Health is YOU!
CHRISTY WARD
ANAHEIM, CA
COSTA MESA, CA
MISSION VIEJO, CA
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
SANTA ANA, CA
Q&A with the CEO
Q: What is “whole-person care”?
A: Whole-person care is about acknowledging patients as individuals with unique stories and needs. We understand that health goes beyond medical appointments; it involves physical, mental, emotional, economic, and social well-being. When we provide resources like housing navigation and food assistance, we’re not just improving health outcomes—we’re giving people hope and a chance to thrive. It’s about addressing Social Determinants of Health, such as housing insecurity or lack of access to nutritious food, which can create barriers to wellness. By addressing these issues, we help individuals break free from the cycle of poor health and reclaim their lives.
Q: How has your personal background influenced your understanding of the importance of whole-person care?
A: A lesser-known part of my story is that I used to be a professional figure skater and coach, and that experience really shaped my perspective. In skating, you need more than just physical strength or skill—you also need mental resilience, emotional stability, and a strong support system to succeed. That understanding of balance and interconnectedness has carried over to how I view healthcare, in which addressing health from every angle is key to lasting outcomes.
Q: How does patient education impact whole-person care?
A: Patient education empowers individuals to take their health into their own hands. Many individuals we serve feel lost and unsure of where to turn for help. By providing clear, culturally sensitive information, we guide them to the resources they need. Our dedicated care team members across the organization take the time to listen and educate patients about medication use, nutrition, stress management, and preventive care, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
Q: How do philanthropic contributions enhance whole-person care?
A: Your contributions make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. In addition to helping to pay for health services and medications for uninsured patients, donor support allows us to provide vital services like our food pantry, utility assistance, and community programs that go beyond traditional healthcare. These resources help us tackle the root causes of health disparities, giving individuals and families a chance to build brighter futures. Every dollar you donate is a step toward creating a healthier, more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What Makes Us Healthy
Social Determinants of Health
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the environmental conditions in which people live, work, and play that impact health outcomes and quality of life. They include everything from safe housing to education, access to nutritious foods, economic stability, and beyond. They also contribute to health disparities and inequities, which is why we aim to address these SDOH through a WholePerson Care approach.
How do your contributions help?
CLINICAL CARE
Enable Share Ourselves to offer comprehensive medical and dental services at affordable costs, including primary care, pediatric care, women’s health, pharmaceutical care, and preventive and restorative dental care.
Genetics Individual behaviors
Clinical care
Socioeconomic & environmental factors
INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIORS
Make it possible for us to provide integrated behavioral health and case management to support patients with mental health concerns, healthy lifestyle changes, and wellness and recovery.
GENETICS
Provide the means for us to focus on personalized care plans to assist patients in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other genetic factors that influence an individual’s health.
SOCIOECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Help us facilitate social programs like our food pantry, case management, housing navigation, rental & utility assistance, and community programs such as Adopt A Family & Back to School.
Share Ourselves at BESST Center
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Share Ourselves opened a newly renovated clinic next to Rea Elementary School in Costa Mesa. Share Ourselves at BESST Center provides comprehensive medical services to local youth, families and individuals.
“We are here to ensure everyone, regardless of insurance status, has access to quality healthcare,” said Share Ourselves CEO, Christy Ward. “With this expansion, we will be able to treat so many more people where
they work, live and play, here in Costa Mesa.”
This expansion represents a significant step forward in the commitment to provide accessible healthcare and support to the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa communities. We are grateful for our partnership with Newport Mesa Unified School District and Hoag Hospital, who made renovations to the new facility possible, and to individual contributors who will all help this clinic flourish.
PRIMARY CARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
• Chronic disease management
• ... and more!
• Mental health screenings
• Personalized care plans that address healthy lifestyle choices
• Early childhood development
• ... and more!
Back to School Program
1,776 1,776 backpacks distributed
Education is health.
