Health is YOU! - Winter 2025

WINTER 2025

Health is YOU!

EXPANDING TO SERVE MORE

Standing Strong A LETTER FROM THE CEO

Amidst so much recent change, I would like to reflect on the resilience of our community and the unwavering commitment of supporters like you. At Share Ourselves, our mission has always been to provide compassionate care to those in need, and thanks to your generosity, that mission continues to thrive.

Christy Ward, CEO ANA HE IM, CA C OSTA ME SA , CA M ISSION VIEJO, C A NEWPORT BEACH , C A SANTA A NA , CA

We recognize that this year brings challenges, particularly with uncertainties surrounding federal funding and the growing needs of vulnerable populations in an evolving political landscape. These realities concern us, but they do not define us. Instead, they strengthen our resolve to stand firm in our commitment to those we serve. We remain steadfast in ensuring that individuals and families in Orange County have access to essential healthcare, dental care, behavioral health and pharmacy services, food assistance, and comprehensive support systems—no matter the circumstances.

Despite these challenges, there is much to be hopeful for. Our upcoming expansion to a new health facility in Costa Mesa will allow us to serve even more patients, offering expanded medical, dental, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and the new addition of optometry services! We continue to build partnerships, advocate for policy changes, and adapt to the evolving needs of our community. And at the heart of it all, we have you—our dedicated supporters—who make this work possible.

Now more than ever, we need your voice, your advocacy, and your generosity. Whether through volunteering, making a donation, or simply sharing our mission with others, you are an integral part of this movement toward accessible healthcare. Together, we will continue to ensure that everyone receives the care and dignity they deserve.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support empowers us to move forward with strength, compassion, and hope. Let’s make 2025 a year of impact, resilience, and progress—together.

Warm regards,

C hristy

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Our Community Who we serve Share Ourselves provides comprehensive health and social services to the entire OC community, especially our neighbors facing significant challenges. We serve individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay, whether they are uninsured, underinsured, or experiencing homelessness. We aim to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare. By addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations, we can create a healthier community.

Where we serve We operate multiple locations throughout Orange County, located in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana. Each facility is strategically placed to maximize accessibility for those in need. We also operate a mobile health unit that travels to various locations, ensuring that even those who cannot reach our clinics can receive the care they need. This widespread presence allows us to effectively reach and support a diverse range of people across the region.

Why we serve Orange County is facing a crisis—health disparities are widening, and too many people are being left without the care they need. At Share Ourselves, we are on the front lines, ensuring that individuals and families have access to essential healthcare now, when they need it most. Healthcare isn’t a privilege; it’s the foundation for a stable and successful life. Yet, barriers like cost, access, and systemic inequities continue to prevent people from getting the care they deserve.

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Expanding access to care

Reaching More Together Share Ourselves continues to expand!

Our health services are moving from 1550 Superior Avenue to a new location. Our new facility, located at 1650 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, will feature a range of clinical services to better serve the growing needs of our community.

challenges of navigating complex healthcare systems.

The decision to expand stems from the increasing demand for affordable, accessible healthcare. Many in our community struggle with chronic health conditions, limited access to care, limited transportation and the

Our new location represents a significant step forward as we strive to improve community well-being, and we remain committed to breaking down barriers to care for all who rely on Share Ourselves.

By increasing our capacity, strengthening our service lines, and adding new services, we can address these gaps and provide more people with the preventive and ongoing care they need to achieve better health outcomes.

Our NEW Costa Mesa facility features:

12 medical exam rooms

1 office for behavioral health

6 dental chairs

2 optometry chairs*

An expanded pharmacy

Care management to navigate health & social services

*coming soon in 2025

What is happening to the food pantry and homeless services?

While healthcare services transition to the new facility, our Social Services Department, including the Food Pantry and homelessness navigation case workers, will remain at 1550 Superior Avenue. The legacy of our food distribution and navigation services will not only continue but may also expand as we reimagine how to serve even more individuals and families in the future. We will share updates once a new location for these services is determined.

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Join us at the Grand Opening!

Join us for the first look at our new Costa Mesa facility complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided clinic tours, and a Community Health Fair featuring free health screenings, nutrition and wellness resources, and the opportunity to connect with community leaders and local health advocates. (Check our website for updates)

Saturday, May 3, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1650 Adams Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626

“When you don’t have a stable home, getting to a doctor’s office can be really difficult. But with the mobile unit, I don’t have to worry about how to get there—it’s right there when I need it.”

- Linda

Steady Care in Unsteady Times Linda never imagined she would be homeless.

For more than two decades, she lived in the same apartment, built a life with her husband, and maintained a steady job. But when her husband passed away, everything changed. The rent became impossible to afford on her own, and suddenly, she found herself without a place to call home.

Despite losing her housing, Linda still had a car and a job. “I was living in my car for two months,” she recalls. “Every day, I faced harassment. People don’t understand what it’s like—they assume you must be an addict or that you did something wrong. But I was just trying to survive.”

