Preventing Hunger and Homelessness-Helping People Help Themselves

Annual Report 2012

26776 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630 • 949.380.8144 • www.sco-oc.org

Board of DirectorsDebby ThrailkillPresident, Board of DirectorsLighting Supply, Inc.

Larry MountPresident-Elect, Board of DirectorsEdison Capital, Edison Mission Energy, Retired

Robert VanEverySecretary, Board of DirectorsRockwell Collins

Matthew ConradTreasurer, Board of DirectorsConrad LLP

Ken BowenThe Bowen Team Re/Max Real Estate Group

Patricia FlackYamaha Corporation of America

Chang LeeUnion Bank

Christina MahrApplied Medical

Andrew MorrowCBRE Brokerage Services

Robert NelsonExperian Group

Steve SeveryAmerican Diversified Dental Systems

Mike StuhleyFormtran, Inc. and GoScan, Inc.

Mike ThompsonUBS – The Thompson/Katzaroff Financial Group

Melinda WhiteToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Kathy WilburToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Advisory CommitteeHelen Vallerand Pfizer, Retired

Our MissionPartnering to touch lives by preventing

hunger and homelessness and

providing individuals, families and

seniors in crisis with the tools that help

them help themselves.

Our VisionSouth Orange County becomes a

community where no one need

experience hunger or homelessness.

Shandy’s Story

SOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH has served the underemployed, the unemployed, households in crisis and the homeless since 1989. Many of our clients struggle to make a living earning minimum wage. Residents from Irvine to San Clemente and Laguna Beach to Rancho Santa Margarita, from all backgrounds and walks of life visit our doors.

Let me start from the beginning. After spending a year and a half temporarily living with family members, it was time for me and my husband,

Mike, and our 3-year old son to move out on our own. We were living with Mike’s aunt in San Clemente and had one month left before we had to move

out. The only problem was that we had nowhere to go. We were making just enough to buy food, but the thought of trying to make it on our own seemed

impossible.

Mikewasletgofromhisjobandcouldn’tfindworkandIworkedpart-time.Whenitseemedlikewehadnowheretoturn,Istartedcallingforhelp.

IcontactedSouthCountyOutreachafterbeingreferredbyanothernon-profitorganization.IinterviewedwithAngella,aCase Manager for the Transitional

Housing Program.

Iwassonervousduringandaftertheinterviewprocess.IrememberpacingbackandforthatMike’saunt’shousewonderingwhatourfutureheld!

Aftermuchhopingandpraying,Ireceivedthecallthatwewereacceptedintheprogram.Wewereoverjoyed!Justthethoughtofhavingourownplace

andbeingabletoprovideforoursonwasamazing.

Beginningtheprogram,wecouldn’tbelievehowmanyresourcestherewereatSouthCountyOutreach.WithtwoweeklymeetingswithourCase

Manager and other program participants, we focused on setting goals in all aspects of our lives – budgeting, employment and personal growth. We reviewed

our goals weekly and were able to see how we progressed. Budgeting and saving was so important and we were able to see where our money was going.

Itgotusthinkingabouthavingahomeofourownandafutureforourfamily.Anytimeweneededhelp,Cassie,ourCase Manager, was there. She

genuinely cared whether we did well, helped us through the process and made

sure we were on the right path.

Within9-monthswewereabletoattainself-sufficiency.Mikeand

Iwereabletofindfulltimework,eachreceivingpromotionsandraises;find

affordable childcare for our son and save for a deposit for an apartment

ofourown.OnDecember15,justbeforetheholidays,wemovedintoour

apartment.TheTransitionalHousingProgramwaseverythingtous.Ithelped

us get back on our feet, taught us how to save, how to be responsible, helped us

bebetterparentsandgaveusconfidenceinlife.Theprogramwasacomplete

lifesaver – it saved us. We will be forever grateful.. - Shandy

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500Total Residents Served 9,201

Unincorporated Areas 449

San Juan Capistrano 907

San Clemente 425

Rancho Santa Margarita 573

Mission Viejo 1,234

Lake Forest 2,391

Laguna Woods 109

Laguna Niguel 541

Laguna Hills 692

Laguna Beach 35

Irvine 970

Homeless 277

Dana Point/Capo. Beach 134

Aliso Viejo 464

Client Visits by City 2012Our clients receive an average of four services annually for a total of 55,345 services to South County residents.

