Unidos South OC
PROGRAMS
Homework Club
Twice a week, elementary students receive homework support from volunteers at our repurposed condo, Casa Unidos, in the Capistrano Villas. This year, in partnership with Parentis, the program expanded to include focused reading comprehension sessions to strengthen students' literacy skills.
-Children living in overcrowded conditions gain access to a consistent, structured space for learning.
-With approximately 85% of students lacking an English-speaking adult at home, Homework Club provides academic support that addresses linguistic isolation directly.
-Registered students complete all homework weekly.
-Parents report improved behavior at home, increased motivation to learn, and stronger social and emotional development.
-Through the Parentis reading partnership, students receive targeted literacy support aimed at improving reading comprehension levels.
Housing Stability Initiative
In 2025 we will begin a $10M capital campaign to address housing stability for current low-income residents of the Capistrano Villas neighborhood. We plan to acquire 4 units over 4 years and then repeat after refining the model. We will pursue 10% Donations Raised, 40% charitable, low (or no) yield investments and 50% debt - in that order. The first $1M donated will serve as the seed to solicit charitable investment dollars for a rotating capital fund, which will enable the initiative to qualify for bank debt to ultimately purchase our first four units.
These rentals will serve current low-income residents to prevent displacement and reduce housing cost burden. While our neighbors are currently spending 73% of total household income on rent (median), we aim to keep that figure under 50%. Unidos South OC’s other services in youth development, adult education, community building, workforce development, empowerment and advocacy will be useful wrap around services in the neighborhood to complement the housing stability achieved.
Study Hour
Twice a week, middle and high school students gather at Casa Unidos for academic support led by credentialed teachers. Study Hour provides our youth with a consistent space to stay on track academically and build the skills needed for long-term educational success.
Middle and high school students in the neighborhood have access to credentialed academic support outside of school hours.
Students develop independent study habits and academic confidence in a structured environment.
Older youth have a dedicated space separate from overcrowded home conditions to focus on their education.
Students in English language learning classes receive targeted support toward reclassification into mainstream curriculum.
Lunes de Aprendizaje
Every week, adult residents gather for Lunes de Aprendizaje is a series of workshops led by partner organizations including Laura's House, Hoag, CHEC Family Resource Center, Partners4Wellness, and Spark Point, among others. Conducted primarily in Spanish, sessions rotate across Casa Unidos, the Clubhouse, and Zoom to meet residents where they are. Topics cover health, wellness, legal rights, financial literacy, advocacy, and more.
Spanish-speaking adults access professional education and resources in their primary language.
Residents build knowledge and confidence across health, wellness, financial, and civic topics.
Community partnerships bring specialized expertise directly into the neighborhood.
Workshop participation strengthens residents' ability to advocate for themselves and their families.
Youth Night
Every Wednesday evening, middle and high school students gather at Casa Unidos for a dedicated space to connect, grow, and be supported. Youth Night combines small group discussions with wellness workshops led by partner organizations, taking a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
Youth have a consistent weekly space for community, connection, and personal development.
Students access holistic wellness support addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Partner-led workshops bring specialized expertise in youth wellness directly into the neighborhood.
Small group discussions build social and emotional skills and strengthen peer relationships.
CONTACT
Unidos South OC
PO Box 1874
San Juan Capistrano, California 92693
John Chapman
Phone: 949-326-0320