Lauren Gallegos, Director of Wellness & Prevention Center, was named Person of the Year in the Professional Category at the Mental Health Association of Orange County Community Service Awards, recognizing her impact on mental health in the region.

Lauren participated in the 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Project Access achieved the CORES (Certified Organization for Resident Engagement & Services) certification, a nationally recognized designation that highlights excellence in resident services. This certification affirms Project Access's commitment to delivering high-impact programs that enhance the lives of individuals and families in affordable housing communities across the country.

Kristin Byrnes, CEO & President, participated in the 2006 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Big News at WisePlace! In partnership with Jamboree Housing Corporation, the construction on their new permanent supportive housing project in Santa Ana is now move-in ready as they welcomed their first residents. This historic landmark renovation is WISEPlace's first permanent supportive housing in their nearly 100-year history and will provide vital support services and permanent affordable housing for up to 48 residents. 

More information can be found here.

Brateil Aghasi, CEO, participated in the 2013 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Lori Pack, President & CEO of Child Guidance Center, was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by Senator Tom Umberg, 34th District and named Woman of the Year, Newport Beach by State Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, 72nd District for her dedication to children and families and her impact to our community.

Lori participated in the 2010 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2011 Executive Coaching Program.

Working Wardrobes celebrated 35 incredible years of impact with a ribbon-cutting and brand reveal. They proudly unveiled their new logo and tagline: Your Future. Our Purpose.

Bonni Pomush, CEO, was also featured on KCAL News in honor of International Women’s Month and her recognition in Orange Coast Magazine as part of a tribute to "kickass women" in Southern California!

You can watch the segment here.

Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Congratulations to featured Network members who were on the cover of Orange Coast Magazine's Kick Ass Women edition: Bonni Pomush of Working Wardrobes; Madelynn Hirneise of Families Forward; and Maricela Faust-Rios of Human Options.

Bonni, Madelynn and Maricela all participated in an Executive Learning Group and were coached in our Executive Coaching Program.

Congratulations on the grand opening of "Archways," developed in partnership by Community Development Partners and Mercy House. Located in Santa Ana, Archways is 85 units of affordable housing for individuals and families earning 30%-60% of the area median income (AMI). The project is designed to meet the housing needs of large families and provide supportive, integrated housing for individuals and families experiencing mental illness and homelessness. Nearly 75% of the units are reserved for extremely low-income households earning 30% or below AMI, with a significant portion dedicated to permanent supportive housing (PSH) units. Mercy House will provide resident services, including adult education, health and wellness, and skill-building classes. Wrap-around case management services will be provided through Telecare.

Larry Haynes, CEO of Mercy House, was coached in the 1997 Executive Coaching Program and Robyn Willis, COO, participated in the 2017 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in 2020.

Anaheim Family YMCA partnered with Angels Baseball Foundation to support kids striving to play baseball and express their passion for sports. The Y provides the opportunity to be mentored by talented coaches and program leaders.

Brent Finlay, President & CEO participated in 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Friendship Shelter Executive Director Dawn Price, Mia Ferreira, Director of Services, and Andrew Gonzalez, ASL Program Manager addressed the Laguna Beach City Council answering questions and adding valuable insight regarding the existing homeless shelter in Laguna Canyon.

You can read the Daily Pilot article here.

Dawn participated in the 2018 Executive Learning Group and became a coach in 2021; Mia participated in the 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Melissa Lupercio, Senior Development & Grants Officer of Building Skills Partnership was recognized at the Clippers game by Coors Light. The purpose of the Coors Light Lideres award is to recognize Latino nonprofit leaders who are making an impact within their community. For this recognition, they awarded Building Skills Partnership $10,000.

Melissa is a current member of the 2025 Leadership Reading Group.

Rickie Redman, End of Life Practitioner at Laguna Beach Seniors, collaborated with Catalina Island Conservancy to host a Snake Symbolism Art Workshop. Together they shed light on the role of snakes in the Catalina ecosystem and the rich multicultural symbolism of the snake, culminating in an art project. Rickie frequently partners with various nonprofits for education and creative workshops.

Rickie was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Carrie Buck and the Family Solutions Collaborative (FSC) has transitioned to Orange County United Way. Carrie will serve as Senior Director, United to End Homelessness, where she will continue to lead FSC while expanding efforts to prevent and end family homelessness in Orange County. Under United Way’s leadership, FSC will align with United to End Homelessness and 211OC, strengthening services, streamlining access to housing resources, and enhancing advocacy to better support families in need.

Carrie participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Kevin Fuhrmann on his new role as VP of CRA, Fair & Responsible Banking Officer! Sunwest Bank is a valued partner of Fieldstone Leadership Network that generously underwrites our Fieldstone@4 quarterly events. Additionally, Kevin is one of our esteemed facilitators of Creative Encounters by Fieldstone.

Kevin participated in the 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.

This season’s Fieldstone@4 was an eye-opening and enriching experience as leaders came together to learn from the experts at Groundswell, Alison Edwards, CEO and Marco Ortega, Director, Dispute Resolution Program, about conflict resolution—an essential skill in any organization.

We also learned about the many impactful programs available, broadening our understanding of the resources that strengthen our community.

A heartfelt thank you to Sunwest Bank for underwriting these educational and collaborative gatherings. Their support makes it possible for us to connect, learn, and grow together!

Alison participated in the 2008 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in the 2013 Executive Coaching Program