At this year’s annual Back to School Program, we proudly distributed 1,776 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local children. This wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions help students start the school year ready to learn and ease the financial burden on families, giving them hope and relief.
At Share Ourselves, we believe education is a key part of health. When students have the tools they need to succeed, it leads to reduced stress, greater opportunities, and healthier outcomes in the long run. Even small acts of support can make a big difference in helping to build a stronger, healthier future for our entire community. Thank you for making this possible!
The Need in Orange County
1 in 3 households
in OC do not earn sufficient income to meet basic living needs
work hours are required per week for a minimum wage worker to afford a one-bedroom
More than one-third
of OC’s 3.15 million residents are covered only by Medi-Cal or lack insurance
From Recipient to Advocate
A full circle journey with Share Ourselves
Daniel Cortes remembers his first encounter with Share Ourselves vividly. As a young boy, his family relied on the food pantry in Costa Mesa for necessities. “We would get food and supplies that we couldn’t afford otherwise,” Daniel recalls. What was once a lifeline for his family has now come full circle—today, Daniel serves as a board member of the same organization that once supported his family.
Daniel’s story of service and community didn’t start in the boardroom. “I’ve been involved in the community in Santa Ana since I was 12,” he shares. “I’ve always tried to be part of the movement for various issues we saw growing up in our neighborhood.” His passion for community work led him to serve as a youth organizer and later, as a volunteer and contractor for different organizations including Latino Health Access.
Bridging gaps in the community
As a child, Daniel remembers the Share Ourselves free clinic because his mother needed medical care. But in general, he recalls his parents reminding him not to get sick or injured because they couldn’t afford healthcare and time away from work. When he joined the board this year, he was pleased to witness Share Ourselves’ growth and expansion to 8 locations. Looking back, Daniel remarked on the difference it would have made for his family to fully use Share Ourselves’ health services.
This topic is deeply personal for Daniel. Two years ago, his father passed away from
Coming Full Circle
cancer—a heartbreaking loss compounded by the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. “My dad didn’t have full access to healthcare. His [oncological] doctors would change frequently and there was often a language barrier,” Daniel shares. “He didn’t understand everything they were telling him, and that made him hesitant to seek care.”
It’s stories like these that remind us why Share Ourselves is so critical. While Share Ourselves doesn’t offer oncology services, we are here to help patients throughout their entire health journey, whether in the form of patient education or connecting patients with specialists. We offer more than just medical care—we offer connection, understanding, and compassion. For families like Daniel’s, having a place where doctors speak their language and understand their cultural needs can be the difference between seeking care and avoiding it altogether.
For Daniel today, Share Ourselves represents more than just the food pantry. It’s a beacon of hope for the broader struggles families face, such as healthcare access and overcoming language and cultural barriers. “Share Ourselves narrows down the gaps in the community,” Daniel explains. “Yes, it started with the food pantry, but the need goes beyond that—healthcare access, for instance, is a huge gap in underserved communities.”
“When you go to a clinic and the staff speak your language or are culturally aware of your background, it makes a big difference. That’s what Share Ourselves offers—a connection to the community.”
At Share Ourselves, we don’t just treat symptoms—we treat people. We address the whole person, knowing that aspects like
language, culture, and economic instability all play a part in someone’s well-being. The level of service and care offered by Share Ourselves today can benefit so many in the community who are apprehensive about healthcare.
Paying it forward
Daniel’s personal experiences fuel his desire to ensure that others don’t face the same challenges. As a board member, he brings a unique perspective shaped by both his own history and his continued work in the community. As Share Ourselves continues to grow, Daniel is optimistic about the organization’s future and the potential to expand its impact. “There are big things coming for Share Ourselves,” he says. “We’re opening new locations and expanding services, but we’re also staying focused on being aware of our community and its needs. That’s what makes Share Ourselves special.”