Linda’s situation took a turn when she reached out for help. She was referred to Mercy House, a shelter providing transitional support. Though the shelter gives her a roof over her head, life is still far from easy.

“There’s no privacy when you’ve got 38 women in a dorm,” she says. “I’m grateful for my car because I can at least drive to the beach and take a moment to breathe.”

A lifeline through Share Ourselves Long before Linda became unhoused, a friend told her about the Share Ourselves Food Pantry in Costa Mesa. She began visiting the Food Pantry in 2018, noting that it’s been a huge help to her over the years. “Sometimes, you just need a little extra to get by.”

After moving into the shelter in 2022, Linda was happily surprised to see Share Ourselves again. The Share Ourselves Health Mobile travels to various shelters throughout Orange County, providing medical care to those in need.

Because it’s so convenient, she now receives medical care on a regular basis. “Everybody’s so nice,” she says with a smile. “I know them by name, and they know me. It makes all the difference.”

Another resource that has made a difference for Linda is 2-1-1, a helpline dedicated to connecting people with local services, such as counseling, housing, food assistance, and more. “The Share Ourselves team told me about 2-1-1—I didn’t even know it existed.”

Giving back and moving forward Despite the struggles she has faced, Linda continues to give back. She’s employed as a caregiver for Visiting Angels, assisting seniors in their homes. “I love it,” she says. “Just making someone breakfast in the morning and seeing how much they appreciate it—it makes my day.”

Linda’s journey is a testament to strength.

She has endured loss, hardship, and the judgment of those who don’t understand her story. But she continues to move forward with grace and determination. “People say, ‘Linda, you’re a diamond in the rough,’” she shares. “I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs—I just ended up in a tough situation. It can happen to anyone.”

Her biggest goal now? To have a place of her own. “I just want to be able to close my door and have my own space,” she says.

Until then, she holds onto hope, supported by the kindness of strangers, the dedication of organizations like Share Ourselves and Mercy House, and her own unbreakable spirit. “I’m not into drama,” she says with a laugh. “I just

focus on myself, help where I can, and keep going.”

Linda’s story is a powerful reminder that homelessness comes in many forms—it can happen to anyone, at any stage in life.

Through community support and innovative programs like the Share Ourselves Health Mobile, people like Linda can receive the healthcare and support they need when they need it most.

In Orange County, many individuals and families are facing an increasingly difficult reality. The impacts of factors like inflation, economic instability and cost of housing have made it harder than ever to make ends meet. For many, the struggle to maintain basic needs—housing, healthcare, food—has become a daily challenge.

Amidst these tough times, Share Ourselves is committed to offering steady care, providing resources and support to those navigating periods of transition and hardship. Linda’s story is one example of how, with the right care and a helping hand, it’s possible to move forward even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Community support in action

Celebrating the Chefs of Orange County

Chef Richard Mead, executive chef and owner of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, has been a leader in Orange County’s farmto-table dining scene for decades. Passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients, he has built strong relationships with local farmers to bring quality dishes to his guests.

For 20 years, Chef Mead has participated in Wild & Crazy Taco Night, crafting inventive tacos to support those in need. “I’ve always enjoyed going to Share Ourselves and seeing how everything has evolved,” Chef Mead said. “You felt that you saw changes that were made because of the support we got from all the people eating tacos and all the restaurants that made them.”

Get a taste of Chef Mead’s creative cooking at this year’s event, along with tacos from your other favorite OC restaurants including Side Door, Descanso, Puesto, and more!

Wednesday may 14, 2025 VIP Admission: 4:30 PM General Admission: 5:30 PM OC Fair & Event Center Plaza Pacifica Get ready for a fiesta like no other! Join us at our 32nd Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, where the tacos are wild, the fun is endless, and the cause is meaningful. This is your opportunity to give back by supporting Share Ourselves’ mission of providing accessible health and social services to those in need. Enjoy live entertainment, all-you-can eat tacos and drinks, and a vibrant community spirit.

Scan the QR code below or fill out the attached insert to get tickets, become a sponsor or fund-a-need.

FOR N A C S ETS! TICK

Make a meaningful impact

Sponsorship Opportunities Choose from a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to become a partner in making Taco Night a success. For more information about benefits of each level, please send an email to philanthropy@shareourselves.org

PRESENTING HABANERO $20,000

$15,000

PINATA

$10,000

CACTUS $5,000

SOMBRERO $3,000

Fund-a-need opportunties Make a direct impact on the lives of those we serve by funding a specific need! All fund-a-need donors will be listed on our website.

$5,000

$3,000

$1,500

$700

$500

Prevents eviction for 5 families

Covers utility bills for 20 families

Pays for medical and/or dental care for 3 patients

Buys groceries for 60 individuals

Provides prescriptions for 16 patients for 1 month

Tickets Early bird

After 05/05/25

VIP:

$200

$250

General admission:

$100

$125

shareourselves.org/taconight

Giving from the Heart For Kim Graves, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about seeing people and meeting them with kindness and love. Over the past year and a half, Kim has become a beloved part of the Share Ourselves family, radiating warmth, compassion, and an undeniable dedication to those in need.

