adult development program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, celebrated the grand opening of its relocated second facility on Monday, June 1.

About 30 people attended the ceremony at the organization’s new spot at 903 North Main St. in the Sherwood Shopping Center, which is larger than its former location on E. Alvin Drive. New Perspectives has another location at 1051 North Main St.

The new site with mostly white and grey painted walls has a calming area, gym space, a kitchen, six classrooms, five bathrooms and a total of 13 staff members that now can serve up to 75 adults compared to the previous 45.

“The new location lets us serve 30 more adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities than the previous [E. Alvin Drive] facility, directly addressing the multi-year waitlists many local families have faced,” said Samantha Mora, New Perspectives Inc. communications manager.

This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for adult services amid rising autism and developmental disability diagnoses across California.

Since 2014, the autism spectrum disorder caseload increased by more than 156 percent, with autism becoming the majority diagnostic category over intellectual disability for the first time, according to the California Department of Developmental Services’ 2025 report.

Supported by the San Andreas Regional Center, a nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who reside within Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, the upgraded facility for New Perspectives Inc. The new site will provide modern education, behavioral support, vocational training, independent living skills and technology-based programs, including computer and technology education, multimedia and digital content creation, YouTube and creative media training and AI and modern workplace skills training.

Margarita Camacho, a 65-year-old mother, has had her 24-year-old son, Andy Nava Camacho, diagnosed with Down Syndrome since birth. She enrolled him in the program since the start of 2024.

“He’s really happy to get out of the car and go to [New Perspectives Inc.] to attend on a daily basis," Camacho says. “The program is very organized and keeps a weekly track of my son's whereabouts and activities. I’m very grateful for the program's trust, patience and dedication.”

New Perspectives Inc. has served Salinas since 2016 and also has locations in Greenfield, Watsonville and Gilroy.

“Through engaging activities, volunteer opportunities, employment readiness, health and wellness programs and person-centered support we empower participants to achieve their goals while fostering dignity, respect and a true sense of belonging,” says Jessica Greco, New Perspective Inc. vice president of operations.