As we look toward the future, we’re filled with hope—because of leaders like Daniel, and because of supporters like you. Your contributions help ensure that no one in our community has to face the hardships of healthcare and food insecurity alone. Together, we’re closing gaps, building bridges, and creating brighter futures for OC families.
Daniel Cortes, Share Ourselves Board Member
The impact of volunteers
We’re More Alike Than Different
Kathy Stefano’s journey to becoming a cherished volunteer at Share Ourselves began with her passion for serving others. A former teacher with a big heart for children, Kathy’s compassion and energy have led her to touch countless lives, whether through her work as a doula, as a volunteer, or as a crafter.
From time spent teaching kindergarten and preschool to a career in the bed-and-breakfast industry, Kathy’s adventurous spirit always led her to connect with her community. She continuously found new ways to uplift and bring joy to others, eventually leading her to Share Ourselves where she felt called to help in the food pantry and participate in the Adopt A Family program.
“I’ve always loved kids, and being part of Adopt A Family was something that really wrapped around my heart,” Kathy explains.
“There’s such a tremendous need and seeing all the donations—especially the bicycles— just blew me away. These families are often choosing between feeding their kids and
paying rent. They’re not all experiencing homelessness or in extreme situations; they’re just doing the best they can.”
For Kathy, volunteering at Share Ourselves is deeply personal, driven by a simple but powerful motto she keeps close to her heart: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s a guiding principle that reflects her desire to make a tangible difference, not just for the organization but in the lives of the individuals she encounters daily.
Kathy’s warmth and nurturing spirit extend beyond her work with Share Ourselves. For years, she has worked as a doula, supporting new parents and helping families navigate the overwhelming experience of caring for newborns. She’s also found ways to combine her love of crafting with her desire to give back. Years ago, she began making handmade dolls and teddy bears. She donates these thoughtfully crafted gifts to various organizations, bringing comfort to children facing difficult circumstances.
Kathy Stefano volunteering at the distribution window at Share Ourselves at Costa Mesa.
Making connections
She’s forged strong relationships with those she serves, including one with a woman named Paige who was experiencing homelessness. “I saw Paige several times at Share Ourselves, and I just felt this pull to get to know her,” Kathy recalls. As she took time to learn about Paige, she discovered they had attended the same high school in Northern California, albeit at different times. “We eventually became friends, and I watched her work hard to get off the streets. It’s connections like these that make everything worth it.”
Through volunteering at the distribution window, Kathy has come to know many of the people who visit Share Ourselves. Take, for example, the man who used to come by asking for dental floss, specifically the “Glide” brand. At first, the request seemed small, almost humorous, but Kathy realized it symbolized something much deeper. He cared about his health and dignity, even amid personal hardship.
As she learned more about his life, she discovered he had once graduated from USC and held a steady job, but his world turned upside down after the traumatic loss of his mother. Through these moments, she realized that the people who come to Share Ourselves are not defined by their current circumstances—they have lived rich lives and faced challenges just like anyone else.
Another patient, a soft-spoken man in his 60s, once shared with Kathy how difficult it was for him to ask for food. He didn’t want to be reliant on anyone, but life had brought him to this point. Despite his circumstances, he was taking night classes and recently shared the exciting news that his team had won first place in a competition. His quiet determination struck Kathy deeply— here was someone striving for a better future, even while navigating the challenges of seeking help.
Volunteering means more than providing food or necessities—it’s about connecting with people, listening to their stories, and offering them hope and dignity. It’s about being part of their journey, and in doing so, fulfilling that personal commitment to be the change Kathy wishes to see in the world.
Lessons learned
During the first night of a multicultural relationships class Kathy took at Orange Coast College, she learned a profound lesson. The professor explained that within a quarter of a second, we make assumptions about someone based on their appearance, how they speak, or even their living situation. This lesson stuck with Kathy. It’s something she reflects on regularly as she volunteers.
