HONORING
Christy Ward, CEO
ANAHEIM, CA
COSTA MESA, CA
MISSION VIEJO, CA
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
SANTA ANA, CA
Continuing the Mission
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
Earlier this year, we bid farewell to our founder, Jean Forbath, who passed away at the age of 95. Jean’s vision in 1970 was simple yet profound: to create a community where everyone, regardless of income or background, could access the care and support they needed.
What began as a small group of volunteers at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa has grown into a comprehensive network of services that continues to embody her spirit and mission. This small but mighty team paved the way for a future where Share Ourselves could address more health factors, from food insecurity and housing navigation to behavioral health and medication.
Jean’s legacy is not just in the services we provide, but in the way we provide them—with dignity, respect, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of health and community. Under her leadership, Share Ourselves became a lifeline for many.
Today, as we honor Jean’s memory, we are reminded of the enduring impact of her work. Our recent expansion with the opening of a new clinic in Costa Mesa is a testament to the foundation she built. This facility allows us to serve more individuals and families, providing comprehensive care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term well-being.
But our work doesn’t stop there. We continue to evolve, listen, and adapt to the changing needs of our community. As we look toward the future, we do so with a sense of purpose and dedication to carrying forward Jean’s vision. We are not just honoring her memory; we are living her mission every day.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we continue to build a healthier, more compassionate community for all.
Warm regards,
Christy
The Legacy of Jean Forbath
Jean Forbath, founder of Share Ourselves, left behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, conviction, and community action. Jean believed deeply in meeting people where they are, whether that meant delivering food, driving kids to lunch programs, or launching emergency services to help families stay afloat. Her vision was clear: everyone deserves dignity, support, and access to care.
For more than five decades, Jean poured her heart into building programs that addressed both urgent needs and long-term challenges. She led the creation of Share Ourselves’ free medical and dental clinics, and she inspired the cherished Adopt A Family holiday program. Jean was not just a founder; she was a driving force, a humble leader, and a constant reminder that change begins with showing up for one another. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives Share Ourselves continues to touch every year.
Emergency Services Fund in Remembrance of Jean Forbath
Donations made to Share Ourselves in remembrance of Jean Forbath, can be made in 3 different ways:
• Donate on our website at shareourselves. org/donate
• Mail check to: Share Ourselves, 20151 SW Birch St, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
• Email philanthropy@shareourselves.org
Please note that your donation is in remembrance of Jean Forbath. All donations will be applied to the Share Ourselves Social Services, Emergency Services Funding for individuals and families seeking emergency financial assistance for utilities, rent or other short-term emergency financial situations.
Building Healthier Futures
In May, Share Ourselves unveiled its new, state-of-the-art health center in Costa Mesa, marking a major leap forward in our mission to build healthier futures for our community. This space is designed to deliver more accessible and complete care to thousands of individuals and families.
With expanded medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and optometry services under one roof, we’re redefining what whole-person care looks like in Orange County. Want to see what the future of community health is like? Scan the QR code to see the inspiring story behind this milestone moment.
Missed the Grand Opening? Take a tour!
Join us on August 8, 2025 at 12PM & 5PM for guided tours of our new Costa Mesa facility and see firsthand how we’re creating a healthier tomorrow.
RSVP: philanthropy@shareourselves.org
Summer at
July 30, 2025
Mark your calendars for our Summer Family Service Night! Roll up your sleeves to assemble backpacks filled with essential school supplies, create hygiene kits for our unhoused neighbors, and tour our Costa Mesa campus to see the impact of your work in action.
Spots are limited! Please scan the QR code to register.
Family Service Night
Back to School Program
August 9, 2025
School supplies may seem simple, but for many families facing financial hardship, they’re out of reach. This program ensures that no child starts the school year feeling left behind.
Donate new school supplies through July 30th!
• New backpacks (dark, neutral, solid colors)
• Binders
• Notebooks or loose-leaf paper
• Ballpoint pens
Sign up to volunteer at our backpack distribution event in Costa Mesa on August 9th by emailing volunteers@shareourselves.org.
Share Ourselves
National Health Center Week
August 3-9, 2025
Every August, community health centers across the country celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW). It’s a time to honor the mission, people, and progress that make this movement so impactful. This initiative shines a spotlight on the vital role that nearly 1,500 Community Health Centers play in delivering quality, comprehensive care to more than 32.5 million patients nationwide.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating 60 Years of Progress,” recognizes six decades of innovation, compassion, and community-driven healthcare. At Share Ourselves, we’re proud to be part of this legacy, providing care, comfort, and connection to those who need it most.
Community Health Centers like ours are more than clinics, they are cornerstones of the communities they serve. From championing health to building lasting partnerships, we support patients in every season of life, through every challenge and triumph.
From August 3–9, 2025, special focus days will recognize the people who make this work possible, from dedicated team members and partners to our resilient patients and diverse communities. Follow along on social media as we celebrate the progress we’ve made and the future we’re building together.
“What brings me joy now is focusing on improving my health, doing a lot of walking, and listening to good music.”
- Sarah
Just Keep Your Head Up
Finding joy depsite life’s struggles
Sarah is no stranger to change. The only constant in her life has been change. As the daughter of an Air Force service member, she spent much of her childhood on the move. She never stayed in one place for too long and never had the chance to feel settled. Eventually, her grandparents invited Sarah, her mother, and her brother to come live with them in Orange County. The transition was not easy, but after a period of uncertainty, they moved in and began caring for her aging grandparents.
Sarah formed a deep bond with her grandmother, whose wisdom continues to guide her today. “I remember my grandmother’s last words to me,” Sarah shared. “She told me, ‘Just keep moving forward.’”
