OC Food Bank

Youth and Family Programs

Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) is dedicated to empowering local families and youth through comprehensive programs that provide critical resources and guidance. Our Youth and Family Programs (YFP) are designed to help individuals and families overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve lasting success. CAP OC’s YFP offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Our team provides personalized support, including: · Workforce Development Courses · Individual Counseling and Case Management · Financial Empowerment Workshops · Housing Navigation Support These services are offered based on individual needs, ensuring that each person receives the support necessary to overcome their personal challenges. Additionally, our Youth Programming supports young community members between the ages of 7-17. This program focuses on helping youth build resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose through dynamic programs including: · Empowered2Thrive Curriculum: This annual curriculum is designed to be trauma-informed and culturally empowering, addressing the unique challenges faced by youth in underrepresented communities. The curriculum includes interactive coursework and activities that promote personal growth and social-emotional development. · Culturally Relevant Activities · Youth Support Services like Mentorship and Community-Building Opportunities At the core of YFP is our commitment to helping individuals and families stabilize and sustain their lives. Whether facing challenges with housing, finances, or employment, we work closely with clients to connect them to essential resources and provide the support they need to move forward. As we continue to grow and expand our Youth and Family Programs, we’ll be sharing additional updates and resources throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking support or looking for ways to get involved, we invite you to stay connected and join us in our mission to stabilize, sustain, and empower local families.

Energy and Environmental Services Programs

At Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), we offer a range of Energy and Environmental Services (EES) to help local families manage financial challenges and improve their living conditions. EES focuses on two core programs: Utility Assistance and Weatherization. These programs are designed to reduce the financial burden many families face by providing: · Utility Assistance: Offering gas and electricity bill assistance to eligible Orange County residents year-round, helping families manage their utility costs. · Weatherization Services: Providing no-cost home improvements to help families save energy and reduce their utility bills. These improvements may include insulation, weatherstripping, and other upgrades that increase energy efficiency. In addition to these core programs, our EES team partners with CalOptima to offer specialized support services through CalAIM. These services include: · Environmental Accessibility Adaptations: Home modifications, such as grab bars and ramps, to improve accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. · Asthma Remediation: Home improvements like air filtration systems to reduce asthma triggers and improve indoor air quality. By combining these services, we help families improve their homes, lower energy costs, and address health and safety concerns, creating a healthier living environment.

Orange County Food Bank

The OC Food Bank, a program of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, unites communities to end hunger and malnutrition by partnering with more than 250 local charities, soup kitchens and community organizations. Through donated food, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities and purchased food, and the generous support of individuals we are able to support nonprofit agencies in Orange County serving low-income families and individuals. In a typical year, the food bank distributes more than 24 million pounds of food. The OC Food Bank offers a range of services to meet the unique needs of our community including: · Senior Food Box Program: This program provides essential food assistance to seniors, many of whom face financial constraints and limited access to nutritious food. Through this initiative, seniors receive monthly boxes filled with nutritious, shelf-stable foods, supporting their health and well-being. · Nutrition Education: To help families make healthier food choices, the OC Food Bank offers Nutrition Education programs. These programs teach individuals and families how to make the most of the food they receive by offering tips on meal planning, budgeting, and cooking healthy meals with limited resources. · Food Distribution through Partner Agencies: The OC Food Bank collaborates with over 250 partner agencies across Orange County, including local food pantries, shelters, and churches, to distribute food to those in need. Together, we work to meet the increasing demand for food resources in our communities. · The OC Diaper Bank: In addition to food, the OC Food Bank operates the OC Diaper Bank, which provides diapers to families with young children. With the rising cost of diapers, this program is a lifeline for parents who face financial challenges and may struggle to provide basic needs for their children. · The Giving Farm: The Giving Farm at Westminster High School grows fresh produce that is donated directly to the OC Food Bank. This local farm provides fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring that families have access to healthy, nutritious foods, which are often harder to obtain through traditional food donation programs. The OC Food Bank is more than just a food distribution center; it’s a hub of support for those experiencing food insecurity. By offering a wide variety of services—ranging from direct food assistance to educational resources and specialized programs—we ensure that Orange County residents have the tools they need to thrive. To learn more about the OC Food Bank’s programs and see the impact of our efforts, stay tuned for upcoming blog posts throughout the year. We’ll be sharing updates, success stories, and ways you can get involved in supporting our mission to alleviate hunger and promote health across Orange County.