Health is YOU! - Winter 2024

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

CHRISTY WARD

COSTA MESA, CA

MISSION VIEJO, CA

NEWPORT BEACH, CA

SANTA ANA, CA

A New Era for Share Ourselves

What an incredible journey it has been! As we reflect on the milestones of 2023 and embrace the dawn of 2024, we stand at the threshold of a new era for our organization. It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce to you our refreshed identity – Share Ourselves.

With this new name comes a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our mission. We are more than just a collection of programs; we are a community united in our dedication to improving the health and well-being of Orange County.

Central to our rebranding effort is our new logo, a visual representation of our collective resilience and compassion. Our tagline, “Health is Everything,” serves as a poignant reminder of our holistic approach to healthcare. We recognize that true health extends far beyond medical interventions, encompassing access to nutritious food, dental care, behavioral health services, financial stability, and more.

When a patient walks through our doors, whether seeking medical care, food assistance, or financial assistance, they entrust us with their most precious possession – their health. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly, which is why we are committed to providing comprehensive support for every aspect of their well-being.

At Share Ourselves, we are steadfast in our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community. Together, let us continue to build a healthier, more resilient Orange County, because indeed, Health is Everything.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.

Sincerely,

Christy

How is Share Ourselves evolving?

While our name has evolved, we stand committed to compassionate care, community, and the belief that health is an inclusive, transformative journey for all. We express gratitude for those who have continued to support us throughout the years, allowing us to become the comprehensive health and social service provider we are today. CHECK

Share Our Selves (SOS)—now Share Ourselves—has been serving the Orange County community since 1970. With our updated name and logo, we hope to better convey our mission of uplifting the health of every individual within the community. True health encompasses so much more than just medical or dental care. Overall wellbeing also encompasses financial assistance, food security and everything in between.

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Share Ourselves has been serving the Orange County community for over 54 years. What began as a center for distributing food and clothing is now a thriving network of community healthcare centers throughout Orange County, providing for the overall health of our patients. We have come a long way in offering vital healthcare and social services, ranging from our food pantry and community programs to our healthcare services including medical, dental, and behavioral health.

Since our founding, we’ve been servants who provide care and assistance to those in need and act as advocates for systemic change. At the core of our mission, we believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare whether that involves access to affordable medications, short-term rental and utility assistance, or reliable primary care. Join us as we celebrate our remarkable history and embrace the future of holistic community health.

Administrative Office Center Opens in Newport Beach 2017

2016

Dr. Robert & Dorothy Beauchamp Children & Family Dental Center Opens in Newport Beach

2019

Health Center Opens in Mission Viejo

Bridges at Kraemer Place Clinic Opens in OC’s First Year-Round Shelter 2018

Clinic at BESST Center Opens with Newport Mesa Unified School District 2023

2020

Mobile Health Clinic Debuts

Share Ourselves Launches Transformative Brand Evolution 2024

Share Ourselves Community

In Loving Memory: Larry Kugelman

Larry Kugelman, member of the Share Ourselves board of directors, peacefully passed away on January 14 at the age of 81. Having worked in the healthcare industry for 30 years, Larry played an integral role in the local community. His life is a testament to his dedication to social service, from his time spent as a seminarian and Peace Corps volunteer in Iran to his subsequent roles as president and CEO of Cigna Healthcare of California and CEO and director of Health Plan of America.

“He left an indelible mark on our organization, on those we serve, and on those who were fortunate enough to serve with him. Larry’s leadership helped guide Share Ourselves from a small volunteer led food bank to where it stands today. Throughout that period, Larry’s passion for our mission to serve those in need never wavered. Despite his many personal commitments, Larry was always among the first to step forward to help, whether in the form of his time and energy or in the form of financial support in times of need. He was a role model for us all.” - Ernest “Will” Klatte, III, JD, Chair of Share Ourselves Board of Directors

Larry played a pivotal role in many nonprofits and foundations, especially Share Ourselves where he served on the board for 30 years. He leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those around him. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dulcie, two sons, and five grandchildren and will be remembered fondly by family, friends, and colleagues throughout the community.

Celebrating 20+ Years at Share Ourselves

Our dedicated providers and staff members help bring the Share Ourselves mission to life. Join us in celebrating team members who’ve hit a milestone of 20+ years at Share Ourselves!

• Dr. Diane Beyaoju, Dentist, 21 years

• Jesse Urena, Warehouse Manager, 22 years

• Leyda Rivera, Medical Assistant, 23 years

• Marcela Rodriguez, Medical Assistant, 23 years

• Dr. Jila Nikkhah, Dental Director, 24 years

“The most important thing in all these 23 years is the pleasure of serving the most vulnerable people in our community without resources to have quality medical care and seeing the gratitude for our services in their faces. That motivates me to continue to do my best and it makes me feel that every day I made a small difference in each individual’s life.”