More than 18,000 people experience

homelessness over the course of a year

in Orange County. Even more are faced

with the threat of homelessness and

hunger. We help 9,201 residents annually

through 55,345 services.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share with you our 2012 Annual Report. Many of our achievements are a direct result of generosity. In addition to financial support, many people volunteered to deliver our programs, attended our events, spoke on our behalf, encouraged their neighbors to learn more about us and shared with those in need how we could help.

We continue to be driven by the desire to make our vision into a reality. South Orange County can become a community where no one experiences hunger or homelessness and the challenges that our clients have today become memories.

Annually, South County Outreach assists more than 9,000 South Orange County residents through more than 55,000 services. Sadly, forty-five percent of the people that need our help are children. With all the problems that we face as a nation, hunger and homelessness would seem to be the challenge that is most personal and most directly impacts the children in our communities and should be the easiest to eliminate.

Every day, South County Outreach makes a direct and positive impact on our communities by assisting vulnerable residents with the tools that help them help themselves. The staff and volunteers enrich and renew many lives through their kind delivery of service. That kindness is further elevated by the dignity that they afford each person who visits our front door.

These continue to be difficult times for non-profits, yet there is significant momentum at South County Outreach. We closed 2012 with a positive balance, secured more than 40,000 hours of volunteer support, supplied food to 3,000 residents each month and sheltered 30 families.

This annual report provides just a brief snapshot of the ways South County Outreach is partnering to touch lives by preventing hunger and homelessness. We hope you enjoy reading more about our programs.

Debby Thrailkill Lära FisherPresident, Board of Directors Executive Director

2012 TOTAl INCOmE $2.8m

GIFTS IN KIND53%

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

14%

OTHER COMMUNITY GRANTS

7%

INDIVIDUALS10%

FAITH GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS

4%

CORPORATIONS & BUSINESSES 1%

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE6% RENTAL INCOME

3%EVENTS

2%

PROGRAMS 85%

FUND RAISING3%

ADMIN

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

4%

8%

ExpENSES $2.7m

of those we serve are children45%

households received donated holiday meals and children’s holiday toys

1,420

back-to-school backpacks were distributed to children

1,300

1,858donors in 2012

requests were funded for a total of $343,767

grant43Thank You

South County Outreach would like to thank the following cities for their continued support: Aliso Viejo, Irvine, laguna Niguel, laguna Woods, lake Forest, mission Viejo and Rancho Santa margarita.

A Message From South County Outreach

Individuals, families, faith communities, businesses, schools, corporations and organizations support all aspects of South County Outreach including assisting clients in our program areas, conducting food and clothing drives and participating in our backpack, school supply and Holiday Adopt-a-Family Programs. With only seven full-time staff members, nearly 2,000 volunteers log 42,267 hours annually.

VOLUNTEERS

As the social enterprise of South County Outreach, Upscale Resale provides gently used clothing and housewares to the community, generating $40,000 annually in direct revenue that keeps our Food Pantry shelves full when donations are low. More than 400 clothing vouchers are distributed to clients needing clothing for themselves and their children.

UPSCALE RESALE THRIFT STORE

COMPUTER LEARNING LABOur Computer Learning Lab offers free computer classes to promote workforce development for more than 500 students annually who are trying to increase their skills to obtain better paying jobs. As unemployed and underemployed residents seek to increase their financial stability, South County Outreach remains dedicated to helping improve workforce knowledge and skills.

HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAMEvery now and then hard working people experience financial hardship. Sometimes our neighbors just need a little extra help in paying bills. The program helps families “stay housed” reducing the costs of eviction and preventing homelessness. In 2012, we distributed $76,000 in assistance checks to property owners and utility companies on behalf of our clients.

FOOD PANTRYThe Food Pantry provides a variety of nonperishable foods, fresh produce and breads and sometimes dairy and meat products for families to take home and make nourishing meals. We provide a week’s worth of emergency food to 3,000 residents per month. We collect and distribute 900,000 lbs. of food each year.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMThis comprehensive program helped approximately 32 families; 37 adults and 66 children in 2012 reach self-sufficiency by housing them in 17 South County Outreach owned condominiums. Our masters-level case management team work with families on issues such as financial management, day care, life skills, education, and employment enhancement through personalized attention.

