Orange County United Way hosted “The Pulse of Orange County: Data-Driven Solutions for Better Care Coordination,” also known as 211 Day, where its leaders discussed insights from 211 call data to highlight community needs. Elizabeth Andrade, Executive Director of 211OC shared with a crowd of nonprofit and government agencies.

Residents who call Orange County's 211 hotline for social services most often seek housing assistance, highlighting the region's ongoing challenges. Hotline officials say this trend reflects a strong willingness among residents seeking and accepting help.

You can read the full Orange County Register article here.

Elizabeth participated in the 2015 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Shaya Frum, Director of Program Advancement with the Jessie Rees Foundation: NEGU was featured on the Impact Table Podcast. She shared what her sister Jessie started and how TeamNEGU: Never Ever Give Up! is continuing her legacy. They believe every child fighting cancer deserves joy, the opportunity to smile, and be encouraged to NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

You can listen to the podcast here.

Shaya participated in the 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, and is currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center, in response to the fires, became an official drop-off location for Laguna Beach and the surrounding community. By the end of the first day they filled an entire office, and by Day #2, they needed three local garages, two additional office suites, and filled their three largest rescue trucks, in addition to renting a large U-Haul.

Thanks to dozens of volunteers that helped sort and load the trucks, they were able to deliver 13 truckloads to LA, Pasadena, Altadena and Malibu.

Debbie Finster, VP of Philanthropy, participated in the 2017 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Dreams for Schools, in partnership with Orange Public Library and proudly sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, engaged over 102 elementary school students through its free coding & robotics outreach programs. Their support will bring more STEAM education to parents and students in the community. 

Nithin Jilla, Founder & Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Groups and was a speaker at a recent Fieldstone@4.

Congratulations to Lupita Gutierrez, Interim Executive Director at Casa Youth Shelter. Gary Howard, Board President, stated, "Having worked alongside Lupita for 14 years, I’ve seen firsthand her dedication to Casa’s mission and the young people we support. While leadership roles may change, what remains constant is our shared passion for providing safety, hope, and opportunities to youth in crisis."



Lupita participated in the 2022 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

The FLY SoCal initiative, led by Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, continues to empower youth through financial literacy education. Kicking off 2025 strong, they launched their first cohort of the year in partnership with Orange County Conservation Corps. This 5-part workshop brings together 15 enthusiastic participants eager to build financial stability and gain the knowledge to become future homeowners. By investing in youth today, FLY SoCal is shaping a stronger future of potential homebuyers.

Brenda participated in 2015 and 2022 Executive Learning Groups, was coached in the 2017 Executive Coaching Program, and is a Creative Encounters by Fieldstone facilitator.

Kudos to the following Network members who serve on the 2025 OneOC Nonprofit Advisory Council: Madelynn Hirneise, Families Forward; Bonni Pomush, Working Wardrobes; Brent Finlay, Anaheim Family YMCA; Candace Chromy, Heritage Museum of OC; Deborah Levy, Alzheimer's Association; Julie Holdaway, Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County; Nahla Kayali, Access California Services; Farrell Hirsch, The Muckenthaler Center; Megan Klink, Susan G. Komen; Vikki Shepp, Girl Scouts of OC; Julie Hudash, Team Kids; Logan Crow, The Frida Cinema; Shakoya Green-Long, Thomas House Family Shelter; and Gina Cunningham, HomeAid OC.

The council exists to help guide OneOC on their mission to "accelerate nonprofit success."

Families Forward has opened its newly expanded pantry, The Community Market, where clients can now choose their own groceries instead of receiving a pre-packed bag. CEO Madelynn Hirneise compares the experience to shopping at Trader Joe's. The Community Market is part of an important shift for Families Forward; instead of counting how many families are coming to the market, now it’s more about counting how many families no longer need food assistance.

You can watch ABC7 coverage here.

Rose Bermudez, Director of Data and Compliance is a currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program; and Beatriz Rojas, Supportive Services Manager and Katie Szymczak, Director of Development & Community Engagement are currently participating in the 2025 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Groups.

Congratulations to Tami Thompson, the new Vice President, Advancement and Community Engagement at Discovery Cube, Southern California. Combining her love for elementary education with years of fundraising experience, she is dedicated to enhancing science education in Orange County through collaborative corporate and philanthropic partnerships.

Tami participated in 2009 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and is a member of the 2019, 2020 and 2024 Leadership Reading Groups.

Hope Builders is celebrating 30 incredible years of impact in 2025. With over 7,000 young adults empowered through innovative workforce development training, mentorship, and job placement services, Hope Builders witnessed firsthand the incredible potential that is unlocked when individuals are given the right skills and support.

Shawna Smith, Executive Director/CEO, shared "Fieldstone’s commitment to strengthening nonprofit leaders has empowered our team to navigate challenges, inspire others, and build a culture of continuous learning and growth. Ten members of Hope Builders staff, including four current members of the executive leadership team, have benefited from Fieldstone’s leadership development programs and peer learning opportunities. Thanks to their support, Hope Builders is better equipped to develop the next generation of changemakers, ensuring a lasting impact on the young people it serves."

Shawna is currently an Executive Coach in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program; Amber Rizkalla, Director of Programs, is currently participating in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Don Han and Seema Shah, Co-Directors of Community Partnership at Groundswell were key note speakers at the Giving Days Summit hosted by Orange County Community Foundation. They did a phenomenal job and provided great insight into best practices for creating a culture of care and belonging for our communities while also sharing ways to ensure teams feel valued, heard and seen. 

Don participated in the 2010 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in the 2014 Executive Coaching Program; Seema participated in the 2015 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group. Groundswell will be a presenter at our upcoming Fieldstone@4.

Inspired by teachers, students, and parents dreaming of new ways to expand learning beyond the classroom, Irvine Public Schools Foundation “surprised” 12 leading educators in IUSD with its 2025 Innovative Grants.

After spending 360 days raising support from parents, community, and corporate partners, they spent a week delivering these awards and seeing the excitement and impact firsthand.

Keegan Bell, Executive Vice President, participated in the 2013 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program, and was a member of the 2022 Leadership Reading Group.

Holly Hagler, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County, hosted Congressman Dave Min of the 47th District of California at the Costa Mesa Senior Center where over 70 seniors were served a hot meal.

Funding from the City, State, and Federal Government provided 30,361 meals in 2024. Funding provides in-home services and transportation to ensure seniors receive hot, nutritious, multicultural meals and socialization.

Holly participated in the 2014 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2015 Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2021.

LaVal Brewer, President & CEO with South County Outreach, shared his expertise on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team at our recent Crossroads & Turning Points Speaker Series.

A big thank you to Anne Grey and Make-A-Wish Orange County & Inland Empire for generously hosting and providing an impactful tour. Learning and collaboration at its best!

LaVal participated in 2017 Executive Learning Group; Anne participated in the 2001 Executive Learning Group and is a member of the 2019, 2020 and 2024-2025 Leadership Reading Groups.