Fall Charity Guide, Part Two
By: Amanda Huntsman
As we approach the final stretch of 2023, now is the time to consider ways to give back. With over 3,000 charities in Orange County alone, there is no shortage of options when it comes to providing help. Many local charities host their end-of-year galas from September through November. While others work hard to raise necessary funds in other ways to ensure they can continue positively impacting the community. Below you will find a small sampling of organizations that can benefit from your help.
BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - The Kirwan Family Foundation and Woodside Credit present the 26th Annual Evening of Hope benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California, a long-term housing and economic scholarship program for youth in Orange County. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, 2023, beginning at 4:00pm featuring a reception at the Westin South Coast Plaza followed by Les Misérables at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For more information, please visit bhghsocal.org/news-events; if you have any questions, feel free to contact MPalacios@bhgh.org.
BREAST CANCER SOLUTIONS - 22 years ago, the organization's journey began when five people recognized that financial distress can cause breast cancer patients to delay, stop, or even be denied their treatment. Not only did they recognize the problem, but they did something about it by founding Breast Cancer Solutions.
Their goals are simple: Eliminating barriers, enabling treatment, and extending lives. But until there is a cure, local breast cancer patients will continue to need Breast Cancer Solutions. They ensure their clients can maintain their housing, have food to eat, keep the utilities running, put gas in their cars to get to treatment and pay for their medications. Without assistance for these basic needs, they may be denied or opt out of treatment. Every contribution received makes a direct impact on a local patient in treatment right now. Find out how you can help. www.breastcancersolutions.org
LAURA'S HOUSE - The inception of Laura's House was inspired by a true story about a woman called Laura, who was a victim of domestic violence. Since 1994, Laura's House has continued to grow and offer a multitude of programs and services that provide vital support and education aimed at preventing such tragic circumstances from ever occurring again. Laura's House provides unduplicated domestic violence-related services to the 915,000 residents of Orange County, California, and beyond. Over the past 29 years, Laura's House has provided shelter and supportive services to more than 7,000 abused women, men, and children and counseling, life skills education, and legal advocacy to over 55,000 persons.
Today, Laura's House continues to be the only state-approved comprehensive domestic violence agency in South Orange County. Annually, Laura's House provides residential shelter services, transitional housing, counseling and workshops, and legal services to thousands of individuals. Over 3000 crisis calls come in each year on our 24/7 Crisis Hotline.
Laura's House annual gala is being held at the VEA Newport Beach on October 21, 2023. This year's theme is "Hot Havana Nights." There are many ways to get involved; learn more at www.laurashouse.org
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION - The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. Their irreplaceable national network of chapter and student club volunteers serves as the first response to local threats in coastal communities across the U.S. They are the boots on the ground who collaborate on both the local and national level with regional staff and issue experts to carry out our mission through campaign, program and educational initiatives in their local communities. At any given moment, they are working on more than 100 campaigns across the country. Each and every campaign has a defined beginning, middle, and end. Over 800 campaigns have become victories since 2006.