2012 2011Current Assets $462,627 $377,198Total Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

liabilities $522,499 $540,447Net Assets $1,306,364 $1,276,166Total liabilities & Net Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

Preventing Hunger and Homelessness-Helping People Help Themselves

Annual Report 2012

26776 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630 • 949.380.8144 • www.sco-oc.org

Board of DirectorsDebby ThrailkillPresident, Board of DirectorsLighting Supply, Inc.

Larry MountPresident-Elect, Board of DirectorsEdison Capital, Edison Mission Energy, Retired

Robert VanEverySecretary, Board of DirectorsRockwell Collins

Matthew ConradTreasurer, Board of DirectorsConrad LLP

Ken BowenThe Bowen Team Re/Max Real Estate Group

Patricia FlackYamaha Corporation of America

Chang LeeUnion Bank

Christina MahrApplied Medical

Andrew MorrowCBRE Brokerage Services

Robert NelsonExperian Group

Steve SeveryAmerican Diversified Dental Systems

Mike StuhleyFormtran, Inc. and GoScan, Inc.

Mike ThompsonUBS – The Thompson/Katzaroff Financial Group

Melinda WhiteToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Kathy WilburToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Advisory CommitteeHelen Vallerand Pfizer, Retired

Our MissionPartnering to touch lives by preventing

hunger and homelessness and

providing individuals, families and

seniors in crisis with the tools that help

them help themselves.

Our VisionSouth Orange County becomes a

community where no one need

experience hunger or homelessness.

Shandy’s Story

SOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH has served the underemployed, the unemployed, households in crisis and the homeless since 1989. Many of our clients struggle to make a living earning minimum wage. Residents from Irvine to San Clemente and Laguna Beach to Rancho Santa Margarita, from all backgrounds and walks of life visit our doors.

Let me start from the beginning. After spending a year and a half temporarily living with family members, it was time for me and my husband,

Mike, and our 3-year old son to move out on our own. We were living with Mike’s aunt in San Clemente and had one month left before we had to move

out. The only problem was that we had nowhere to go. We were making just enough to buy food, but the thought of trying to make it on our own seemed

impossible.

Mikewasletgofromhisjobandcouldn’tfindworkandIworkedpart-time.Whenitseemedlikewehadnowheretoturn,Istartedcallingforhelp.

IcontactedSouthCountyOutreachafterbeingreferredbyanothernon-profitorganization.IinterviewedwithAngella,aCase Manager for the Transitional

Housing Program.

Iwassonervousduringandaftertheinterviewprocess.IrememberpacingbackandforthatMike’saunt’shousewonderingwhatourfutureheld!

Aftermuchhopingandpraying,Ireceivedthecallthatwewereacceptedintheprogram.Wewereoverjoyed!Justthethoughtofhavingourownplace

andbeingabletoprovideforoursonwasamazing.

Beginningtheprogram,wecouldn’tbelievehowmanyresourcestherewereatSouthCountyOutreach.WithtwoweeklymeetingswithourCase

Manager and other program participants, we focused on setting goals in all aspects of our lives – budgeting, employment and personal growth. We reviewed

our goals weekly and were able to see how we progressed. Budgeting and saving was so important and we were able to see where our money was going.

Itgotusthinkingabouthavingahomeofourownandafutureforourfamily.Anytimeweneededhelp,Cassie,ourCase Manager, was there. She

genuinely cared whether we did well, helped us through the process and made

sure we were on the right path.

Within9-monthswewereabletoattainself-sufficiency.Mikeand

Iwereabletofindfulltimework,eachreceivingpromotionsandraises;find

affordable childcare for our son and save for a deposit for an apartment

ofourown.OnDecember15,justbeforetheholidays,wemovedintoour

apartment.TheTransitionalHousingProgramwaseverythingtous.Ithelped

us get back on our feet, taught us how to save, how to be responsible, helped us

bebetterparentsandgaveusconfidenceinlife.Theprogramwasacomplete

lifesaver – it saved us. We will be forever grateful.. - Shandy

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500Total Residents Served 9,201

Unincorporated Areas 449

San Juan Capistrano 907

San Clemente 425

Rancho Santa Margarita 573

Mission Viejo 1,234

Lake Forest 2,391

Laguna Woods 109

Laguna Niguel 541

Laguna Hills 692

Laguna Beach 35

Irvine 970

Homeless 277

Dana Point/Capo. Beach 134

Aliso Viejo 464

Client Visits by City 2012Our clients receive an average of four services annually for a total of 55,345 services to South County residents.

