1. Assistance League of Fullerton
233 W. Amerige Ave., Fullerton; 714-526-5124; assistanceleague.org/fullerton
The Assistance League of Fullerton has served children, families and seniors of several north Orange County communities, including Fullerton, Brea, La Habra, Placentia and Buena Park, for the past 86 years, according to President Voiza Arnold.
“We are an all-volunteer organization,” Arnold said. “This last fiscal year we generated over $400,000 in revenue, 95% of which goes to the support of our various philanthropies. These include Operation School Bell, which provides elementary-age through high-school-age children with new school clothing and hygiene products of their choice.”
Area school districts identify families in need and volunteers meet them at a local Target in their area. The families shop and volunteers meet them at checkout to purchase their items. This year, the organization served nearly 1,800 children.
“We also have Operation New Start, which assists families emerging from abusive environments,” Arnold said. “Volunteers meet them at our Thrift Shop on a day we are closed to the public. They get to select household items and clothing items they need to begin a better life. We work with other agencies such as Pathways of Hope, Radiant Futures and Cal Work to identify the families in need. This last year we served over 300 adults and children.”
The Assistance League’s Silver Senior Program works with Meals on Wheels to hand out Thanksgiving gift bags containing holiday gift cards and stamps, hand soap, tissues, lens wipes, hand lotion, notepads and candy.
— Jessica Peralta
2. Rady Children’s Health
1201 W. La Veta Ave., Orange; 714-997-3000; choc.org
Rady Children’s Health, formerly Children’s Hospital of Orange County, is the only healthcare system in the county dedicated exclusively to children’s physical and mental health, according to Denise Almazan, associate chief marketing and communications officer.
“We have experienced a period of exciting growth and transformation,” Almazan said. “We continued our journey as part of Rady Children’s Health, helping create one of the nation’s largest pediatric healthcare systems and expanding opportunities for collaboration, research, innovation and specialized care. We also increased access to advanced pediatric services through the opening of a 24-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit and a 28-bed neuroscience unit, helping meet the growing needs of children with some of the most complex conditions.”
Almazan said the hospital’s Southwest Tower continues to enhance the patient and family experience by bringing specialty clinics, advanced imaging, oncology infusion services and pediatric research together in one location.
The organization earned national rankings in nine pediatric specialties for children’s hospitals through U.S. News & World Report.
3. Goodwill of Orange County
410 N. Fairview St., Santa Ana; 714-547-6308; ocgoodwill.org
Goodwill of Orange County recently expanded its Career Pathways program to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in high-growth industries, including technology, logistics, healthcare and sustainable industries, according to President and CEO Nicole Suydam.
“Through this program, we’re creating real, measurable impact,” Suydam said. “For people like Alex — he came to Goodwill OC while working in a low-wage job with limited opportunity for advancement. Through our healthcare pathway, Alex was able to complete short-term training, received paid hands-on experience and access the supportive services needed to stay on track. Today, he is employed in a healthcare role with a clear trajectory for growth — moving from instability to a career that can support his family.”
Suydam said Goodwill’s Career Pathways program has helped more than 130 people just like Alex achieve their goals through comprehensive career development that builds skills and confidence and removes barriers to success.