How you can help: Join Surfrider volunteers and activists around the globe as they rally 1 million friends of the ocean to advocate for policies to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches for future generations. Sign the pledge today and become a friend of the ocean at tinyurl.com/SurfriderFoundationPledge.There are many ways that you can get involved in protecting our natural playgrounds. www.surfrider.org
OLIVE CREST - Olive Crest does incredible work in our community. They are dedicated to transforming the lives of children who are in crisis through the power of God, family, and community. Their approach of strengthening, equipping, and restoring children has been proven to be extremely effective in stopping the cycle of abuse and neglect. Olive Crest is committed to empowering strong families to become healthy and productive members of their communities. By doing so, they are redefining the way they care for and equip children in crisis, and as a result, making a significant impact. With your involvement and support, Olive Crest can help create a solution and ensure that Child Abuse Stops Here. It's important to note that there are over 2,200 children in the child welfare system in Orange County alone. That's why they are fearlessly working to ensure each vulnerable child is safe in a loving family. Olive Crest's focus is on preventing abuse, stopping the cycle, and transforming lives, and they stay the course by focusing on One Life at a Time®, addressing each individual’s unique needs with care and compassion. With your support, they can make beautiful transformation stories a reality every day. www.olivecrest.org
DREAMS FOR SCHOOLS - Dreams for Schools advance education equity by bridging gaps in STEAM education, with an emphasis on computer science (CS), by working with a range of community stakeholders from K- 12 students, educators, schools, districts, as well as higher education students to provide educational programs that would not otherwise be available to our youth. For more information, please contact Executive Director Nithin Jilla at nithin@dreamsforschools.org or visit www.dreamsforschools.org
CRIME SURVIVORS RESOURCE CENTER - The Crime Survivors Resource Center is an organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, advocating for victims, and providing healing resources. If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, they offer a variety of support services to help during this difficult time. Their mission is to provide hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime through advocacy and the support of resources, information, and empowerment. They are committed to helping individuals through the challenges and successes of surviving and thriving after a crime occurs. You can reach them at (844) 853-HOPE or visit their website at www.crimesurvivors.org for more information. Crime Survivors' vision is for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially by receiving the respect, support, and protection of law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community. They believe that with the right resources and support, victims of crime can heal and thrive. www.crimesurvivors.org
MAGICAL BUILDERS - Over the past 17 years, Magical Builders, a nonprofit corporation, has done incredible work managing the construction and renovation of charitable facilities across the county. Their projects include youth and teen centers, athletic fields, domestic abuse shelters, veterans centers, daycare facilities, homeless and poverty centers, disability centers, affordable housing, hospital family living centers, academic facilities, and more. They work with Major League Baseball, professional sports teams, athletes, celebrities, other nonprofits, and generous companies and individuals to make a true difference in our communities.
Magical Builders partners with compassionate organizations and individuals to manage the construction, renovation, and improvement of charitable facilities. They help serve our youth, veterans, and those who are struggling with hunger, poverty, abuse, disability, and other vulnerabilities. Their work is changing lives across the United States and beyond.
For nonprofits or individuals looking to fund a charitable construction or renovation project, Magical Builders can help accomplish the vision to make the biggest impact possible. They manage the project and act as the primary liaison between the donors, the beneficiaries, the construction team, and volunteers. They facilitate all aspects of the project, including the identification of contractors and vendors, solicitation of donated or discounted labor and supplies, community relations, coordination of volunteer days, and event planning. www.magicalbuildersgiving.org
CASA TERESA - Since 1976, Casa Teresa has provided a home for pregnant women over 18 years old who lack support. Starting off as a four-unit building and cottage, founders Neill and Sally Sullivan created Casa Teresa because there were very few shelters specifically for single, pregnant women at the time. In 1985, after almost a decade in Santa Ana, Casa Teresa moved to its current site in Orange's Old Towne, ensuring that residents have access to nearby stores, public transportation, and healthcare.
Casa Teresa aims to meet the changing needs of pregnant women. In 1995, Hannah's House was established to help women interested in placing their babies with an adoptive family. The Transformation I (T1) Program, a communal-style living program, was opened in 2001 to serve residents who would benefit from a longer stay. The Transformation II (T2) Program followed in 2006, providing independent apartments for residents. In 2013, the Emergency Maternity Shelter (EMS) was launched, catering specifically to women struggling with chronic homelessness, substance abuse, and other intensive issues. Casa Teresa's Alumni Resource Center provides educational classes, case management, and other supportive services for graduates from Casa Teresa's programs.