More than 18,000 people experience

homelessness over the course of a year

in Orange County. Even more are faced

with the threat of homelessness and

hunger. We help 9,201 residents annually

through 55,345 services.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share with you our 2012 Annual Report. Many of our achievements are a direct result of generosity. In addition to financial support, many people volunteered to deliver our programs, attended our events, spoke on our behalf, encouraged their neighbors to learn more about us and shared with those in need how we could help.

We continue to be driven by the desire to make our vision into a reality. South Orange County can become a community where no one experiences hunger or homelessness and the challenges that our clients have today become memories.

Annually, South County Outreach assists more than 9,000 South Orange County residents through more than 55,000 services. Sadly, forty-five percent of the people that need our help are children. With all the problems that we face as a nation, hunger and homelessness would seem to be the challenge that is most personal and most directly impacts the children in our communities and should be the easiest to eliminate.

Every day, South County Outreach makes a direct and positive impact on our communities by assisting vulnerable residents with the tools that help them help themselves. The staff and volunteers enrich and renew many lives through their kind delivery of service. That kindness is further elevated by the dignity that they afford each person who visits our front door.

These continue to be difficult times for non-profits, yet there is significant momentum at South County Outreach. We closed 2012 with a positive balance, secured more than 40,000 hours of volunteer support, supplied food to 3,000 residents each month and sheltered 30 families.

This annual report provides just a brief snapshot of the ways South County Outreach is partnering to touch lives by preventing hunger and homelessness. We hope you enjoy reading more about our programs.

Debby Thrailkill Lära FisherPresident, Board of Directors Executive Director

2012 TOTAl INCOmE $2.8m

GIFTS IN KIND53%

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

14%

OTHER COMMUNITY GRANTS

7%

INDIVIDUALS10%

FAITH GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS

4%

CORPORATIONS & BUSINESSES 1%

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE6% RENTAL INCOME

3%EVENTS

2%

PROGRAMS 85%

FUND RAISING3%

ADMIN

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

4%

8%

ExpENSES $2.7m

of those we serve are children45%

households received donated holiday meals and children’s holiday toys

1,420

back-to-school backpacks were distributed to children

1,300

1,858donors in 2012

requests were funded for a total of $343,767

grant43Thank You

South County Outreach would like to thank the following cities for their continued support: Aliso Viejo, Irvine, laguna Niguel, laguna Woods, lake Forest, mission Viejo and Rancho Santa margarita.

A Message From South County Outreach

Individuals, families, faith communities, businesses, schools, corporations and organizations support all aspects of South County Outreach including assisting clients in our program areas, conducting food and clothing drives and participating in our backpack, school supply and Holiday Adopt-a-Family Programs. With only seven full-time staff members, nearly 2,000 volunteers log 42,267 hours annually.

VOLUNTEERS

As the social enterprise of South County Outreach, Upscale Resale provides gently used clothing and housewares to the community, generating $40,000 annually in direct revenue that keeps our Food Pantry shelves full when donations are low. More than 400 clothing vouchers are distributed to clients needing clothing for themselves and their children.

UPSCALE RESALE THRIFT STORE

COMPUTER LEARNING LABOur Computer Learning Lab offers free computer classes to promote workforce development for more than 500 students annually who are trying to increase their skills to obtain better paying jobs. As unemployed and underemployed residents seek to increase their financial stability, South County Outreach remains dedicated to helping improve workforce knowledge and skills.

HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAMEvery now and then hard working people experience financial hardship. Sometimes our neighbors just need a little extra help in paying bills. The program helps families “stay housed” reducing the costs of eviction and preventing homelessness. In 2012, we distributed $76,000 in assistance checks to property owners and utility companies on behalf of our clients.

FOOD PANTRYThe Food Pantry provides a variety of nonperishable foods, fresh produce and breads and sometimes dairy and meat products for families to take home and make nourishing meals. We provide a week’s worth of emergency food to 3,000 residents per month. We collect and distribute 900,000 lbs. of food each year.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMThis comprehensive program helped approximately 32 families; 37 adults and 66 children in 2012 reach self-sufficiency by housing them in 17 South County Outreach owned condominiums. Our masters-level case management team work with families on issues such as financial management, day care, life skills, education, and employment enhancement through personalized attention.

