Kudos to Mark Lee, Chief Executive Officer of WTLC who was interviewed on 88.5’s OC In Focus radio program. He shared some common misconceptions around human trafficking, types of trafficking that occur here in OC, and the role of community to help prevent trafficking.

For the complete interview, click here.

Mark participated in the 2020 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.

Congratulations to Kareem Marashi who was recently promoted to Director of Production and Technical Operations at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Kareem is now responsible for directing the operations of Production Management, Production Support, Post-Production Technology and Engineering Systems. He oversees all technical operations for the college and executes the strategic vision for the college’s operational technology infrastructure. 

Kareem participated in the 2018 Executive Coaching Program.

A lot is happening at Innovative Housing Opportunities!

Emilie Dang, Community Impact and Programs Director, spoke to over 400 participants on the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing webinar on the subject An Introduction to Resident Services in Affordable and Supportive Housing Programs: Key Concepts for a Successful Team. Emilie presented IHO's services and illustrated how they are integral at their newest property, El Verano Senior Apartments in Anaheim.

Ezra Bolds, Chief Financial Officer was elected to the Southern California Association of NonProfit Housing (SCANPH) Board of Directors. SCANPH is the voice of affordable housing and housing policy in Southern California. Its mission is to facilitate development of affordable homes across southern California by advancing effective public policies, sustainable financial resources, strong member organizations, and beneficial partnerships.

Rochelle Mills, Executive Director, was a speaker for the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM's) Community Leadership Development Program (CLDP) which aims to help the next generation of nonprofit leaders in their communities build management and leadership skills, expand their networks and work together to create a greater collective impact. Rochelle also spoke on the Affordable Housing West panel and answered questions on "What is the Outlook for the Affordable Housing Sector in the Western States?"

Emilie participated in the 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group; Ezra was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program; and Rochelle participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program.

Western Youth Services, a Laguna Hills-based nonprofit, has been developing an online resource for teachers and parents to proactively engage with children to treat the secondary effects of the pandemic that are responsible for childhood trauma: housing and food insecurity, disrupted education and lack of socializing. Collaborating with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the Orange County Department of Education, they rolled out the RESET Toolbox last year, available online to the public here.

To view the article featuring this program, click here.

Stephanie Lowrance, Program Director, is being coached in our current Executive Coaching Program.

Meals on Wheels Orange County is expanding their services!

Senior Cuisine Delivered is a safe and convenient meal delivery program for older adults in Orange County. The program provides fresh, portion-controlled meals at an affordable price delivered safely to the doors of participating seniors, their caregivers, or dependents. Participants can choose from two, four, or six-day meal plans from a variety of local caterers and restaurants.

Click here for more information or to sign up for deliveries!

We look forward to welcoming Delana Gutierrez as the newest Meals on Wheels member of our network. She will be participating in this year's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Great work is being done at Families Forward! They are hosting virtual Tenant Education Workshops the first Tuesday of every month, free to the community. These workshops provide renters information on finding housing, filling out rental applications, overcoming barriers, the move-in process and renters' responsibilities during tenancy. Providing education to the community is part of Families Forward’s commitment to helping vulnerable families with the tools and resources needed to achieve housing stability and financial self-sufficiency. For more information, contact jbond@families-forward.org.

We welcome Rose Bermudez and Marissa Hall as the newest Families Forward members of our network. Both leaders will be participating in this year's two Nonprofit Leaders Learning Groups.