I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and accomplishments with you, highlighting the progress we have made together at Share Our Selves.
I am delighted to announce the completion of Phase 1 of our Mission Viejo expansion. In May, our team moved into our new expanded suite, which marks a significant milestone in our journey. The expansion project is progressing steadily, and we anticipate its full completion by the end of Summer 2023. This expansion will enable us to further enhance our services and better meet the growing needs of our community.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to every one of you who contributed to the resounding success of the 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night. Your unwavering support and generosity helped us raise over $140,000, making a tremendous impact on our ability to serve those in need. Your commitment to our mission is truly awe-inspiring, and we are immensely grateful for your continued partnership.
One of the initiatives that your support has made possible is our First in Family Program. In May the program supported 29 bright and deserving students from the Newport Mesa Unified School District. Together, we are advocates for educational empowerment creating a brighter future for these talented students.
COSTA MESA, CA
MISSION VIEJO, CA
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
SANTA ANA, CA
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to share that our 28th Annual Back-toSchool Program is just around the corner. This August, we will once again distribute backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students. With your help, we can ensure that every child starts the academic year feeling confident and prepared, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your support is vital in making this program a success, and we invite you to join us in this inspiring endeavor.
On behalf of the entire Share Our Selves team, thank you for your unwavering support. It is because of you that we can bring hope, assistance, and essential services to those who need them most. Together, we are shaping a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare, social services, and community programs.
Sincerely, Christy
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Chief Development Officer of Share Our Selves, and it is an honor to join the incredible team at this esteemed organization. In this role, I will serve as a member of Share Our Selves’ senior officer team and lead the overall development operations for fundraising. With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, I am excited to contribute to Share Our Selves’ mission of providing vital services to those in need.
At Share Our Selves, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community. Thanks to the unwavering support of our generous donors, we raise between $2.0 million and $2.5 million annually, which fuels our operations and enables us to deliver a wide range of essential services. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in our ability to provide groceries, financial assistance, care management, and homeless support to families and individuals. Our dedication extends beyond social services, as we strive to meet the comprehensive healthcare needs of the underinsured and low-income individuals in our community. Through our medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and behavioral health services, we ensure that everyone has access to quality care.
It is disheartening to think about the thousands of people who lack the healthcare benefits that many of us are fortunate to have. The elderly on fixed incomes, individuals relying on Medi-Cal, and uninsured patients all face significant challenges in obtaining affordable healthcare. For them, Share Our Selves, as a Federally Qualified Health Center, becomes a lifeline that provides the care they desperately need. When individuals turn to us for assistance, regardless of their financial means, we extend our support unequivocally, irrespective of their background or ability to pay for services.
This is why your generous contributions play a vital role in our ability to serve the community. Without your support, we would be limited to providing the comprehensive services that have become synonymous with our organization.
As the Chief Development Officer, my primary focus is on fostering relationships and cultivating support from our dedicated community of donors. Together, we will continue to build bridges of support, compassion, and empowerment for those who need it most.
Sincerely,
At the heart of our First in Family College Readiness Program lies the transformative power of education. Our alumna, Ileana Hernandez, embodies the incredible impact that scholarships can have on a student’s life. From being a program recipient to becoming an esteemed employee at Share Our Selves, Ileana’s journey serves as a testament to the potential for growth and success that lies within each student we support.
Ileana’s story began when she proudly graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 2017. The support she received from the First in Family College Readiness Program left an indelible mark on her life. Beyond financial support, each scholarship recipient is equipped with essential resources to facilitate their academic journey. This included a laptop, a backpack filled with school supplies, a toiletry kit, monetary gift cards for book assistance and living supplies, and a collegiate sweatshirt representing their new university. One particular gift held tremendous significance for her – the brand-new laptop. It relieved her of the financial burden of purchasing a laptop, allowing her to focus on her studies. Fueled by determination, she enrolled at Vanguard University, commencing her undergraduate education, and setting the course for her future endeavors.
After completing her bachelor’s degree Ileana took a gap year, contemplating her next steps. Ultimately, she sought opportunities that aligned with her values. Share Our Selves emerged as the ideal organization, known for its exceptional reputation in the community. Ileana recognized the significance of being the “voice of Share Our Selves” as a frontline
representative, providing essential support to patients through her work in patient services. The experiences she had as a scholarship recipient allowed her to empathize with others in the community, understanding their perspectives and striving to help them navigate the challenges they face.