2012 2011Current Assets $462,627 $377,198Total Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

liabilities $522,499 $540,447Net Assets $1,306,364 $1,276,166Total liabilities & Net Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500Total Residents Served 9,201

Unincorporated Areas 449

San Juan Capistrano 907

San Clemente 425

Rancho Santa Margarita 573

Mission Viejo 1,234

Lake Forest 2,391

Laguna Woods 109

Laguna Niguel 541

Laguna Hills 692

Laguna Beach 35

Irvine 970

Homeless 277

Dana Point/Capo. Beach 134

Aliso Viejo 464

Client Visits by City 2012Our clients receive an average of four services annually for a total of 55,345 services to South County residents.

More than 18,000 people experience

homelessness over the course of a year

in Orange County. Even more are faced

with the threat of homelessness and

hunger. We help 9,201 residents annually

through 55,345 services.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share with you our 2012 Annual Report. Many of our achievements are a direct result of generosity. In addition to financial support, many people volunteered to deliver our programs, attended our events, spoke on our behalf, encouraged their neighbors to learn more about us and shared with those in need how we could help.

We continue to be driven by the desire to make our vision into a reality. South Orange County can become a community where no one experiences hunger or homelessness and the challenges that our clients have today become memories.

Annually, South County Outreach assists more than 9,000 South Orange County residents through more than 55,000 services. Sadly, forty-five percent of the people that need our help are children. With all the problems that we face as a nation, hunger and homelessness would seem to be the challenge that is most personal and most directly impacts the children in our communities and should be the easiest to eliminate.

Every day, South County Outreach makes a direct and positive impact on our communities by assisting vulnerable residents with the tools that help them help themselves. The staff and volunteers enrich and renew many lives through their kind delivery of service. That kindness is further elevated by the dignity that they afford each person who visits our front door.

These continue to be difficult times for non-profits, yet there is significant momentum at South County Outreach. We closed 2012 with a positive balance, secured more than 40,000 hours of volunteer support, supplied food to 3,000 residents each month and sheltered 30 families.

This annual report provides just a brief snapshot of the ways South County Outreach is partnering to touch lives by preventing hunger and homelessness. We hope you enjoy reading more about our programs.

Debby Thrailkill Lära FisherPresident, Board of Directors Executive Director

2012 TOTAl INCOmE $2.8m

GIFTS IN KIND53%

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

14%

OTHER COMMUNITY GRANTS

7%

INDIVIDUALS10%

FAITH GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS

4%

CORPORATIONS & BUSINESSES 1%

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE6% RENTAL INCOME

3%EVENTS

2%

PROGRAMS 85%

FUND RAISING3%

ADMIN

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

4%

8%

ExpENSES $2.7m

of those we serve are children45%

households received donated holiday meals and children’s holiday toys

1,420

back-to-school backpacks were distributed to children

1,300

1,858donors in 2012

requests were funded for a total of $343,767

grant43Thank You

South County Outreach would like to thank the following cities for their continued support: Aliso Viejo, Irvine, laguna Niguel, laguna Woods, lake Forest, mission Viejo and Rancho Santa margarita.

A Message From South County Outreach

Individuals, families, faith communities, businesses, schools, corporations and organizations support all aspects of South County Outreach including assisting clients in our program areas, conducting food and clothing drives and participating in our backpack, school supply and Holiday Adopt-a-Family Programs. With only seven full-time staff members, nearly 2,000 volunteers log 42,267 hours annually.

VOLUNTEERS

As the social enterprise of South County Outreach, Upscale Resale provides gently used clothing and housewares to the community, generating $40,000 annually in direct revenue that keeps our Food Pantry shelves full when donations are low. More than 400 clothing vouchers are distributed to clients needing clothing for themselves and their children.

UPSCALE RESALE THRIFT STORE

COMPUTER LEARNING LABOur Computer Learning Lab offers free computer classes to promote workforce development for more than 500 students annually who are trying to increase their skills to obtain better paying jobs. As unemployed and underemployed residents seek to increase their financial stability, South County Outreach remains dedicated to helping improve workforce knowledge and skills.

HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAMEvery now and then hard working people experience financial hardship. Sometimes our neighbors just need a little extra help in paying bills. The program helps families “stay housed” reducing the costs of eviction and preventing homelessness. In 2012, we distributed $76,000 in assistance checks to property owners and utility companies on behalf of our clients.

