Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) today honored Orange County’s South County Outreach as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year for the 36th Senate District. This recognition is part of a larger celebration of CalNonprofits’ “California Nonprofits Day” at the State Capitol’s South Lawn.
“South County Outreach is a tremendous force for good in Orange County and I am proud to honor its work for positively changing thousands of lives,” said Senator Bates. “Whether feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, or teaching computer skills, the people of South County Outreach are making a real difference in our community.”
South County Outreach (originally Saddleback Community Outreach) is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) non-profit and non-sectarian organization dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in Orange County. Its Transitional Housing Program puts a roof over the heads of 17 households every year and its Food Pantry distributes over 800,000 pounds of food and keeps nearly 2,500 children fed annually. Other services it provides include rental and utility assistance, homeless prevention coaching and counseling, and computer skills training.
Lara Fisher, the nonprofit’s President and CEO, visited Sacramento today to accept the honor at the California Nonprofits Day Lunch at the State Capitol’s South Lawn. Ms. Fisher was accompanied by Renee Stevenson, Director of Operations; Kerry Franich, Chair of the Board of Directors; and Brandon Stillman, Treasurer of the Board.
“We thank Senator Bates for honoring South County Outreach as her Nonprofit of the Year,” said Ms. Fisher. “We believe that helping people help themselves is the most effective way to build a self-sustaining community. Our work would not be possible without the tremendous support of our staff, volunteers, and donors. This honor belongs to them as they embody the strength of community to help neighbors in need.”
The first California Nonprofits Day was held on June 22, 2016. CalNonprofits is a statewide membership organization that brings California’s nonprofit community together by working with the Legislature, government agencies, philanthropy, and the public to advocate for the communities served throughout the state.
From left to right: Renee Stevenson, South County Outreach’s (SCO) Director of Operations; Lara Fisher, SCO President and CEO; Senator Bates; Brandon Stillman, SCO Board Treasurer; and Kerry Franich, SCO Board Chair.
Photo Credit: Lorie Shelley, CA State Senate.
Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
