AYearofImpact: ConnectingPeopleand Resources
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
BoardofSupervisors
1stDistrict
Janet Nguyen Supervisor
2
ndDistrict
3
rdDistrict
Vicente Sarmiento Supervisor Donald P. Wagner Supervisor
4
th District
Doug Chaffee Chairman
5
th District
Katrina Foley ViceChair
Connecting People & Resources
Positively Transforming Lives in Orange County Cultivate Opportunities, Exceptional Experiences, Unleash Creativity, Ethics in Action, Inspire Synergy
OurPrograms
OC Animal Care
OC Community Services
OC Housing & Community Development
OC Parks
OC Public Libraries
ExecutiveTeam
Dylan Wright
OCCR Director
MonicaSchmidt
PamPassow
CymanthaAtkinson
OCCR Assistant Director
ReneeRamirez
JoanneVeedor
Number of Team Members Mission
To provide refuge and care for animals, foster the human-animal bond, and promote safety in our community.
144
Who We Serve
OC Animal Care provides a safe haven for abandoned and stray animals, medical care and treatment for sick and injured pets, promotes responsible pet ownership, and provides field operations for 14 contract cities and the unincorporated areas of the County.
The monthly Family Furst DriveThru Pet Food Pantry provides food and supplies to pet parents in need to ensure pets can stay at home with their families, where they belong. In 2024, over 109 tons of pet food were distributed to help feed over 12,500 pets.The success of the Family Fur-st Pet Food Pantry not only lies in providing essential resources to pet owners in need but also in fostering a great sense of community.
WhatWeDo
At OC Animal Care, we’re committed to promoting adoption, providing for public safety, preventing animal cruelty, abuse, and abandonment, educating our community on responsible pet ownership, and the health and safety of people and pets. Our shelter is open seven days a week, providing care and veterinary support for lost, stray, injured and previously owned pets in need.
Program Accomplishments
The Foster-to-Adopt Program allows potential adopters to take select dogs home for two weeks to assess compatibility. If the match isn't right, the shelter gains valuable insights about the dog for future adopters. In 2024, 160 dogs participated, and 86 were adopted through the program.
I met my dog Chief through his amazing foster mom, Rhonda. He definitely lives up to his shelter name of “Charming” though. He is one charming boy and hasn’t met a human or dog who didn’t fall in love with him immediately. Since coming to his forever home with me, he’s been on so many fun adventures. If he’s not smothering me with cuddles, we are out on hikes, at the dog park, or at the beach (which is his new favorite place). Paddle-boarding is next on the list. He fit into my life so seamlessly, it’s hard to imagine my life without him.
Customer Service
Adoptions Specialist Audrey Yahn
Audrey Yahn is a Customer Service Adoptions Specialist. With 13 years of dedicated experience, Audrey brings deep compassion, knowledge, and professionalism to every step of the adoption process. She’s always ready to offer support, guidance, and a friendly face.
Number of Team Members Mission
Who We Serve
To ensure that Orange County’s older adults experience a high quality of life characterized by independence, safety, health, transportation, affordable housing, appropriate nutrition, and social activity.
OC Office on Aging (OoA) serves older adults (60+), individuals with disabilities, and caregivers across Orange County. Our programs provide resources and support to help them maintain independence, improve well-being, and enhance their quality of life.
With over 700,000 older adults in Orange County, OoA connects them, along with caregivers and individuals with disabilities, to essential services that support independent living. We provide access to nutritious meals, transportation, legal assistance, health insurance counseling, technology support, and adult day services. Our programs also offer caregiver resources, elder abuse prevention, and other supportive services to promote self-sufficiency.
WhatWeDo Program Accomplishments
The Older Adults Recovery and Resilience (OAAR) program assisted older adults in reconnecting with their communities postpandemic. It hosted 732 events, engaging 18,606 individuals over 11 months with a budget of $1.2 million. The funding supported intergenerational activities, legal and caregiver services, and increased community events, covering costs for staffing, activities, and transportation to ensure accessibility for older adults.
Through the GetSetUp program, older adults received free iPads and hands-on tech support. A total of 692 participants got iPad setup assistance, and 1,247 visited senior centers for help, totaling over 3,870 hours of technical assistance. This program created new opportunities for engagement, learning, and connection.
Customer Success Story Did You Know?
Unable to cook or drive, Robert relies on home-delivered meals for the nutrition he once overlooked, claiming it “has been a blessing in disguise. I underestimated the importance of good nutrition—now I eat vegetables, and I’m getting healthy! The deliveries are prompt, and [the drivers] are the nicest, most wonderful people.