Those words became an anchor during some of the most difficult moments of her life. When her grandmother passed away in 2009, Sarah was heartbroken. Her grandfather, who was devastated by the loss, soon fell into depression and passed away five years later. Losing both grandparents in such a short time left Sarah feeling adrift. Around the same time, her relationship with her mother became strained. Financial hardships soon followed. After being forced to sell the family home, they struggled to pay rent on a new apartment. They were then evicted and found themselves living on the streets for six months.
During that time, Sarah met Michael McGlinn, Lead Care Manager at Share Ourselves. Michael connected Sarah and her mother with vital resources and the Share Ourselves Food Pantry. With his help, they secured a housing voucher and moved into an apartment in Buena Park.
“That was my birthday gift when I turned 28,” Sarah recalled with a smile. “We finally had a place to live.”
Finding Strength Through Support and Self-Care
For a while, life started to improve. However, the tensions with her mother soon resurfaced. After another argument, Sarah was once again left without a place to stay. Alone this time, she faced homelessness for three more years. During this period, she stayed in a variety of temporary housing, including a Mercy House shelter in Anaheim, a group home, and hotels. These years were marked by significant challenges, including trauma, illness, and isolation.
Despite everything, Sarah was determined not to give up. She returned to Share Ourselves, seeking support for her mental health. She began working with Darin Rorrer, LCSW, Wellness and Recovery Program Manager. Darin specializes in helping patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and other complex mental health conditions that require ongoing care.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in myself since working with Darin,” Sarah said. “Staying away from unhealthy people has helped me focus on healing. Darin told me that I need to take care of myself first, before I can care for others.”
Through counseling sessions and reflection exercises, Sarah has developed new tools to manage stress and improve her wellbeing. Darin also connected her
with medical providers at Share Ourselves who helped her access the medication she needed and create a personalized health plan. Addressing both her physical and mental health has allowed Sarah to regain stability.
Today, Sarah lives in an apartment in Costa Mesa. Her life is filled with meaningful activities. She participates in sitcom appreciation classes, attends Bible study, journals regularly, and volunteers in the community.
“I try to stay busy,” she said with a smile. “Or out of trouble, as I like to say.”
Sarah has a big heart and a strong desire to support others. Despite the many challenges she has faced, she remains full of compassion and hope.
“Share Ourselves changed my life,” Sarah said. “When I was in the shelter, I did not have access to the medication I needed. That caused so much stress and anxiety. It was a very turbulent time. Now I have the support and resources I need.”
To anyone going through a difficult time, Sarah offers this advice: “Just keep your head up. Don’t get down and depressed. Keep going, keep moving forward.”
Didyouknow?
Driving Change
AAA Escalera Group fuels community impact
At the core of AAA’s values is the belief in giving back to the communities they serve. Through their Community Impact Program, every employee is granted 8 hours of paid volunteer time each year. Thanks to Escalera, AAA’s employee-led Latinx business resource group (BRG), they’ve channeled that spirit of service into meaningful action with Share Ourselves.
Escalera’s partnership with Share Ourselves is a shining example of what happens when corporate responsibility meets grassroots compassion. “At the end of the day, you walk away feeling happy and grateful that you were able to help someone,” shared Ruby, Escalera’s former group leader who now proudly serves as the group’s charity ambassador.
A Hands-On Approach to Giving
Escalera’s impact has been felt across nearly every major Share Ourselves program. From packing food pantry bags to supporting
Back To School and holiday initiatives, their volunteers are known for their energy and speed.
“We go, we’re motivated, we do it, and then we’re like, ‘What else is there?’” Ruby laughed. “We’ve separated diapers, packed lunches, sorted hygiene kits—you name it. We just want to help however we can.”
One of Ruby’s favorite memories came during the Back to School supply drive. “We started with $50 on Thursday, and by Friday we had raised $600. My husband and I were pushing shopping carts overflowing with supplies. It was hard work but joyful work.”
That spirit of service has extended to donating clothing, hygiene items, and even small essentials from home, like hotel toiletries. And when it comes to major programs like Adopt A Family and Thanksgiving Food Distribution, Escalera is always ready to pitch in.
Driven to give back
Giving That Goes Further
Beyond volunteer hours, Escalera has also provided generous financial support, contributing $10,000 in both 2024 and 2025 to help fund critical services for vulnerable families in Orange County. These donations, made on behalf of AAA through Escalera’s giving program, demonstrate how business resource groups can be powerful vehicles for corporate impact.
“The Auto Club gives each employee designated hours a year to volunteer,” Ruby explained. “But through Escalera, we also receive funds to donate to causes close to our hearts. When I saw how Share Ourselves serves the Latinx community, I knew it was a perfect fit.”
Escalera’s philosophy is rooted in personal connection. As Ruby described, their focus on serving the Latinx community makes volunteering more meaningful for their members.
“When it’s for your community, your people, it makes it easier to step in. That’s what’s so special about our BRGs. They give us a reason to care personally.”
Partners in Purpose
To Ruby and the entire AAA Escalera team: thank you! Your generosity, dedication, and leadership make a lasting impact, not only on Share Ourselves, but on the thousands of individuals and families we serve.
Interested in getting your organization involved? Reach out to us to learn how your company can make a difference through group volunteering, sponsorships, or community partnerships by sending an email to philanthropy@shareourselves.org.
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Host a drive with your family, friends, or community! Gather food, hygiene items, or clothing. For drive kits, visit shareourselves.org/getinvolved/give
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
Join Family Service Night on July 30th to help us prepare backpacks for our annual Back To School Program. shareourselves.org/events
5 Volunteer at Share Ourselves’ community programs or at our Food Pantry in Costa Mesa. Visit shareourselves. org/get-involved/volunteer
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
Make a meaningful impact
