Dear LaShanda,

As we enter the second half of 2024, I find myself reflecting on this year’s early months. From providing essential services at our Family Resource Centers to celebrating OC Food Bank milestones, I continue to be inspired by the dedicated staff, partners, and volunteers working together to support Orange County families. It is because of all of you that I look towards the future with optimism.

As you continue reading, you’ll find partner and program highlights along with new ways to support our continued mission of eliminating poverty in Orange County. I encourage you to get involved however possible, whether that be a monetary donation or volunteer time, and join in our county-wide efforts.

I look forward to the rest of this year, as we continue our important work focused on stabilizing, sustaining, and empowering our communities now and into the future. Together, we are making strides in our vision of a poverty-free Orange County, and I’m thrilled to be able to share these agency updates with you. 

With gratitude,

We are excited to share that the 2023 Canstruction display from Disneyland Resort has been recognized internationally for its original design!

Their “If you CAN Dream it, You CAN Do it – Full Steam Ahead” structure featured the original black and white style Steamboat Willie design showcasing Mickey Mouse as he navigates rough waters to achieve his mission of ending food insecurity in Orange County. Congratulations Disneyland Resort and thank you for your ongoing support of the OC Food Bank!

Canstruction OC’s annual competition brings organizations and engineers together to design innovative structures made entirely of canned and packaged foods to benefit the OC Food Bank. This year’s event is right around the corner and promises to feature unique structures throughout the month of September. Join us in our efforts to eliminate food insecurity in Orange County by getting involved before build day!

With summer temperatures reaching new highs, our Weatherization Program has become an essential part of our efforts to support community members. Funded through the US Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), our program brings much needed home improvements to families who need them most. From heating and cooling solutions to energy efficiency improvements, this program has had a significant impact in homes across Orange County.  

However, WAP funding does not cover some necessary home improvements we encounter in the field. When things like asbestos, roof damage, or drainage issues are encountered by our team, applicants are moved to a deferral status as we seek alternative funds to complete necessary repairs and improvements.

Deferrals happen for a variety of reasons and can extend a client’s timeline significantly. Our team works diligently to acquire alternative funding to limit delays and improve home health, but no outcomes are guaranteed.

If you would like to provide support for our deferral clients, join us by contributing to our Weatherization Readiness Fund! Each contribution has a significant impact on our ability to optimize Weatherization services and ensure every Orange County family has a safe, healthy homes.

Our OC Food Bank partners are pivotal in our efforts to alleviate food insecurity across Orange County. In 2020 Laguna’s Food Pantry became a TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) partner agency and had since become an integral part of our greater TEFAP Program. With support of board members and program staff, their site has taken a proactive approach towards ensuring program compliance and significantly enhancing operations.

The growth of Laguna’s Food Pantry has been remarkable. From serving 600-1,000 participants a month in 2020 to 3,800-4,000 clients per month in 2024, their commitment to their community is clear. In just a few years this agency has emerged as a role model among our TEFAP partner agencies, and we are grateful to have them as partners in our mission.

Read what Laguna’s Food Pantry’s team shared about our continued partnership:



"We are incredibly grateful for our collaboration with CAP OC, whose provision of TEFAP food is a cornerstone of our operations. Their support enables us to meet the nutritional needs of our community effectively. The staff at CAP OC have been exceptionally accommodating, helping us streamline the TEFAP distribution process, reduce wait times for recipients, and improve accessibility. Our collaboration with CAP OC strengthens our mission, broadens our impact and creates ripples of hope and change in many lives."

Our Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center (AIFRC) provides crucial Family Stabilization Assistance for individuals facing urgent needs. From connecting participants with short-term housing solutions to providing gift cards to purchase basic needs, our center advocates meet families where they are and ensure they have the resources needed to provide for themselves and their families.

Tina* was referred to AIFRC when she found herself without secure housing. With the support of our center advocates, she was able to receive emergency temporary housing as well as gift cards to purchase basic needs to get back on her feet. With the support of AIFRC’s team, Tina has been focused on long-term solutions, enrolling in our Housing Navigation and Enhanced Care Management support programs to build stability for herself and her family.

Community members like Tina have made significant strides towards stability thanks to the support of our center advocates and the Family Stabilization Assistance Program. Coupled with accessible programs and resources, Tina and others have found lasting positive change, creating better outcomes for themselves and their families. 

*Pseudonym Used

Follow Us on Social Media

CAP OC | 714-897-6670 | info@capoc.org | www.capoc.org