For anyone walking into our office for the first time, the response is always the same, “Wow! I love the look of your office! Who decorated it?” The answer is none other than our very own Lisa Gillis. We owe the “coolness” of our offices and the work space to Lisa Gillis. Lisa and her […]
Coming into Jobs for Life I don’t think I had the clearest picture of what to expect. I knew it was a work force skills curriculum focused around biblical truth that met at a local shelter for two hours twice a week. I wasn’t too sure what my duties would entail as a champion but […]
We See You, Mothers. The image said “You are Invited to Join Us for a No-Stress Gathering!” It went on to describe a pampering environment with haircuts, nails, and other surprises. No one, not even me, could have predicted what those surprises were going to be. See, for foster, adoptive, and kinship mothers, Mother’s Day […]
May the 4th Be With You On Saturday May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, close to 6,000 people throughout ten cities will be joining together. People from every sector of the city and all walks of life will be there: residents, businesses, city workers, elected officials, scouts, faith communities, youth groups, service clubs, […]
Karen Eckberg : Volunteer of the Month Karen came to us in April of last year. When we asked her if there was anywhere in particular that she would like to serve, she said, “Nowhere specific. Wherever you need me!” She loves serving older adults and senior citizens, wellness and recreation, and helping others find […]
From Donna Mroz, Director of Domestic Abuse Initiative: A shout out to Tim Muehlhoff for coming monthly to Fullerton PD domestic abuse support group. He is teaching us physical self-defense as well as self-defense against emotional abuse. For Valentine’s Day, his students came and gave all of the woman roses, knowing how much it would […]
Hello, OC UNITED Family! You may not know me but I sure know you – it’s my job to “know” you. I am so incredibly grateful for all of you Well, here goes nothing. a little about me. My name is Brandon. Firstly, I’m the Marketing & Communication Manager at OC United – it’s a fancy […]
We sat together eating a feast and sharing our life stories. During which, she shared the trauma of her past. There was no shame in her voice nor was there a quiver in her lip. She experienced a pain unimaginable and had the resolution to be strong amidst the tragedy of a childhood lost to […]
You are welcome and you are worthy. What do you think of when you hear the word “Christmas”? Many people think of Christmas presents, trees, music, cookies, traditions, and celebrations. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. The Christmas season is painful, lonely, and shaming for many individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, homelessness, under-resourced […]
For many current and former foster youth, the holidays are not looked upon with joyful anticipation, but rather as a sad time of year that triggers traumatic memories of absence, loss, abandonment and abuse. A time of year that traditionally brings intact families together to shareGod’s blessings, kindness and love with one another may have little meaning to a foster youth who has not experienced the holidays this way, and instead senses a season filled with pain and hurt. Many youth wish simply for the season to pass quickly and their feelings of loss and sadness to diminish. Instead of dwelling on what might have been and longing for something more now, they would rather put it behind them and move on into the New Year.