UNSEEN NEEDS,
VISIBLE SOLUTIONS.
UNDERSTANDING AND
MEETING THE HIDDEN
NEEDS – TOGETHER
With immense pride and gratitude, we present the 2023 Annual Report for South County Outreach, reflecting the extraordinary impact we collectively achieved throughout the past year. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our donors, volunteers, and community members, who have played a vital role in supporting our vision of providing more than food, but also self-sufficiency, respect, and dignity to those in need.
Understanding Hidden Needs
Those served by South County Outreach are not who you might think. Imagine a parent whose minimum wage job provides no benefits. When they take a day off to care for a sick child, they find their paycheck is not enough to cover the rent. Consider a single mom on public assistance who faces the impossible choice between keeping their apartment and buying new school clothes for her children—and makes the wrong choice. Picture a troubled youth who gets kicked out or runs away from home, with no income and no idea what to do next. The specific individual causes of the crisis vary, but the result is the same — need for South County Outreach.
Meeting the Needs
Thanks to your unwavering support, we were able to make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Through our food and housing programs, we offered stability and hope, ensuring that those in our community could maintain secure and comfortable living conditions.
None of this would have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. The time, energy, and passion of our volunteers have not only nourished individuals but have also fostered a sense of community and created lasting change.
Our collaborative spirit has never been stronger. By partnering with over 300 local organizations, businesses, foundations, schools, and community groups, we have formed a united front against hunger and homelessness. These partnerships are a testament to the power of collective action and shared purpose.
Looking Forward
As we embark on the upcoming year, we invite each of you to join us once again in making a meaningful impact. Your continued support, whether through donations, volunteerism, or advocacy, will enable us to expand our reach in Orange County and beyond.
Thank you for being a vital part of our mission and for believing in the power of unseen needs and visible solutions.
LaVal Brewer
President & CEO
Brian Farrell
Chair, Board of Directors
FINANCIALS
IMPACT
Clients by City
MILESTONES
Volunteers
Community in Need
Partnerships
“THAT’S MY PANTRY”
Every weekday morning, Jasmine is the familiar face at the crosswalk, greeting children and their families on their way to school with a bright smile and warm personality. As the local crossing guard, she ensures everyone arrives safely, becoming a staple in the community.
Once a month, after her morning shift, Jasmine heads to South County Outreach. “That’s my pantry,” she proudly says of the SCO Food Market, which has become a vital resource in her journey of resilience.
Jasmine grew up in a bustling household in Santa Ana with her parents and four siblings. Her world turned upside down at 13 when her father left to return to Mexico, where he had another family. This abandonment thrust Jasmine’s family into a life of uncertainty and constant movement. At 19, Jasmine became a young mother, determined to build a stable life. She navigated the welfare system, finding temporary refuge in a hotel in Anaheim.
Tragedy struck with the loss of Jasmine’s sister, leading her mother to detach from the family. Her brother, devastated, enlisted in the army and served in the Gulf War, while Jasmine experienced bouts of homelessness. His return marked a turning point as he stepped in to support Jasmine and her children.
In 2023, Jasmine’s determination reignited. She enrolled back in school to earn her high school diploma and pursue a career as a veterinary technician. Balancing her studies with her role as a mother, she constantly sought ways to improve her life.
One day, while browsing social media for food resources, Jasmine discovered South County Outreach. Curiosity led her to the pantry, which soon became a lifeline. Monthly visits provided enough food to sustain her family for weeks, allowing her to focus on other essential aspects of life, like paying bills and caring for her children. She no longer felt alone in her struggle.
Each visit to the pantry brings a sense of community and comfort. The volunteers are kind and attentive, remembering her family’s specific needs. Their thoughtfulness makes Jasmine feel seen and valued. South County Outreach offers more than just food; it is a community that uplifts her during tough times.
Jasmine’s journey is a testament to her strength and perseverance. She encourages others facing similar challenge.
THE HIDDEN NEED
Orange County, California, often conjures images of affluence and scenic beauty, yet beneath this veneer lies a critical issue of hidden need: homelessness and food insecurity. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count by United to End Homelessness, 5,718 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in Orange County. This alarming figure highlights a significant, yet frequently underreported, social crisis.
The data underscores the complexities of homelessness, affecting families, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Many face immediate challenges of finding shelter and sustenance, alongside long-term obstacles such as securing stable employment, healthcare, and education. The hidden nature of these needs makes them harder to address in a county known for its prosperity.
Hunger and homelessness are inextricably linked to poverty, each amplifying the other. South County Outreach (SCO) is at the forefront of tackling these hidden needs in Orange County. Contrary to common stigma, most individuals served by SCO are hardworking, many holding multiple jobs, yet still struggling to get by. SCO also serves those on fixed incomes or otherwise at risk, with less than 5% being truly unhoused.
SCO recognizes that effectively combating hunger and homelessness requires comprehensive support systems. Their services assist individuals and families in crisis by providing food and financial assistance. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, SCO helps stabilize lives and promote self-sufficiency, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.
South County Outreach relies heavily on community support to sustain and expand these efforts. Financial donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations are crucial for SCO to continue its mission. Supporting SCO fosters a more inclusive and compassionate Orange County, bringing hidden needs to light and paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive.
Support SCO today at www.SCO-OC.org/donate.
