Champion Justice! FALL 2026
Health is everything. You ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve.
Our Mission We are servants who provide care and assistance to those in need and act as advocates for systemic change.
Santa Ana Unified School District Board and Share Ourselves Board Chair, Will Klatte, and CEO, Christy Ward
Expanding Access to Strengthen Our Community
At Share Ourselves, we know health is more than a doctor’s appointment. It’s having access to nutritious food, resources, support, and care. This year, we’ve continued expanding access across Orange County. Our new Santa Ana food pantry, created in partnership with Santa Ana Unified School District, brings food and essential resources closer to families, while expanded services and hours at our Costa Mesa clinic location—including optometry—make it easier to access care in one place. These additions build on our whole-person approach, connecting medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, behavioral health, food assistance, care management, and social services. But expanding services is only part of the story. The poeple who walk through our doors, volunteer, donate, share our mission, and connect us to new opportunities, make this work possible. In this issue, you’ll meet some of those people and hear how they’re helping strengthen our community. Thank you for being part of Share Ourselves. Health is Everything. You make it possible.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
The Impact of Prop 44 for Community Health Centers Protecting Services That Help Our Community Thrive
Community health centers provide more than medical care, connecting patients to resources that support their health and stability. Prop 44 would reduce funding for California community health clinics, including Share Ourselves, by $1.7 billion in its first year, potentially affecting the services that support our whole-person model of care. This is why Share Ourselves opposes Prop 44.
CHAMPION JUSTICE
What’s at Stake at Share Ourselves Food Pantry: Our food pantry will be unable to help individuals and families access nutritious food when their budgets don’t stretch far enough. Social Services: Our team members will no longer be able to connect patients with resources that address needs such as food, housing, utilities, and other challenges that can affect their health. Care Management: Case managers will not be able to help patients navigate healthcare and connect with resources and services that support their ongoing well-being. Transportation: We will not be able to provide transportation support that can help patients overcome one of the practical barriers that can make it difficult to get to healthcare and other essential services. Eligibility Screening: Our team members won’t be able to help patients determine what programs and services they may qualify for, making it easier to understand their options and access available support. Interpretation: We will no longer be able to provide language services that help patients communicate with their healthcare teams, understand their care, and participate in decisions about their health.
Why This Matters Healthcare doesn’t stop at the exam room. For many people, healthcare depends on more than access to a provider. Food, transportation, language access, care coordination, and other resources are part of Share Ourselves’ whole-person model. Our commitment is to provide quality healthcare, essential resources, and connected support—all in one trusted community health center.
Community Update
What’s New at Share Ourselves More Care in Costa Mesa Our Costa Mesa location now offers optometry alongside medical and dental care, including basic eye exams, vision testing, and eye health evaluations for existing patients. With more services under one roof, extended hours until 8 PM, and weekend availability, we’re making care more accessible for busy families. Care that sees the whole person.
A New Food Pantry & Social Services in Santa Ana Rob Richardson Welcoming Resource Center
Through our partnership with Santa Ana Unified School District, Share Ourselves is bringing a market-style food pantry and social services to the Rob Richardson Welcoming Resource Center. The new resource will connect students and families with nutritious food and support closer to where they live and learn. A new partnership. A new resource. More support for Santa Ana families. Stay tuned for updates closer to our opening date.
LEAD WITH DIGNITY
Patient Spotlight A Full Circle of Care
Carolina Penaloza | Community Partner & Board Member transition. For Carolina, having different types of care connected in one place made a meaningful difference. “I feel like having everything in one place is pretty cool.”
For Carolina Penaloza, Share Ourselves has been part of her life since childhood. Growing up in Costa Mesa, she remembers receiving backpacks and school supplies through the Back to School program. “Sometimes they didn’t have any money. So, we counted on it just being there every year.” Years later, Carolina returned as a parent when her daughter began receiving medical and dental care at Share Ourselves. “When I’ve needed the support, I feel like I could just ask and it was available to me.”
