Hello and Happy New Year to our FOCUS Orange County Family!

As I mark my one-year anniversary with our Center, I am filled with gratitude, purpose, and hope. This year, FOCUS Orange County is reaching for more—more people served, more volunteers from across Orthodox Christian parishes, and more partners who believe in our mission to care for Orange County's low-income and unhoused neighbors.

May we continue to put our faith into action throughout 2026, serving our community as Christ's hands and feet.

Your servant in Christ,

Valeska

Each month, a pan-Orthodox group of FOCUS Orange County volunteers gathers at the Yale Navigation Center in Santa Ana to prepare and serve a hot meal for the Center's 240 unhoused residents. Serving our neighbors in such a direct and personal way humbles us, touches our hearts deeply, and fills us with lasting joy and gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the name of Christ.

This month, the residents we serve surprised us with a large, oversized thank-you card, personally signed by them. Its bright yellow color perfectly reflects the radiant smiles we see each month as we pass warm plates from our hands to theirs.

WAREHOUSE FOOD PANTRY - CLOTHING DONATIONS

Our Food Pantry is open to anyone in need on the third Saturday of every month. In our first three months of operation, we have served an average of eight individuals per month, with referrals coming from 211 Orange County, Orange County Child Support Services, United Way, and through word of mouth. We are actively working to raise awareness of the Pantry's offerings and have the capacity to serve many more neighbors in the coming year.

Clothing and food donations are always welcome at our Center. Drop-offs are available every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thank you for your continued support!