There is something extraordinarily powerful about gathering around food. For the individuals participating in our Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) in Orange County, a weekly tradition at a local restaurant has become a highlight of their routine, and a masterclass in true community inclusion.

Every week, the team at Franco Di Roma Pizzeria opens their doors to the individuals we support. The owner, Franco, doesn’t just offer a warm welcome. He invites our guys behind the counter, handing them flour, sauce, and dough, and personally teaches them how to craft their very own pizzas, entirely free of charge.

What might seem like a simple gesture of hospitality is actually something far deeper, a tangible act of empowerment, collaboration, inclusivity, and kindness.

The Recipe for Community Inclusion

Creating an inclusive community doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, it begins with a simple decision to welcome everyone to the table:

Empowerment Through Learning: When individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or brain injuries are given the space to learn practical skills, confidence follows. Learning to stretch dough and select toppings allows the individuals we support to experience the joy of creation firsthand.

Collaboration & Mentorship: By guiding and mentoring these pizza chefs, Franco Di Roma demonstrates active collaboration, bridging gaps and fostering genuine relationships built on mutual respect.

Inclusivity & Belonging: Inclusivity is about active belonging. By opening his kitchen week after week, the owner creates an environment where our individuals feel valued and expected.

The Power of Kindness: When a business gives its time and heart without expecting anything in return, it inspires the whole community to make space for others.

Supporting Those Who Support Our Mission

At Living Resources, our mission is to empower individuals to live with dignity, independence, and purpose. We extend our deepest gratitude to Franco Di Roma Pizzeria for their ongoing dedication to our Orange County DCOP participants.

Stop by Franco Di Roma Pizzeria or call (845) 342-3552 to support the local businesses that uplift our community!

A woman wearing a striped sleeveless shirt stretches pizza dough over a flour-dusted marble counter in a restaurant kitchen, with a man standing beside her watching. A wooden pizza peel sits nearby next to a blue plate filled with shredded cheese.
A smiling woman with dark, curly hair stands in front of a bar counter, holding up a round serving plate with a fresh, sliced pepperoni pizza.
A view behind the counter of a restaurant kitchen showing staff at work. In the foreground, a man in a black shirt and light shorts works at the prep counter, while other team members stand nearby in the kitchen workspace.