Empowered by her role, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in public health, at the University of Southern California, confident that she could make a meaningful difference in the field. She knows firsthand the importance of scholarships and financial aid for students, especially for those who, like her, are first-generation college attendees. Ileana acknowledges that many scholarships tend to focus on high GPAs or athletic achievements, making the support specifically tailored to first-generation college students scarce. “When I was applying for scholarships, I noticed that I didn’t necessarily qualify for many of them, but when I came across the First in Family scholarship, I felt hope that I could receive the assistance I needed” Ileana shared. This realization has fueled her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of future scholarship recipients.
In her current role, Ileana envisions continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of future scholarship recipients. As a mentor to other firstgeneration students, she strives to empower and inspire them to reach their full potential. Ileana’s passion for community programs is palpable, and she hopes that her pursuit of a master’s degree in public health will propel her even further in this realm, amplifying her ability to effect change.
FIRST IN FAMILY
At Share Our Selves, we are committed to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. One of our proudest initiatives is our First in Family College Readiness Program, which provides vital scholarship support and resources to first-generation college students.
ESTABLISHED IN 2016
WITH THE SUPPORT OF DONORS AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
SCHOLARSHIPS UP TO $1,000 AWARDED TO TO EACH STUDENT
BACKPACKS 30 BACKPACKS DONATED BY VOLCOM
WHERE STUDENTS ENROLLED
MORE THAN
100 STUDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM SINCE ITS INCEPTION
CLASS OF 2023
29 STUDENTS ARE HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE
To learn more about the First in Family College Readiness Program or how you can give, please visit our website at shareourselves.org/donate or contact us at sosfoundation@shareourselves.org Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of future generations.
For over three decades, Bernadette McBride has been a steadfast supporter of Share Our Selves, demonstrating unwavering commitment to our mission and making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
It was in the late 1980s when she received a mailer discussing the stark realities of abject poverty in Orange County. The profound impact of that message struck a chord within her, inspiring her to take action. Living in Irvine at the time, Bernadette started participating with her colleagues in the Adopt-A-Family program, not only making financial contributions but also volunteering at the event’s gift workshop. She vividly remembers the diverse group of volunteers from all walks of life coming together year-round to support the cause.
Over the years, Bernadette’s commitment to Share Our Selves has remained steadfast. When asked about her long-standing support, “Programs like Back-toSchool hold a special place in my heart. I believe that every child deserves to start the school year with the necessary supplies and feel equal to their peers.”
Despite residing in Washington State since 1996, Bernadette’s dedication to Share Our Selves has not wavered. She continues to be inspired by the stories of children and clients who benefit from Share Our Selves’
comprehensive services. Bernadette emphasized the impact of the volunteers, highlighting their unwavering dedication and the sense of community they foster. She believes that her donations, along with the dedicated support of today’s volunteers and agency staff, are making a tangible difference in the futures of others.
“The importance of programs like behavioral health and the food pantry services can’t be emphasized enough.” Bernadette firmly believes that Share Our Selves has the potential to transform lives and bring about positive change for those in need.
Bernadette McBride’s philanthropic journey serves as a shining example of the impact one person can make in the lives of others. Her dedication to Share Our Selves, even from afar, and her genuine compassion for the community reflects the true spirit of generosity. We are profoundly grateful for Bernadette’s unwavering support and the positive change she continues to bring through her contributions.
Back in 2012, when Jeffrey first heard about Share Our Selves, he admits he was skeptical. The idea of seeking healthcare at a new facility felt scary. However, little did he know that this initial hesitation would soon transform into an immense appreciation for the exceptional care and support he would receive.
Determined to find a suitable match, he turned to Share Our Selves where he connected with Lidia, a compassionate member of the eligibility team understanding Jeffrey’s unique needs, Lidia tirelessly worked alongside him to navigate the complex landscape of insurance coverage. It was a pivotal moment for Jeffrey, as he embarked on a new chapter of receiving compassionate care from our dedicated providers.
Initially, Jeffrey was under the care of a Share Our Selves provider, whom he had been seeing for eight years. Recognizing he needed additional support, his primary care provider referred him to Darin, one of our compassionate behavioral health specialists. Collaborating closely with our care management team Jeffrey gained access to various vital services tailored to his needs. The seamless teamwork between the healthcare professionals at Share Our Selves impressed Jeffrey and solidified his trust in the organization.
