2022-2023
To strive for equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision.
DOING MORE FOR ORANGE COUNTY'S YOUTH
Over the past year, young adults in our community have been confronted with an escalating homelessness crisis. Orangewood has responded as a leader and expert in supporting adolescents and young adults, especially those who have experienced foster care, by expanding our support to meet their growing needs.
When our youth are unhoused, they may not have the space to cook, store food, or shower. This leads them to the Resource Center for a hot meal or daily groceries, which is often a youth’s first experience with Orangewood. The Resource Center has seen a 133% increase in the number of youth seeking to meet their basic needs, and the kitchen has more than doubled the number of meals served.
To meet the growing and unique housing needs for young adults, we’ve expanded our housing options by adding more housing navigation support – we’ve placed 84 young adults in emergency housing, 42 in our own transitional housing units, and 161 in permanent housing. Plus we’ve provided homelessness prevention and emergency rental assistance.
Mental health services are crucial to helping young adults stay housed and heal from trauma. Through our Independent Living Workshops, our trauma-informed case management support, and therapy, they are developing skills in resilience, self-sufficiency, and connection. Plus, we have expanded the diversity of our mental health professionals specializing in the unique challenges facing young adults.
As young adults find housing stability, even more of them are pursuing their educational goals - this year we have provided more scholarships and grants than any other year in our history. And these funds aren’t just for tuition - 67% used their funds for basic needs and living expenses so they can focus on their studies rather than on survival.
Our Year in Numbers...
1,782
YOUTH SERVED
12,113
YOUTH VISITS
to the Orangewood Resource Center
12,037
HOT MEALS
served to 1,127 youth
SURVIVORS
21
of trafficking were served by the Lighthouse
$758,015
AWARDED
to support education, workforce development,
and lifelong learning through grants, scholarships, and Advanced Studies Funds
2,167
bags distributed to 598 youth
GROCERY
1,797
HYGIENE KITS
distributed to 625 youth
$371,210
provided to youth for emergency housing stabilization and move-in deposits and expenses
15
YOUTH GRADUATED
from Young Adult Court felony free. This is more than DOUBLE the total number of graduates since the program began in 2018
15
YOUTH
found jobs at 11
companies through
the Lyon Workforce Academy