- Marcela Rodriguez

“The main thing that motivates me is the impact that we have in the lives of our patients. We come across a lot of patients that haven’t had a lot of resources, but I truly believe we change lives one smile at a time. You may not think that you made an impact on someone’s life, but later on when they’re in a better place, they come back, and they tell you that you did make a difference for them and that’s really cool. As dentists and doctors, you take an oath to do no harm, but it’s not just that–it goes way beyond that. It’s really about how you can impact someone’s life and how you help them get through life’s challenges.”

- Dr. Jila Nikkhah (pictured left with CEO Christy Ward)

The Power of Case Management Health From Every Angle

Integrated services means that our patients get the care they need, from basic medical services to financial assistance, food assistance, and more.

Picture this–you have six kids at home and you’re doing your best to provide for them. Then, your husband has a stroke, becomes unable to work due to medical issues, and you lose your home. This tragic situation happened to a family at Share Ourselves. After losing their place of residence, the family did their best to find a place to sleep at night, whether that be with family members, in a motel room, or in a car.

Dr. Nazanin Sanaei MD is the lead physician of the pediatrics team at our Newport Beach location. In her time working as a pediatrician, she’s seen patients experiencing more than just medical issues, including financial insecurity, food insecurity, homelessness and more.

In a typical facility, Dr. Sanaei would have to refer patients out to get support through other resources. This is where the integrated approach at Share Ourselves comes into action. Last summer, one of the children from this family saw Dr. Sanaei’s team for medical care. During the visit, the medical team realized the child’s family was experiencing homelessness.

Many health issues come from toxic stressors at home–especially in the case of homelessness. Everything contributes to health and that’s why after identifying the struggles this family was experiencing, Dr. Sanaei’s team referred them to one of our Case Workers, Yadira Gomez, who has been working with the family ever since.

Because we have case managers, our patients are referred in-house to get the care they need in every aspect of life. Our case management team

aids with everything from paying rent and utilities to connecting patients with other organizations and programs. This holistic approach aims to care for the patient from every angle, extending far beyond basic medical care. Yadira was immediately impressed with the mother of this family and said, “She always has a smile on her face, despite the extreme difficulties they’ve faced this past year. More importantly, she consistently demonstrates her commitment to improving her situation.”

It’s not an easy feat finding housing for a family of eight. Most shelters won’t accept a family that large. Recently, the family has been living in a small garage. Despite the numerous obstacles in their way, the mom has remained positive–all while working seven days a week, caring for her six children, and supporting her husband who is still experiencing serious medical issues.

Yadira helped this family with everything from finding storage to making phone payments, securing transportation, providing food assistance, and more. They also benefited from other Share Ourselves programs, including Back to School and Adopt A Family.

With Yadira’s help, the family is currently applying for an apartment so they can gain housing stability. This is the power of Share Ourselves’ integrated approach. Health covers so much more than basic doctor’s visits. By tackling health from every angle, our team can help transform an entire family’s life. Read more about our social services at:

The Ripple Effect

“We’re all just ripples in the pond”–that’s what longtime donor and volunteer Sue Epstein believes. If we go back in time, you’ll see a woman full of determination with a work ethic like no other. Sue made a career as a library technology and management consultant and raised three wonderful children–all while managing to find time to volunteer and get involved with the community. As her children got older, Sue looked for more ways to fill her time with meaningful activities. That’s when she found Share Ourselves. What started as volunteering with the annual Adopt A Family program turned into a much deeper connection with our case management services.

Sue could tell you countless stories–and trust us, you’d like to hear them–about the tremendous impact she’s witnessed over the years. One story in particular stands out. While volunteering at Madison Elementary School in Santa Ana, she was informed of a student whose family was facing an incredibly difficult time. The mother had quickly fallen ill and the father had to stop working to take care of her. After a few

Ways to see the impact of your donations now:

• Donate to a specific program

• Create an annual fund

short weeks, the mother passed away leaving behind three children.

The school asked Sue if she thought Share Ourselves could help, and in turn, Sue reached out to the case management team to start the process. The ripples started when one volunteer offered to help provide a laptop for the eldest son who would be going to college soon. Someone else started gathering funds to support the family. Each person who heard about the situation thought about how they could help and then jumped into action.

This is what sets us apart. Look what happens when people come together–Share Ourselves helps change lives. “ ”

It was at that moment when Sue realized the ripple effect of everyone’s actions. Every action turned into another action, ultimately leading to this student and his family getting support in their greatest time of need. These types of stories are what inspired Sue to begin a yearly donation to Share Ourselves to support case managers, ensuring she would see the impact of her donations in her lifetime. With the help of her annual contribution, the case management team can serve between 75-100 families at any given time. Giving special funds

to this program extends far beyond meeting basic needs, helping provide comprehensive care for each family. These donations help turn lives around, giving the extra hand up people need to get back on their feet.

When you don’t have basic needs met, you won’t get better. That’s why the support of case managers serves as a foundation for health, ensuring people have access to not only medical care but also essential services such as utility assistance or food security. Whether you’re able to make a meaningful yearly donation like Sue, willing to help raise funds for specific programs, or able to commit your time to volunteering, you too can make a true difference in uplifting those around you.