-Robert, Home-Delivered Meals Client
As part of the Orange County Master Plan on Aging (OC MPA), OoA helped conduct an Older Adults Needs Assessment to better understand the needs of older adults and caregivers. Insights from Community, Caregiver, and Paid Provider surveys will guide our role in developing the OC MPA, set to release in summer 2025.
StaffSpotlight
Louis Garcia
Staff Specialist
Louis monitors and organizes service data from contracted providers, ensuring accurate reporting to the State. Using his expertise in programming, he revises internal databases and spreadsheets to improve efficiency, readability, and accuracy. He also analyzes all contracted service data to provide insight on contract progress or create important comparisons between service levels or demographics.
From personal experience, I know how challenging it is for older adults to support themselves through health issues and financial hardships. I am extremely grateful to be part of an organization that actively supports the older adult community through various services that ultimately enhance their quality of life.
Number of Team Members Mission
To actively pursue the rights of Veterans and dependents to receive benefits and ensure they receive the entitlements they have earned for their military service.
15
Who We Serve
The Orange County Veterans Service Office (VSO) serves Orange County Veterans, transitioning service members, and their dependents and survivors. Our team ensures they receive the benefits, support, and resources they’ve earned to enhance their well-being.
Program Accomplishments
The VSO secured over $26 million in untaxed benefits for Veterans and their dependents, a 33% increase from last year. By enhancing outreach and streamlining services, more Veterans accessed VA health care, mental health support, and aging services, ensuring they receive necessary care and resources.
WhatWeDo
The VSO helps Veterans and their families access benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, and survivor benefits. We provide claims counseling, verification, and advocacy to guide them through the process. Our team also assists with pensions, burial assistance, and referrals to connect with additional resources.
The VSO reduced appointment wait times with a new booking system. Veterans can now selfschedule in-person, virtual, or phone appointments, with sameday access for filing claims with the VA. This streamlined process has strengthened connections and improved quality of life for Veterans, military-connected individuals, and their families.
CustomerSuccess Story
The personnel at theVSO could not have been more informative.My [Veterans] Claims Representative walked me through theprocess [to file my claim].She explained each and every step and asked questions that helped me provide a complete overview of my service-related issues. I would recommend every Vet to consider their individual situation and make inquiries into their potential benefits.
-John, U.S. Navy Veteran
DidYouKnow?
The VSO helped Veteran students and their dependents save over $11.6 million in college tuition fees. That’s over 32% more than last year!
My work is deeply meaningful because I understand the unique needs of Veterans. Helping them navigate the claims process is personally rewarding, as I recognize how essential these benefits are in enhancing their quality of life. Witnessing this impact firsthand has strengthened my commitment to serving those who have served, and I take great pride in carrying out this mission.
Sonny Ly
Accredited Veterans Claims Representative
As a Veterans Claims Representative (VCR), Sonny helps Veterans, their families, and survivors access the benefits they’ve earned through their military service. Accredited to assist with VA claims, he guides Veterans through the process of applying for compensation, health care, education benefits, and more. This work includes gathering and presenting evidence to support claims, conducting interviews, reviewing medical records, and assisting with appeals. He also connects Veterans to state and local benefits, including the CalVet college tuition fee waiver.
Number of Team Members Mission
To lead a workforce system providing education, resources, and collaborative opportunities to benefit job seekers, employers, and entrepreneurs.
30
Who We Serve
The Workforce & Economic Development Division (WEDD) supports youth, adults, and older adults—including those from diverse populations such as Veterans, justice-involved individuals, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and English language learners. We also assist employers seeking workforce solutions.
WhatWeDo
WEDD connects job seekers with career opportunities and provides businesses with workforce solutions. They offer job training, employment support, and hiring assistance for individuals, while businesses receive customized recruitment support and labor market information, empowering both job seekers and employers to succeed.
Program Accomplishments
The OC Workforce Solutions Center in Laguna Niguel opened as a resource hub for job seekers and employers. In its first year, it welcomed 4,789 visitors and held 645 career workshops on topics like resume writing, career exploration, job search tools, and interview preparation.
WEDD collaborated with a top financial literacy provider to launch a program for youth in the Ready SET OC initiative. The summer series focused on money management skills like budgeting, saving, and long-term planning, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 18 participants.
Did you know?
WEDD hosted 39 hiring events and 4 career fairs, connecting 414 employers across multiple industries with 1,175 job seekers throughout the year.
Customer Success Story
Ready SET OC has been able to help me with finding myself and what I want to do for my career. Without this program I wouldn't have been able to finish school, they have truly helped me and supported me when no one else did.
