Struggling Families and Veterans Top Orange County's Social Services Priority List: 37 Organizations to Receive More Than $500,000 From Orange County Community Foundation to Serve Those in Need
(firmenpresse) - NEWPORT BEACH, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 06/28/12 -- Efforts to address the needs of our community's most vulnerable residents got a boost yesterday when the Orange County Community Foundation granted $525,000 to nonprofits that serve struggling families and veterans. The grants are a result of the Orange County Community Foundation's ReachOut OC 2012 effort which combined $345,000 in funds from the Community Foundation with $180,000 in donations from the public. Contributions from supporters ranged from $20 to $50,000.
Local research has shown that 1 in 5 Orange County residents face hunger, and up to 20 percent of local veterans are homeless.
"The numbers of those most vulnerable continue to be staggering, and the desire to help is heartfelt. With ReachOut OC, neighbors are helping neighbors through contributions small and large," said Shelley Hoss, president of the Orange County Community Foundation. "Thousands of Orange County residents continue to struggle to make ends meet with families and veterans experiencing the most critical need. ReachOut OC will make a difference."
The ReachOut OC 2012 grants will fund a variety of essential services, including meals, rent and utilities assistance, emergency and transitional shelter, a mobile clinic and health care services for children and families, and employment support for veterans.
This is the fourth consecutive year OCCF has organized a community fund drive to assist vulnerable neighbors. ReachOut OC 2012 funding brings the cumulative grants to more than $2.5 million over the past four years. Because OCCF has underwritten 100 percent of program expenses, every dollar contributed is delivered to nonprofits meeting critical community needs.
Among this year's grant recipients is the , which estimates that 615,000 people or 21 percent of the population in Orange County are at risk of hunger. A $25,000 ReachOut OC grant will support food programs such as Child Hunger Strategy, Brown Bag for Seniors and Mobile Pantry.
"Demand for food has increased 45 percent since 2008 while donations of food staples have steadily declined. Our challenge is to successfully bridge the gap between demand and supply. This grant from the Orange County Community Foundation will allow us to provide critical food to thousands of vulnerable seniors, children and families," said Nicole Suydam, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Irvine.
According to Santa Ana-based , there are nearly 3,500 homeless veterans in Orange County. A $15,000 ReachOut OC grant will support a healthcare professional to serve homeless and at-risk veterans.
"This infusion of support comes at a critical time because there are so many Orange County veterans and families who need our help -- whether it be a place to sleep, food to eat or job training. The generosity of local residents who care really makes a difference in the quality of life for these men and women who have served our country and are now returning home to real challenges," said Deanne Tate, President/CEO of Veterans First.
Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector, and works to find solutions to community needs. The Foundation has granted more than $200 million since its inception. In 2011 OCCF ranked as the 10th most active grantmaker among more than 750 U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit or call 949-553-4202.
Photos Available Upon Request:
Contacts:
Cynthia Ragland, APR
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County Community Foundation
949.553.4202 ext.22
Barbara Caruso, APR
Caruso Communications
714.841.6777
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Datum: 28.06.2012 - 10:03 Uhr
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