“We all pass judgment within a quarter of a second,” Kathy says. “Whether it’s about someone’s hair, their skin color, the way they talk, or the fact they might live in their car.” It’s human nature, but she’s learned to pause and remind herself to see beyond first impressions.
This lesson has deeply influenced how Kathy approaches the individuals who come to Share Ourselves. Rather than allowing those initial judgments to shape her interactions, she makes a conscious effort to see the whole person—to listen to their stories, understand their struggles, and offer them compassion. It’s this perspective that keeps her grounded in her volunteer work, reminding her that everyone deserves dignity, no matter their circumstances. Through her time at Share Ourselves, Kathy has learned that kindness, patience, and withholding judgment can make all the difference in someone’s life because in the end, we are more alike than we are different.
My Most Memorable Holiday
One tragic night, everything changed for Perla and her family. Her father was locking up his truck when a speeding car came out of nowhere, hitting and killing him on impact. The news spread quickly through the tightknit community, and within hours, Perla’s principal, teacher and some moms from the school were at their door.
The girls sat together, staring out the window where their father once stood. Their lives had just been altered forever. Their mother had gone to the hospital in shock, now a widow, grieving her husband, and unsure about how she was going to care for her daughters without him. He had been the family’s provider, and now the future seemed uncertain.
At the time, Perla was a freshman in high school, and her two younger sisters were in sixth and seventh grade. The girls were devastated and their mom, overwhelmed by grief, could barely leave the house.
Through it all, their school community was there, quietly supporting them in any way they could. Whether it was dropping off meals or making sure their needs were met, they tried to lift the burden off the family’s shoulders. That November, their school submitted their profiles for Share Ourselves’ Adopt A Family program.
Something as simple as receiving gifts for the holidays made an incredible change. For the first time since losing their father, the family experienced real joy again. The girls received clothes and shoes–things that had become difficult to afford without their dad. Their mother, who had been so withdrawn, lit up when she received a set of new pots and pans. For her, it was more than just a gift. It was a sign that people she didn’t even know cared and wanted to help her rebuild.
Adopt A Family is not just about the gifts. It’s about making each family feel seen, supported, and loved during difficult times. Those acts of kindness and the Adopt A Family program helped Perla’s family pull out of the darkest period of their lives. The girls started smiling again. Their mom, who hadn’t left the house in weeks, found the motivation to re-engage with the world. She even started volunteering at different food distribution events and brought her daughters along to give back.
Over time, the family began to heal. The girls, all exceptional students, went on to do amazing things. Currently, Perla is thriving at college in San Diego, her sister Kimberly is at Notre Dame on a Full-ride scholarship, and the youngest sister Bella is up for the salutatorian of her high school.
The girls were all remarkable to begin with, but being adopted for the holidays brought some light and joy at a dark time. For Perla, it was the most memorable holiday yet. Later, Kimberly called her former principal to thank the school and Share Ourselves for their years of support. “When I grow up, I hope I get to do the same thing for other people like you’ve helped my family,” Kimberly said.
55th Annual
Make the holidays brighter for a family in need! For 55 years, our Adopt A Family program has profoundly impacted families facing challenges and economic hardships. With your help, we can provide personalized gifts and community support. Visit shareourselves.org/aaf to learn how you can get involved.
Adoption opens on Monday, 11/04/2024
Adoption closes on Friday, 12/06/2024
Sunday, 12/15/2024 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Monday, 12/16/2024 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
20151 SW Birch Street, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA, 92660 shareourselves.org
Change of Service Requested
Costa Mesa
•Share Ourselves at Costa Mesa
•Share Ourselves at BESST Center
Newport Beach
•Share Ourselves at Newport Beach Children & Family Health Center
•Share Ourselves at Newport Beach Beauchamp Children & Family Dental Center
Mission Viejo
•Share Ourselves at Mission Viejo
Santa Ana
•Share Ourselves at El Sol
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 949.270.2148 or email philanthropy@shareourselves.org
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