“You know, every time I see a story about people who just gave $50 million to [an organization], I go, oh wow, wonderful–I’m never going to be able to give that. But what can I help with?” said Sue. No matter how large or small, your donations make an impact. Start considering what you’re passionate about and what programs you’d like to support. In the end, you never know where the ripple lands, but when we come together, we can see the uplift in our community.

The Impact of Donors

Sue Epstein (right) volunteering at Share Ourselves’ annual Adopt A Family program.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Choose from a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to become a partner in making Taco Night a success.

Did someone say tacos?

If you’ve never attended Wild & Crazy Taco Night, now is your chance! Join us for a vibrant celebration of flavor, community, and philanthropy as foodies and philanthropists gather to support our cause.

Experience tacos at their finest with a team of talented chefs from across Orange County competing for the title of favorite taco.

The best part? You get to enjoy sensational taco creations while supporting your local community.

All event proceeds contribute to Share Ourselves’ essential services, addressing medical and dental issues, as well as food and housing insecurity.

MAKE A DONATION

Donate items for our silent auction, such as merchandise, inkind donations, gift certificates, tickets, or in business

GET TICKETS

Purchase tickets so you can indulge in delicious tacos from local restaurants while supporting Share Ourselves.

54th Annual Adopt A Family

The Kindness of Strangers

67 1,161 350 families adopted by Share Ourselves partner schools & organizations

families adopted (5,668 people)

While the holidays are a season of cheer and kindness, they can often be difficult—especially for families facing economic challenges. This year was no exception due to rising inflation impacting the cost of living, groceries and other consumer goods.

That’s why Share Ourselves organizes our annual Adopt A Family program to ensure that families throughout Orange County can receive personalized gifts and essential items.

This year, we extended holiday cheer to 1,161 families, providing gifts and joy to 5,668 people in total. With the help of 67 different schools and organizations, along with other individuals

in the community, we created meaningful gift packages for these families.

Thanks to generous community support, Share Ourselves adopted the remaining 350 families who had not yet been adopted, ensuring everyone on our list would have a joyful holiday. The impact of this program extends far beyond material possessions, reaching the hearts of individuals.

We’ve received an outpouring of gratitude from the families and schools involved. The kindness of the community brought real comfort and hope to those who have been struggling during these challenging times.

A simple reminder that the

generosity of community members can make all the difference for a family facing difficulties. Whether it’s a toy, a blanket, or a gift card for groceries, it’s the sentiment that really counts.

Get Involved Volunteer throughout the year:

• Back to School

• Family Service Night

• Thanksgiving Food Distribution

• Adopt A Family

Meet Our Volunteers

For Judith and Molly, Christmas isn’t the same without Adopt A Family. There is something magical about seeing so many volunteers and members of the community come together to create a meaningful and memorable holiday for others.

Judith first heard about Share Ourselves in 1986. She was going to school to become a medical assistant while Share Ourselves was setting up our first medical clinic. She then began adopting families and got her church involved with the program too.

Judith has two boys who are now grown, but when they were young, she would involve them in the Adopt A Family program. She always talked to them about the family they were adopting and got them thinking about what a 3-year-old girl would like or what to get for her 14-year-old sister. This was a fun opportunity to engage her whole family and help her own children understand that there are other kids in need.

Molly joined Share Ourselves in 2012 by volunteering in the food pantry. One week during her shift, she was approached about writing profiles for the Adopt A Family program. Our profile writers describe what each family is going through and how items on their wish lists will

impact their lives. Molly has been part of the program ever since.

“For me, Adopt A Family is my Christmas. I don’t have grandchildren, but I happen to love Christmas. The idea that we’re helping so many families is a very special thing for me,” said Molly.

Molly and Judith joined the Adopt A Family committee in 2017 after having volunteered as profile writers for several years. This past year, they served as volunteer co-chairs of the event, ensuring everything came together smoothly to make the program a success.

Reading about each family is what connects people in the community. Molly and Judith can both attest that when you hear these stories, “the first thing you want to do is go out shopping so they can have a great holiday.”

“I use Adopt A Family as an opportunity every year to remind myself how privileged I am. When reading those stories, I’m reminded of how courageous these families are and how they’re trying their best,” said Judith.

Join Molly and Judith this upcoming holiday season to experience the true joy of Adopt A Family!

For both of them, the stories of each family remain the heart of the program. Adopt A Family is not about simply donating and wrapping gifts. Rather, volunteers and donors get to read about each individual family, allowing them to get to know the recipients on a deeper level–from their wishes to their struggles.

“From the very bottom of our hearts, we want to send our deepest thanks in humble gratitude for adopting our little family. Without the kindness of strangers who don’t even know us, we wouldn’t have had a Christmas.”

Judith Stamper (left) and Molly Pritchard (right) have been participating in Adopt A Family for decades.

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First in Family College Scholarship Program

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Education is health! Help break down barriers and empower first-generation college students to create a better future through education. Thanks to the encouragement and generous support of our donor community, these students can seek a higher education knowing that people believe in them and want them to thrive.