As his healthcare journey progressed, Jeffrey was referred to our dental clinic. Once again, Lidia stepped in to assist him, ensuring he had the necessary dental coverage. The continuous support and care he received from the entire staff, including the invaluable assistance of the care management team in scheduling appointments
and navigating his care, deeply helped him due to his challenges using computers.
Jeffrey’s positive relationship with Share Our Selves has left a lasting impact on him. Filled with gratitude, he now aspires to give back by volunteering at the facility. Having received rental assistance, and bus passes, and utilized our food pantry, Jeffrey remains optimistic about his future and genuinely appreciates the help he has received.
Today, Jeffrey finds himself in a better place both mentally and physically. His desire to volunteer and support others reflects the incredible progress he has made due to Share Our Selves. Part of this progress includes moving into an apartment, signifying the strides he has taken towards independence, and he looks forward to continuing his collaboration with Darin and the Share Our Selves team.
Through our comprehensive services, Jeffrey has found a new sense of purpose, hope, and community. His journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound impact we can make when we extend a helping hand to those in need.
Jeffrey’s story exemplifies the transformative power of compassionate care and the positive ripple effect it can have on individuals’ lives.
The 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night marked a milestone year with a sensational celebration of flavors, entertainment, and charitable giving. Held on May 18, 2023, at the scenic OC Fair & Event Center’s Plaza Pacifica, this beloved event drew over 600 enthusiastic guests from the community.
The evening showcased the culinary expertise of 15 local chefs and restaurants, each presenting their unique and innovative taco creations. From tantalizing combinations of ingredients to creative fusions of flavors, the chefs wowed attendees with their culinary masterpieces. Among the highlights of the night was the announcement of the Yelper’s Choice Award for “Fan-Favorite Taco,” presented to Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach for their exceptional Prawn Shumai Taco.
We are thrilled to announce that the 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night successfully raised over $140,000 in support of Share Our Selves. These funds will directly benefit
individuals and families in our community who face barriers to healthcare, social services, and food security. The generosity of our donors and community partners will make a lasting impact on their lives.
During the event, the First in Family Raffle also played a significant role in supporting our First in Family College Readiness Program. The raffle raised an impressive $3,355, contributing to our efforts in awarding $1,000 scholarships to local students who are the first in their families to attend college.
The success of the 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night exemplifies the power of the community coming together to create positive change. Special thanks to our event underwriters and generous sponsors who helped make the 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night a success.
PREMIER SPONSOR
Yelp Orange County
HABANERO SPONSOR
The Sharon D. Lund Foundation
PIÑATA SPONSOR
DMP Properties
OC Supervisor Katrina Foley
The Frome Family Foundation
Hoag
Sylvia Michler
PCV Murcor
C.J. Segerstrom & Sons
Lynn & Roger Tomalas
CACTUS SPONSOR
Susan & Kevin Daly
Laurie Dubchansky
Linda & Kevin Pitts
SOMBRERO SPONSOR
Alkeme Insurance
Axiom Financial
Anne & Bob Cress
Patricia Doyle
Dr. Richard & Sandra Haskell
Imperial Dade
Dr. Roberta Lessor & Dr. David
Snow
Mike & Kathy Lewis
Med Tech Solutions
Dr. Vivek & Shama Mehta
Dr. Alberto & Jori Mendivil
Peter & Kristina Olah
OneDigital
Prestige Medical Group
Shamrock Supply Co.
Western Community Housing
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
shareourselves.org
Change of Service Requested
AUG 12 Back to School Distribution
AUG 6-12 National Health Center Week
NOV Fall Family Service Night
NOV 18 Thanksgiving Food Distribution
DEC 16-20 Adopt A Family
For more information about our upcoming events and programs, please contact sosfoundation@shareourselves.org
We believe that education is the key to a brighter future, and together we can make an impact on the lives of students in Orange County. Your contribution sends a powerful message that their education matters.
Here’s how you can help:
DONATE SCHOOL SUPPLIES: We welcome donations of new backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, calculators, and other essential school supplies.
MAKE A DONATION: Your support will enable us to purchase supplies in bulk, maximize our impact, and reach even more students in our community.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME: Join our dedicated team of volunteers and help us organize, pack, and distribute backpacks to students.
To donate or learn more about how you can get involved, please visit shareourselves.org/donate or contact us at sosfoundation@shareourselves.org.