FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orange County, CA – January 8, 2026 — Special Strong, a leading adaptive fitness franchise dedicated to serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, today announced the launch of Special Strong Orange County. The franchise is owned and operated by Joey Alvarez, Marian Alvarez, and Gabrielle Alvarez, covering three territories: the Central, West, and South Coastal regions of Orange County, California.
The Alvarez family brings more than 20 years of firsthand experience in assisted living and community care. Since 2005, they have supported seniors in residential settings, helping people live with dignity and purpose. In 2018, their work expanded to include younger adults living with traumatic brain injuries, and Marian’s nonprofit, Up and Out Social Club of America, has grown into a thriving community hub — bringing together residents from dozens of homes for outings, activities, and programs that build real connection and independence.
“The opportunity to reach more people in Orange County who have never had access to these kinds of programs is exciting. It is about giving hope, not just help.”
— Joey Alvarez, Owner, Special Strong Orange County
For Marian, the path to Special Strong began with a moment of recognition. After discovering the franchise on Instagram, she filled out an interest form the same day. The family flew to Dallas to learn more, and signed on shortly after. “It aligns with our purpose and our commitment to serving the disabled community,” Marian said. “We want to expand on helping the disabled community by helping them with adaptive fitness.”
The family’s existing network gives Special Strong Orange County an immediate foundation. Their residents already maintain active routines — visiting the gym, paddling, and participating in community meetups through Up and Out Social Club. Special Strong will deepen and expand those opportunities, connecting a broader population across Orange County to structured, certified adaptive fitness programs.
Decades of Care, Now at Scale
Over two decades of work in assisted living taught the Alvarez family how to coordinate care across professional disciplines — collaborating with physical therapists, physicians, and specialists to ensure clients receive the best access and support. Organizing daily outings, navigating resources, and adapting to every individual situation have built the operational skills that translate directly to running a Special Strong franchise.
“Years of experience in assisted living taught us how important it is to treat everyone with respect, patience, and creativity,” Marian said. “I love seeing someone try something new for the first time. Watching clients gain independence, confidence, and real joy is the best part of this work.”
For Joey, the mission is straightforward: “Seeing the need in our community made the decision clear. We wanted to be part of something bigger than ourselves.” He hopes that through Special Strong, the family can inspire individuals across Orange County to pursue active, healthy lives — people who may never have had access to programs designed for them. Special Strong Orange County serves the Central, West, and South Coastal regions of Orange County, California.
About Special Strong
Founded in 2016, Special Strong provides adaptive fitness training for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Through its rapidly growing franchise model, Special Strong empowers communities to offer inclusive fitness programs that improve health, build confidence, and promote independence. With a foundation built on faith and service, Special Strong continues to expand nationwide, making a lasting impact one life at a time.