Kim’s life has always been centered on love—love for her family, love for her community, and love expressed through action. As a mother of two grown sons, she’s instilled in them the same values that guide her every day.

“We never end a conversation without saying ‘I love you,’” she shares. “Helping others isn’t something I think about—it’s just who I am.”

After nearly three decades in the dental field, Kim retired and found herself with time she’d never had before. After taking some time to consider what she wanted to do, Kim felt a pull to do something meaningful. “I always wanted to volunteer, but I had to work to make a living,” she recalls. “Once I retired, I knew it was my time to give back.”

That search led her to Share Ourselves, where she immediately felt at home. “I just went online, found Share Ourselves, and knew this was where I was meant to be,” she says.

More than a volunteer Every Wednesday afternoon, Kim pours her heart into serving at the Share Ourselves Food Pantry distribution window, where she witnesses both hardship and resilience. She doesn’t just hand out food—she offers a kind smile and a moment of humanity to those who often feel invisible.

“It’s heartbreaking to see people come to the window with nothing,” she says.

“Sometimes they haven’t eaten all day. Some open the food bag right at the counter and start eating because they’re that hungry.”

But for Kim, it’s not just about the food—it’s about connection. She takes the time to listen, to remember faces and names, to ensure that every person who walks through the door knows they matter.

A calling, not just an act For Kim, volunteering isn’t just something to do—it’s a calling. “If you’ve never volunteered, please, just try it,” she urges.

“People get caught up in the idea of not getting paid, but when you’re here, none of

The impact of volunteers

that matters. The gratitude, the smiles—it fills your heart in a way money never could.”

Through Share Ourselves, Kim has come to understand the depth of need in her own community.

“Before this, I had no idea how many people were struggling right in our own backyard,” Kim admits. “Now, I see it every day. It changes you.”

And yet, for all the lives she’s touched, Kim remains humble. “I don’t do this for recognition.

I do it because I know I’m making a difference, even in the smallest ways.”

A well-deserved honor Though she never seeks the spotlight, Kim’s selflessness hasn’t gone unnoticed. This year, she was nominated for the prestigious Spirit of Volunteerism Award in Orange County—a reflection of the love and dedication she brings to Share Ourselves and the people she serves.

As Share Ourselves strives to uplift the most vulnerable in our community, volunteers like Kim are the heartbeat of the organization. Her story is a reminder that kindness is powerful, that one person can make a difference, and that sometimes, the simplest acts of love—a meal, a warm coat, a listening ear—can change a life.

If Kim’s story inspires you, take the first step.

Join the Share Ourselves volunteer team.

Because one act of kindness, no matter how small, can transform lives—including your own.

GET INVOLVED!

1 Volunteer

at Share Ourselves’ community programs or at our Food Pantry in Costa Mesa. Visit shareourselves. org/get-involved/volunteer

2

Host a drive with your family, friends, or community! Gather food, hygiene items, or clothing. For drive kits, visit shareourselves.org/getinvolved/give

3 Take a tour

of one of our 8 facilities in Orange County to learn more about Share Ourselves’ services. Email us at philanthropy@shareourselves.org

4 Attend Taco Night

to support our mission while enjoying delicious tacos. All proceeds benefit Share Ourselves’ programs & services. Get tickets: shareourselves.org/taconight

5 Stay informed

about all things Share Ourselves by signing up for our e-newsletter shareourselves.org/news-updates

6 Make a gift

to help build a healthier community. Your gift helps us continue our important work of uplifting individuals and families in OC: shareourselves.org/donate

Paying it forward

Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Santa Ana, CA Permit No. 4039

20151 SW Birch Street, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA, 92660 shareourselves.org Change of Service Requested

Anaheim • Share Ourselves at Bridges at Kraemer Place

Costa Mesa • Share Ourselves at Costa Mesa (1550 Superior Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) • Share Ourselves at BESST Center (2045 Meyer Pl. Unit C, Costa Mesa, CA 92627)

Newport Beach • Share Ourselves at Newport Beach Children & Family Health Center (307 Placentia, Suite 107, Newport Beach, CA 92663) • Share Ourselves at Newport Beach Beauchamp Children & Family Dental Center (307 Placentia, Suite 202, Newport Beach, CA 92663)

Mission Viejo • Share Ourselves at Mission Viejo (27725 Margarita Pkwy, Suite 101, Mission Viejo, CA 92691)

Come see us!

Schedule a tour at one of our locations to see the impact of your generosity firsthand and learn more about our comprehensive approach. Reach out to us at philanthropy@shareourselves.org or call 949.270.2148

Change in address Our address has changed! Please send all checks and mail to our administrative office at: 20151 SW Birch Street, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Santa Ana

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

• Share Ourselves at El Sol (1014 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701)

Share Ourselves Health Mobile • Serves various locations throughout OC shareourselves.org/donate

Lead with Dignity

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