FOOD PANTRYThe Food Pantry provides a variety of nonperishable foods, fresh produce and breads and sometimes dairy and meat products for families to take home and make nourishing meals. We provide a week’s worth of emergency food to 3,000 residents per month. We collect and distribute 900,000 lbs. of food each year.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMThis comprehensive program helped approximately 32 families; 37 adults and 66 children in 2012 reach self-sufficiency by housing them in 17 South County Outreach owned condominiums. Our masters-level case management team work with families on issues such as financial management, day care, life skills, education, and employment enhancement through personalized attention.

2012 2011Current Assets $462,627 $377,198Total Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

liabilities $522,499 $540,447Net Assets $1,306,364 $1,276,166Total liabilities & Net Assets $1,828,863 $1,816,613

Preventing Hunger and Homelessness-Helping People Help Themselves

Annual Report 2012

26776 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630 • 949.380.8144 • www.sco-oc.org

Board of DirectorsDebby ThrailkillPresident, Board of DirectorsLighting Supply, Inc.

Larry MountPresident-Elect, Board of DirectorsEdison Capital, Edison Mission Energy, Retired

Robert VanEverySecretary, Board of DirectorsRockwell Collins

Matthew ConradTreasurer, Board of DirectorsConrad LLP

Ken BowenThe Bowen Team Re/Max Real Estate Group

Patricia FlackYamaha Corporation of America

Chang LeeUnion Bank

Christina MahrApplied Medical

Andrew MorrowCBRE Brokerage Services

Robert NelsonExperian Group

Steve SeveryAmerican Diversified Dental Systems

Mike StuhleyFormtran, Inc. and GoScan, Inc.

Mike ThompsonUBS – The Thompson/Katzaroff Financial Group

Melinda WhiteToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Kathy WilburToshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Advisory CommitteeHelen Vallerand Pfizer, Retired

Our MissionPartnering to touch lives by preventing

hunger and homelessness and

providing individuals, families and

seniors in crisis with the tools that help

them help themselves.

Our VisionSouth Orange County becomes a

community where no one need

experience hunger or homelessness.

Shandy’s Story

SOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH has served the underemployed, the unemployed, households in crisis and the homeless since 1989. Many of our clients struggle to make a living earning minimum wage. Residents from Irvine to San Clemente and Laguna Beach to Rancho Santa Margarita, from all backgrounds and walks of life visit our doors.

Let me start from the beginning. After spending a year and a half temporarily living with family members, it was time for me and my husband,

Mike, and our 3-year old son to move out on our own. We were living with Mike’s aunt in San Clemente and had one month left before we had to move

out. The only problem was that we had nowhere to go. We were making just enough to buy food, but the thought of trying to make it on our own seemed

impossible.

Mikewasletgofromhisjobandcouldn’tfindworkandIworkedpart-time.Whenitseemedlikewehadnowheretoturn,Istartedcallingforhelp.

IcontactedSouthCountyOutreachafterbeingreferredbyanothernon-profitorganization.IinterviewedwithAngella,aCase Manager for the Transitional

Housing Program.

Iwassonervousduringandaftertheinterviewprocess.IrememberpacingbackandforthatMike’saunt’shousewonderingwhatourfutureheld!

Aftermuchhopingandpraying,Ireceivedthecallthatwewereacceptedintheprogram.Wewereoverjoyed!Justthethoughtofhavingourownplace

andbeingabletoprovideforoursonwasamazing.

Beginningtheprogram,wecouldn’tbelievehowmanyresourcestherewereatSouthCountyOutreach.WithtwoweeklymeetingswithourCase

Manager and other program participants, we focused on setting goals in all aspects of our lives – budgeting, employment and personal growth. We reviewed

our goals weekly and were able to see how we progressed. Budgeting and saving was so important and we were able to see where our money was going.

Itgotusthinkingabouthavingahomeofourownandafutureforourfamily.Anytimeweneededhelp,Cassie,ourCase Manager, was there. She

genuinely cared whether we did well, helped us through the process and made

sure we were on the right path.

Within9-monthswewereabletoattainself-sufficiency.Mikeand

Iwereabletofindfulltimework,eachreceivingpromotionsandraises;find

affordable childcare for our son and save for a deposit for an apartment

ofourown.OnDecember15,justbeforetheholidays,wemovedintoour

apartment.TheTransitionalHousingProgramwaseverythingtous.Ithelped

us get back on our feet, taught us how to save, how to be responsible, helped us

bebetterparentsandgaveusconfidenceinlife.Theprogramwasacomplete

lifesaver – it saved us. We will be forever grateful.. - Shandy