Community Action Partnership of Orange County

Take our Community Needs Assessment survey and be entered for a chance to win a $100 Target Gift Card! Your responses will help CAP OC in the planning and creation of future programs for you and your community. Survey link: surveymonkey.com/r/capoc

"Though coronavirus numbers are falling across Orange County, a hunger crisis persists, officials say. Across the county, food banks such as the Laguna Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank and OC Food Bank are still facing a long haul in feeding residents who are unable to provide for their families." Read more: patch.com//feeding-orange-county-coronavirus-economic-fall For various opportunities to give back and get involved with CAP OC, visit: linktr.ee/capoc

The Golden State Stimulus provides $600 in one-time relief payments to households receiving #CalEITC for 2020. #ITIN taxpayers with incomes below $30,000 who also qualify for the CalEITC will receive a total of $1,200. Find out more info about the #GoldenStateStimulus and how much you’ll be getting here ftb.ca.gov/GoldenStateStimulus

"Though COVID-19 cases continue to decline, a potential hunger crisis still looms in Orange County. The county’s two major food banks Second Harvest Food Bank and the OC Food Bank are expecting to deliver millions of pounds of food this year, but they will need to raise millions of dollars in order to fill the county’s needs." Read more: www.latimes.com//2021-0/oc-food-banks-hunger-orange-county... There are many ways to help support CAP OC! Get involved today at linktr.ee/capoc

Allan is the Warehouse Supervisor for our OC Food Bank , and his responsibilities include scheduling all USDA deliveries, working with our donors, working with volunteer groups, coordinating food bank partner agencies, and much more. However, since the pandemic began, the demand for food has greatly increase. In March/April 2020, there would already be up to 20 food bank partner agencies lined up to access our food bank. By the time we would open, it would be around 50. "We h...ad to restructure our operations to make sure everyone is safe. As long as we can maintain compliance, then we can continue to provide our services. Our food bank partners were desperate for whatever support they can bring back to their community. As our community struggles, we share their same struggles. We are blessed to receive any donations and our food bank partners are just as thankful." #thisiswherepovertyends #capocresilience #CommunityActionWorks There are many ways to help support CAP OC! Get involved today at linktr.ee/capoc

Today marks the start of CalEITC Awareness Week! Last year, over 200,000 families in Orange County qualified for #CalEITC getting money back into their pockets. CalEITC can relieve the economic stress on families during these challenging times. caleitc4me.org

Do you have a child under the age of 6 years old? Those who are eligible for #CalEITC may get up to an extra $1,000 in their tax refund thanks to the Young Child Tax Credit. What would your family do with that extra money? ocfreetaxprep.com #YCTC #VITA

We wanted to take this moment to spotlight some of our staff at our Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center (AIFRC). The pandemic has affected people’s lives in so many ways, especially food insecurity. Many of the families rely on AIFRC to combat this issue. Under normal circumstances, AIFRC provides a food pantry called La Colonia Market. Participants would enter the market and choose foods they needed at no cost. In order to meet the social distancing guidelines and... the needs of the community, the La Colonia Market operation had to change. Thus, a drive-thru model was implemented. Throughout the week, staff work tirelessly prepping for weekly food distributions, calling participants, setting up appointments, provide case management, assist with tax preparation and other services. On distribution day, staff would sort foods, bag, print flyers, set up canopies, place food boxes in cars, set up new appointments, and deliver frozen meals to vulnerable seniors’ homes. We are so proud of our staff continuing to provide excellent service with big smiles.

Become a community hero today by joining our incredible family of volunteers! A variety of opportunities are available at capoc.volunteerhub.com

Dentistry Services available on Monday February 1st and 8th from 8 am - 5 pm at our El Modena FRC (18672 E. Center Ave, Orange, CA 92869) Services include: -Dental exams and teeth cleaning -Fluoride treatment and x-rays... -Sealants and minor fillings For more information, call 714-426-5184

YouthBuild Anaheim, a pre-apprenticeship construction training and basic education program for those ages 16 - 24 is hosting an informational session for their program enrollment! -Get paid to train -Start your career in the construction industry -Earn your high school diploma... -Develop important life skills and mental toughness Wednesday, January 20 from 2 - 3 pm: zoom.us/j/92150393167 For more information: [email protected] or 714-615-4313