-WEDD Youth Program Participant
StaffSpotlight
Jocelyn Gaspar
Community Development Analyst - Operations
As the Community Development Operations Analyst, Jocelyn oversees the Workforce Solutions One-Stop Centers and Affiliate sites, ensuring seamless coordination between partners, facilities, and service delivery.
My job means a lot to me because it connects people with the resources they need to achieve stability and employment. My work focuses on making these programs more effective so that people receive the support they need. Seeing individuals gain stability and opportunities by accessing our One-Stop Centers keeps me motivated.
To administer the County’s affordable housing development, community development, and the Orange County Housing Authority and housing successor agency programs/activities.
Members
OC H&CD serves or has programs that benefit low to low-moderate, very low and extremely low-income individuals and families across Orange County. These households may include older adults, persons living with a disability, Veterans, families with minor children, those experiencing homelessness and chronic homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, or none of these characteristics.
WhatWeDo
OC H&CD provides rental assistance for income eligible households through the Orange County Housing Authority, administers Federal grant funding that benefits individuals, as well as cities and neighborhoods through public facilities and improvements, housing rehabilitation, and delivery of public services, and administers the County’s affordable housing development and first-time homebuyer programs.
Program
Accomplishments
Housing Development
Housing Development completed construction on 297 Permanent Supportive Housing units and 166 Affordable units.
Community Development
74,831 community members received assistance through the Federal Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, and local funding.
Housing Authority
OCHA successfully leased 223 permanent supportive housing units across 7 new developments. These units supported the chronically homeless, Veterans, older adults, and families.
DidYouKnow?
145 supportive housing units were added to the County’s housing pipeline.
Customer SuccessStory
I am eternally grateful for the people who helped me along the way, for those who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. My children and I now have a home, a foundation for a brighter future, and a sense of peace we’ve longed for. Every day we are thankful for the stability, love, and safety we now have in our lives.
-Housing Choice Voucher Recipient
StaffSpotlight
Jalene Vu
Occupancy HousingSupervisor
Jalene has worked for OCHA since 2008 and has been in her current position for 6 years. Jalene supervises direct reports responsible for determining eligibility for housing programs and maintaining the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.
Through the HCV program, we are helping our communities have access to affordable housing and equal housing opportunities which enable stable communities in Orange County. At the end of each day, I along with my colleagues, feel fulfilled knowing that we have made a difference towards improving the lives of others and have contributed towards the betterment of our community.
To preserve and enhance OC Parks’ natural and cultural resources for recreation, education, and exploration.
Number of Team Members Mission
354
Who We Serve
OC Parks welcomes visitors of all ages and interests, including families, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, runners, nature enthusiasts, and children.
WhatWeDo
OC Parks provides award-winning park facilities, programs and events to visitors of all ages at regional, wilderness and historic parks and beaches, along with the OC Zoo. OC Parks is entrusted to care for the natural and cultural resources throughout our parks and ensures all facilities remain clean, safe and open for millions of residents and visitors to enjoy.
Program Accomplishments
OCParksopenedGypsum CanyonWildernessandRedRock Wilderness.LocatedwithinOC Parks'IrvineRanchOpenSpaces, theareasoffernewoutdoor recreationopportunitiesforall ages.GypsumCanyonfeatures6 milesoftrailsforhiking,biking, andhorsebackriding,withscenic overlooksforlandscapeviews. RedRockWildernessoffers8miles oftrailsandstunningviewsfrom theancientSespeformation.
OCParks,alongwithOCPublic WorksandCaliforniaState Parks,placed45,000cubicyards ofsandtoa2,000-footstretch ofCapistranoCountyBeachand DohenyStateBeach.Theproject combatscoastalerosion, protectsresourcesandimproves recreationalareas,showcasing effectivecollaborationamong publicagencies.
DidYouKnow?
Nearly 1,000 volunteers contributed more than 58,000 hours of service to OC Parks by performing trail maintenance and restoration, backcountry patrol, fire watch, welcoming visitors at park nature centers, campgrounds and the OC Zoo, and leading guided hikes, programs and facility tours.
Customer SuccessStory
Without this program, my students—and even I—would not have fully grasped the profound role parks play in our communities,” Jillian said. “OC Parks With Purpose has not only enriched our curriculum but has also instilled a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. I wholeheartedly support this program and its mission to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
-Jillian Harris, Teacher at Sunset Lane Elementary
StaffSpotlight
Karen Chieng
Planning & Design Program Manager
Karen Chieng has served as OC Parks’ Planning and Design Program Manager for the past seven years, collaborating with various divisions across the OC Parks team to plan, coordinate and evaluate capital improvement and maintenance programs and projects. Karen also oversees OC Parks’ Project Hub to help monitor and prioritize projects, make informed decisions about current projects, notify the OC Parks team about project updates and predict project trends.