Today, Carolina gives back through her work with Whole Foods and as a community partner and board member. She wants more families to know what Share Ourselves offers and feel comfortable asking for help. “I think a lot of people don’t know...now I can be a voice.” For Carolina, that means helping others discover the care, resources, and support available in their community. “I felt the love. I also want to be able to spread it.” Her story is a reminder that support received today can inspire someone to help others tomorrow.
Her daughter also received behavioral health support during a difficult family Scan QR code to read more
Back to School Program Education Is Health
2,000 Backpacks. One Community. A backpack may seem simple, but for families balancing food, housing, healthcare, and other essentials, it can make a meaningful difference.
The BESST Center event also connected families with Share Ourselves team members and resources through a convenient drive-through experience.
This summer, our community came together to help local students start the school year prepared. Share Ourselves distributed 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at events at IKEA Costa Mesa on August 1 and the BESST Center on August 8.
This program was made possible by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make sure students had the tools they needed to learn.
See the Back to School Recap
Thank you for helping 2,000 students get a strong start.
SERVE WITH HEART
Volunteer Spotlight Cathy Julien | Making a Difference Behind the Scenes “It’s just satisfying to be able to fill up the area so that they can give clothing out.” Through her volunteer work, Cathy has gained a deeper understanding of the needs in our community. “There are a lot more people... who need help.” She believes volunteering is one small way to make a difference and to practice her faith.
Not every volunteer works directly with patients. Some make an impact by making sure donations are organized and ready for the people who need them. For about a year and a half, Cathy Julien has volunteered with Share Ourselves, primarily organizing donated clothing, drive items, and other supplies.
“It feels like the least I can do. You know, it’s small, and yet if it makes a difference in someone’s life, it’s worth it.” Her message to others considering volunteering is simple: “If you’re willing, do it. There’s such a great need.” Thank you, Cathy, and to all our volunteers who give their time to support our community.
Volunteer with Share Ourselves
Thanksgiving Drive
Help Put Thanksgiving on the Table For many families, Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around the table and sharing a meal. For families experiencing food insecurity, that meal can be harder to provide. This Thanksgiving, you can help Share Ourselves make sure local families have food to share with the people they love. THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE November 16–20, 2026 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 1550 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa
We are collecting: • Unopened, unexpired non-perishable food • Thanksgiving meal staples • Shelf-stable items families can use to prepare a holiday meal Before donating, please check that all items are unopened and unexpired. Every donation helps stock our food resources and supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This Thanksgiving, help make sure there’s enough to go around.
Learn how you can get involved
Shop the Amazon Wishlist
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Adopt A Family Program
Give a Family More to Celebrate 57th Annual Adopt A Family Program For more than five decades, the Share Ourselves community has come together to make the holidays brighter for local families.
Each family adoption includes:
Adopt A Family connects generous individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and community groups with local families who could use extra support during the holidays.
Gifts for adults: Optional.
We need our community to help make the season special. Whether you adopt a family yourself, organize a toy drive at work, donate gift cards, or encourage your friends and family to participate, your generosity can make a meaningful difference. Online adoptions open 11/9.
Gifts for children: Two new gifts per child, with a minimum value of $25 each.
Groceries: A grocery gift is required for the family unit to help provide food for the holidays. $40 per adult and $30 per child. The holidays can be difficult for families already facing financial challenges. Adopt A Family helps provide more than gifts—it helps families experience the joyful holiday season with dignity. Be part of a holiday tradition that has been bringing people together for over five decades.
Adopt A Family
Team Member Spotlight
Meet the Team Behind the Care Sheena Dhiman | Director of Nursing Sheena was drawn to Share Ourselves’ whole-person approach, where patients can access medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, social services, and other resources in one place. “I think that’s the true meaning of caring for the person as a whole, rather than just taking care of their physical needs.” For Sheena Dhiman, nursing is about listening, building trust, and helping patients get the support they need.
Today, she is focused on strengthening our clinical support team and expanding access to nursing support.
After beginning her healthcare career in nursing, Sheena spent 16 years in neurosciences in roles ranging from clinical nurse to program director. She joined Share Ourselves as Director of Nursing in February 2026.