Recently, the board and staff of Casa Teresa worked together to create a new mission, vision, and values that honor the past and inspire a new future. The mission remains clear, and the stories of transformation shared by alumni embody the new vision and values. Casa Teresa has been serving the community for 47 years, providing a safe and supportive home for pregnant women in need. www.casateresa.org
BRAVE ONES FOUNDATION - BraveOnes Foundation is an Orange County-based, 100% volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on Creating Childhood Joy for Children in Need. BraveOnes was created in 2018 by OC residents Rose & Jeff Kunze, with lifelong friends Kendra & David Rosales, to honor the short but sweet life of their son, Hendrix. During Hendrix’s year of life, he endured several medical challenges & spent many months at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Based on the Kunzes’ experience, BraveOnes Foundation programs, Meaningful Meals & Toys for Joy, provide hope, comfort & moments of relief to children & their families surviving similar circumstances.
Please join us at BraveOnes Foundation’s 6th Annual Hangout for Hendrix Fundraiser at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations in Irvine on November 9, 2023, from 5:30pm - 8:30pm for an evening of delicious food, spirit tastings, music, silent auction, & giving. To learn more about BraveOnes Foundation & Hangout for Hendrix 2023, please visit BraveOnesFoundation.org. Together, we will create childhood joy for children in need. www.braveonesfoundation.org
PATRICK'S PURPOSE FOUNDATION - After the tragic loss of Patrick Turner in January 2018, his family, friends, and community have come together to honor his memory and make our world a kinder and more inclusive place. While they cannot bring Patrick back, they can work every day to make the changes that he wished for. That is why the Patrick's Purpose Foundation was created. The foundation is committed to promoting mental wellness in schools through educational programs and initiatives. They also strive to create a student-driven culture of kindness and empathy. In addition, they award scholarships to high school seniors attending a community college or trade school, placing particular emphasis on students pursuing vocational training. Another important initiative of theirs is donating books on social-emotional learning to elementary schools. They believe that fostering open conversations about mental health and wellness is crucial to creating a safe and supportive community. "We are honored to be able to carry on Patrick's legacy and character through these meaningful projects."
On December 16th, Patrick's Purpose Foundation will be hosting our third annual "Walk With Us" event to raise awareness for mental health and honor the memory of Patrick Turner.
Registration is open now and includes a t-shirt, raffle ticket, and lunch from TK Burger. If you're not able to join in person, you can join them virtually! Just make sure to register by November 30th to guarantee your t-shirt and packet before the walk.
They are also excited to offer corporate sponsorships for the event - please email walkwithus@patrickspurposefoundation.org for more information. www.patrickspurposefoundation.org
THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN ACTION (TACA) - TACA is a remarkable organization that is dedicated to providing education, support, and hope to families living with autism. Their vision is for every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life. What sets TACA apart is their commitment to authenticity, caring, toughness, being informed, and optimism. They are honest and transparent and hold themselves to the highest level of integrity. They care deeply about families living with autism and help them overcome challenges and take action. They believe that knowledge is power and value families' abilities to make informed decisions. They believe that the future is not set and tomorrow is going to be better than today. Most importantly, they will never give up on their mission to provide support to families living with autism.
You can join TACA by attending the National TACA Autism Conference October 20 - 22 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa located at 3050 Bristol St, Costa Mesa. Register here: www.tacanow.org/conference/#register
SPIN OC - SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN NEED OC - It's not always easy for families in crisis to know where to turn for help. That's why organizations like SPIN are so important. SPIN helps homeless families with children find housing and learn the skills they need to become self-sufficient. Their goal is to provide a stable environment for children to learn and grow. One family, Sue and her daughter Belinda, were in need of assistance from SPIN to cover the move-in costs for a new home. Despite coming just before Christmas, SPIN staff worked hard to find a private donor who generously provided the $2,500 needed to help Sue and her daughter. This investment proved to be life-changing for the family. Sue's cancer treatment was successful, and Belinda graduated with honors from one of the top universities in the country on a full scholarship. Today, she holds a management position at a major corporation in Orange County and volunteers for SPIN. It's amazing to see the positive impact that a single donation can have on a family and a community. SPIN continues to help homeless families in Orange County, and your investment can make a difference. www.spinoc.org