As OC Parks’ Planning and Design Program Manager, I find deep fulfillment in shaping the future of our community's natural spaces, knowing my work directly enhances public access to parks and enjoyment,” Karen said. “The ability to translate vision into tangible park improvements, while collaborating with diverse stakeholders, provides a constant sense of purpose and achievement. One project that I am particularly proud of is the Large Mammal Exhibit at the OC Zoo, the largest expansion project in the OC Zoo’s history.
Mission
Empower and enrich our communities by providing free, open access to knowledge, fostering lifelong learning, and creating vibrant spaces for connection and exploration.
Number of Team Members
Who We Serve
At OC Public Libraries, we proudly serve the diverse communities of Orange County, providing access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community through the power of libraries.
Program Accomplishments
Slice of Literary Orange showcased celebrated authors from diverse genres, allowing patrons to hear their stories and insights. Each month featured new authors, providing readers a chance to connect with favorites like Daniel Silva, Mitch Albom, Karin Slaughter, and Douglas Preston.
The Library of Things allows patrons to borrow nontraditional items beyond books, such as sewing machines, power drills, musical instruments, and art kits. This initiative empowers patrons to learn, create, and explore without any cost.
WhatWeDo
OC Public Libraries provides free access to books, digital resources, and educational programs that inspire learning and curiosity for all ages. We connect communities by offering welcoming spaces, workshops, and events that foster creativity, collaboration, and growth. Through our dedicated services, we empower individuals and families to explore, discover, and achieve their goals.
DidYou Know?
OCPL’s collection was borrowed 9.6 million times in 2024, fostering lifelong learning and ensuring equitable access to information.
CustomerSuccess Story
As a student the library has helped me immensely! My productivity has increased significantly. And I am able to focus on my work without any distractions. The library’s quiet atmosphere allows me to do all my work that I otherwise couldn’t accomplish as efficiently anywhere else.
-Andrea, Laguna Beach Library Patron
Emily Cotrell is a youth services librarian who is currently starting her fifth year with the County. From detailed planning to nonstop execution, Emily brings sensational children and teen programs to life at OCPL. Her natural vibrancy and heartfelt enthusiasm is contagious to others, encouraging her fellow colleagues to venture out and try new programs for our patrons.
Mission
Provide professional, efficient and effective administrative services to enable OCCR Programs to function successfully. 130
Number of Team Members
Who We Serve
We serve the five OCCR Programs: OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries. These Programs are committed to serving the communities of Orange County, and our administrative services support their smooth and efficient operation.
management.
Accountingprocessedover $263,000,000inHousingAssistance
Paymentstonearly4,000landlordsand morethan12,000tenants,significantly enhancinghousingstabilitythroughout theCounty.
StaffSpotlight
Matthew Le
Manager, Staff Development & Training
Matthew has over 20 years of County service focusing on employee training and career development. His contributions have enhanced workforce effectiveness and leadership succession.
Some of his achievements include launching the “Supervisor Toolbox” training, which integrates various County trainings to develop leadership skills, reimagining the New Employee Orientation to be more comprehensive and relevant, and providing customized trainings for our Programs.
I am grateful to lead a skilled and dedicated Staff Development & Training team, and working closely with Department Leaders who value investing in people. It is rewarding to see how our support strengthens staff effectiveness and their ability to serve the community.
OCCR Budget & Finances
DOLLARS RECEIVED IN REVENUE BY CATEGORY
Taxes
Licenses,Permits&Franchises
Fines,Forfeitures&Penalties
RevenuefromUseofMoney&Property
IntergovernmentalRevenues
ChargesforServices
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DOLLARS SPENT ON EXPENDITURES
Won-by-One 2024 Awardees
Won-by-One is a OCCR’s employee recognition event designed to recognize employees who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teamwork, and innovative skills.
Mylinh Tu
Itzmar Lozoya
Ricardo Camiling
Hoang Trinh
Eric Nguy
OC Community Services
OC Public Libraries
OC Animal Care
OC Housing & Community Development
Administrative Services
What’sNext?
Exciting things are happening at OCCR as we continue to build on the momentum of our continued success to create even greater impact. Our focus is on making connections, helping people easily find the resources that empower and uplift.
As we move forward, we’re excited to strengthen community partnerships and innovate new ways to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