“It’s a very heartwarming feeling to know that what I do makes an impact.”
Read More
Please join us in welcoming Sheena to the Share Ourselves team!
CHAMPION JUSTICE
Team Member Milestones Celebrating Our Team
At Share Ourselves, part of our success is built on the dedication, commitment, and contributions of our team members. Each year of service represents more than time - it represents the relationships built, patients served, challenges overcome, and the difference our team members make in our community. This year we are proud to celebrate these team members who have reached significant milestone anniversaries
25 Years
Jesse Urena
Facilities Lead Costa Mesa
with Share Ourselves. These milestone anniversaries are a meaningful accomplishment and a reflection of their commitment to our mission. Congratulations to our team members celebrating: Thank you for being part of the Share Ourselves team and for the time, talent, and heart you bring to our organization. We appreciate you and look forward to celebrating many more milestones together!
20 Years
Xiomara Joslyn
Dental Clinic Manager Costa Mesa
20 Years
Rebeca Alcaraz
Eligibility Specialist Costa Mesa
A Fiesta of Flavor and Community Orange County’s Tastiest Night for a Cause Get ready to taco ‘bout a night worth celebrating! Wild & Crazy Taco Night brings together local chefs, restaurants, community partners, sponsors, and supporters for an evening of great food and community impact. Guests can enjoy creative tacos and a fun night out while supporting Share Ourselves’ mission to provide healthcare, food, and essential resources to our community. The event has become one of Share Ourselves’ signature fundraisers, bringing hundreds of people together around a shared commitment to making a difference.
Thursday, April 15, 2027 OC Fair & Event Center More details are coming soon.
Come hungry. Bring your friends. Support your community. Because good food can do good, too.
Learn More
LEAD WITH DIGNITY
Making an Impact
There’s More Than One Way to Make an Impact At Share Ourselves, community support takes many forms. Maybe you have time to give. Maybe your workplace wants to get involved. Maybe you can organize a food drive. Maybe you can make a financial contribution. Whatever you can give, there is a place for you here.
Give
Volunteer
Give Today
Become a Volunteer
Host a Drive
Partner With Us
Start a Drive
Become a Community Partner
Your financial support helps Share Ourselves provide healthcare, food, and essential services to people in our community.
Bring your coworkers, school, faith community, friends, or family together to collect food, school supplies, holiday gifts, or other needed items.
Share your time and skills to help organize donations, support community programs, assist with events, and more.
Businesses and organizations can support Share Ourselves through sponsorships, employee engagement, in-kind donations, community events, and other partnerships.
Give Goods or Gift Cards Food, clothing, household items, grocery gift cards, and other inkind donations help us respond directly to community needs.
Together, We Can Help Our Neighbors Stay Fed, Cared For, and Connected.
See What’s Needed
Health is Everything. You make it possible.
Donate. Volunteer. Get Involved.
Ways to Make an Immediate Impact Your generosity helps ensure individuals and families can access the essential health and social services they need to move forward with hope and dignity, whether through a one-time gift, monthly support, or by carrying on their legacy through planned giving.
How to Give Cash Gift
A gift of Cash, Check, or Credit Card
Sustained Monthly Giving Provide Continuous Support
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Stock & Securities
Workplace Giving
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Recommend Grants via Your DAF
Double Your Impact with Employer Matching
Donate Appreciated Stocks, Bonds, or Mutual Funds
Give Directly from Your IRA or 401k
Tribute Gifts
Memorial or Honorarium Gifts
Planned Gifts
Carrying On Your Legacy
In-Kind Gifts
Donate Goods or Services
Ready to make an impact? We’d love to connect. To learn more about giving opportunities or how to get involved, contact us at philanthropy@shareourselves.org or (949) 270-2166. Stay connected with Share Ourselves @shareourselves
Scan the QR code to donate to Share Ourselves today.
@shareourselvesOC @share-ourselves
LEAD WITH DIGNITY ● STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE CHAMPION JUSTICE ● SERVE WITH HEART