Erika* and Charlie* are part of the Stanton community, and have been married for 8 years. They both come from two very different cultures and were struggling as a couple at the time of registration. They enrolled in our Healthy Marriage program seeking counseling and also aimed to improve their communication styles. This would prove helpful as she had just been diagnosed with depression. The couple recently shared how using the Speaker-Listener Technique comes in handy, espec...ially during the pandemic and has really helped them to communicate effectively. When given the tools of the Speaker-Listener Technique and problem solving, Erika shared: With the draining topics/problems we tackled, we shared laughs as we shared the floor using Speaker-Listener Technique. This was a great ice breaker tool. We were able to address topics that we've never spoken about, such as hidden issues. By using the tools, we were able to address them. I know you told us to start with the small problems first. However, based on the severity and urgency of the issue, we started with our big problems. We were surprised at how comfortable and safe we felt. These tools have been essential in saving her relationship, and I am very grateful for the food distribution on Thursdays. I highly recommend that every couple take these workshops." *names have been changed to protect participant identities

Jimenez started to volunteer around September with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County at their family resource center called Anaheim Independencia where he helped distribute food to people in need. I wanted to give back to my community in one way or another, Jimenez said. He said he heard about an opportunity to volunteer from a friend working at the resource center a place where Jimenez’s grandma used to go to play Loteria and pass the time before she pas...sed away. It just meant a whole lot more to me to to know that I was going to be volunteering at a place where my grandmother used to spend lots of time and a place where I have many memories with her that I would go and pick her up and see her smiling after having such a great time there. Read the full article: voiceofoc.org//orange-county-volunteers-reflect-on-why-th/

Khushi participated in our Move More Eat Healthy Youth Resident Leadership Academy as a freshman in 2019. She began to work on the mental health committee promoting mental health awareness to students on campus. She is currently working with art clubs to paint murals to help promote mental health awareness at the high school. At the start of the pandemic, Khushi noticed a need in the community; she found there were many stressors for families during this time and one was for... families that lost loved ones due to COVID-19. With this need in mind, Khushi founded Funds for Ashes in order to help families pay for the cost of cremation services. Khushi has created this organization on her own and has slowly brought members of the Youth Resident Leadership Academy to serve on the board and expand the program to support more families. Khushi is currently participating in the Placentia Collaborative bringing updates and awareness to the growing needs around COVID-19 costs for families and about food insecurities worldwide with another program she started called Funds for Food, helping to provide meals around the world for families living in poverty. Khushi saw the need in a community and decided to do something about it. Due to her participation in the Placentia Collaborative, Khushi was offered a scholarship to enter a nonprofit CEO training program through Cal State Fullerton and is soon to finish the program. Khushi is an immigrant from India who came to the United States in 2018, and straight away entered Valencia High School as a Freshman. In that same year she lost her grandfather, and it was under this sadness that she witnessed firsthand how her family struggled not only with the death of a loved one, but the financial burden it brought upon her family. Due to this struggle, she was inspired to help people during this difficult time. Khushi continues these programs, while in school and participating in all her extracurricular activities with the hopes of being able to grow her programs to help the underserved worldwide. Website: http://fundsforashes.com/ Instagram: @fundsforashes

I was volunteering at a senior apartment complex doing a food distribution with the OC Food Bank . Unfortunately, the building’s elevators were broken, so all boxes had to be brought up the stairs. Everyone worked so hard, never complained, and made the volunteering experience very enjoyable. Make an impact today and sign up for a volunteer shift at capoc.volunteerhub.com

"During this pandemic, the low-income and elderly still need to be fed. As I am healthy and able-bodied, I feel that I should help out. The OC Food Bank is taking care to protect the volunteers from the virus and I feel very comfortable that I am at no more risk doing this activity than going to the supermarket and any other essential duties." -Sara S. Become a member of our wonderful volunteer family today by signing up for your next volunteer shift! We have a various opportunities available at capoc.volunteerhub.com

Did you know that ITIN filers are now eligible for #CalEITC? Spread the word! Claim your money by filing your taxes at no cost to you. Learn more at ocfreetaxprep.com #ITIN #VITA

We've got other great silent auction items at: https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/browse.action All dollars raised will go towards supporting our Hope for the Holidays campaign! Learn more about the campaign: www.capoc.org/hope-for-the-holidays

During our Hope for the Holidays campaign, your donation will be matched $1 for $1 (up to $10,000) thanks to an Anonymous Donor. Make an impact today this holiday season at www.capoc.org/sponsor-a-family-in-need Full Quote: ... "I grew up in Orange County. My Dad taught me about service, and giving back to others. It was important to him and he instilled it in me. Be selfless, do acts of service and help others whenever you can are just a few of the lessons I learned from my father. While he is no longer here with us today, it is those lessons I carry forth in my life. Community Action Partnership of Orange County was a huge part of my Dad’s life. He was a volunteer and served on the Board of Directors many years ago. He understood how important the work they are doing is. Every day the staff are working hard to provide food and basic necessities to people in need. He always talked so highly about the staff how tirelessly they work and how they ensure that others life can be just a little bit better. I know this pandemic is affecting so many right here in Orange County, my home for 30 years, and I could not sit back and watch my neighbors go hungry, worry about rent or other necessities. That’s why I stepped up and I want you to join me. I will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000. Together let’s make an impact. That’s thousands of meals to people in need. I’m giving back to Orange County because families need hope this holiday season."

You're invited to Escape the Vape! A Great American Smoke Out Event for All Ages, hosted by CalOptima The event offers tobacco users a chance to commit to healthy, tobacco-free lives not just for a day, but all year-round. It is a chance for people, community groups, businesses, and health care providers to encourage individuals to be tobacco free. Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020... Time: 5:307:30 p.m. Virtual Location: Sign up at https://bit.ly/2Frib0p Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/2UBmiN37l

Every year, we launch our Hope for the Holidays campaign to assist families and individuals who are facing countless struggles. This year, it is even more critical to help others during the holiday season. Our families turn to us for their immediate needs such as food, utility, and rental assistance and your support helps us assist them when they need it most. We continue with our 2nd (of 6) weekly Mission Moment videos with Joan, a senior who receives a monthly food box thro...ugh our OC Food Bank. "One thing that is important about receiving these boxes is that it saves me a trip to the market during the pandemic. It's a safe feeling knowing there's something in your pantry and you're not hungry. That's a way you're saving people, by bringing the food. I just feel fortunate that there's something there to make a meal." -Joan There are many ways you can support Hope for the Holidays: Make a donation, which will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $10,000) thanks to an anonymous donor Be a holiday hero and Adopt-a-Family Bid on items like a virtual wine tasting, various gift baskets, dinner dates, and more at our Silent Auction Join the campaign or learn more at www.capoc.org/hope-for-the-holidays Thank you to our Hope for the Holidays sponsors! Kaiser Permanente Thrive Mutual of America Financial Group Northgate Gonzalez Markets Total Wine & More TOYOTA Toyota of Orange

By supporting CAP OC’s Hope for the Holidays campaign, we are saying we want our neighbors to enjoy the holidays just as much as we do; sitting around a table with loved ones as we carve the turkey or enjoying the sounds of joy as children open a holiday gift. These are celebrations that unfortunately many never get to experience. Help provide hope this holiday season! You can Adopt-a-Family, bid on our Silent Auction, and more at www.capoc.org/hope-for-the-holidays... #thisiswherepovertyends #capoc #ocfoodbank #food #hope #love #holiday #family #donate #nonprofit

"Volunteering now has helped me boost my morale, and reduce my anxiety in the midst of all these uncertainties. I enjoyed packing the food boxes with background music and chatting to other volunteers. I am looking forward to more volunteering ahead." -Kavin K., Volunteer Our OC Food Bank is always in need of volunteers, especially weekday mornings! Grab a friend or family member, and sign up for your next shift today at capoc.volunteerhub.com

We were thrilled to share the work that we’ve been doing in our Energy & Environmental Services (EES) department with the national CAP office. Here Christine Baginski, CAP OC's EES Director, talks to Kathryn Maddux, National Community Action Partnership Project Director for Energy Partnerships, about the services we provide at CAP OC and in energy, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our work, and what we did to celebrate Energy Awareness Month and Weatherization Day on October 30.

Earlier this week, you met Norma, a survivor of abuse who is navigating motherhood for the second time after taking in her nieces. She is one of many program participant stories in which we empower them to find their value. By supporting our Hope for the Holidays campaign, you are saying, "I want my neighbors to enjoy the holidays just as much as I do." You can Adopt-a-Family, bid on our Silent Auction, and more at www.capoc.org/hope-for-the-holidays

CAP OC is proud to have served as a voting center at our Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center. It was busy, the lines were long, but CAP OC staff made sure to provide all the necessary precautions to making voting here a positive experience. "It is important to have a polling place available for our community members. By providing this space we are demonstrating to our community that we are involved, and we care even during a pandemic." -Kazandra, CAP OC staff

Every year, we launch our Hope for the Holidays campaign to assist families who are facing countless struggles. This year, we will be spotlighting one of our program participants with a "Mission Monday" video to hear about how our programs have helped impact their lives. Norma, a survivior of abuse from her ex-husband, came to this country many years ago with her two children in hopes of providing them a better life. Although those children are now grown with their own families, Norma continues to play the role of mother, as she has recently taken in her two nieces due to their mother's battle with dementia. Through our Healthy Marriage and Families Program, she has learned to find value in herself as a woman, a mom, and someone who can stand up to abuse. Join the campaign or learn more at www.capoc.org/hope-for-the-holidays

Election Day is November 3rd. Are you ready to vote? Your voice matters. Visit www.vote.gov for more information Orange County Community Foundation Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Happy Weatherization Day! #Weatherization lowers energy bills and helps families afford basic necessities like food, medicine, and safe, reliable housing. We are proud to be part of a national agency providing such a great service to the community!... #EnergyAwarenessMonth