It's been two years now (almost exactly) since we left Santa Clarita for Orange County.  One of the most common questions I get from folks who knew me in the SCV is "what non-profit are you working with?"  My answer for the past 24 months has been, "None."  Or "I'm not ready yet." 

Today I took a tiny step toward changing that by meeting with our friend, Tom Dobyns, who is on the board of a local non-profit.  We've been aware of Orangewood Children's Foundation ever since Tom convinced us to become Ambassadors (a luncheon and donation sort of involvement) several years back.

Orangewood, according to my notes from today's conversation, is a temporary shelter for kids who are taken from their homes and waiting to be placed in foster care.  Like many charities, it started with a small vision--in this case, why should kids from abusive situations be placed in juvenile detention next to kids who've committed crimes--and has grown to include many programs designed to help the 3,000 kids in foster care in Orange County.

A few weeks ago, Tom talked to me after golf about the mentoring program that Orangewood has for these kids.  Each board member has a program he or she takes ownership of, and in Tom's case, it's the mentoring program.  He talked about the high level of growth the program is experiencing, the need for mentors and funding.  And just like that, I was in.

Our plan is for me to start out by getting to know the Foundation, educating myself on the program and people.  Then I'll stick my toe in by writing a grant or two.  After talking with Tom today, it felt like a little puzzle piece settled into place.  Kids from broken, abusive homes who need the safety net of mentors who care.  Sounds like a good reason for coming out of charity-retirement to me.

 


Comments

Hal

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:04:12

Good for you Laura! You know how I feel about volunteering in our local communities and Orangewood is a wonderful organization. I encourage you to get your hands as dirty as you can stand it. The experience needs to be difficult and frustrating. I have found that the more difficult and frustrating my volunteer work is the bigger the positive impact is (and the better it is for your soul). That positive impact makes it all worth doing and there is no shortage of messed up children in Orange County (and everywhere else) that need help. I encourage everyone I know to volunteer (on a regular basis) in their local communities. The opportunities to help are everywhere and the benefits (both personal and to the community) are huge. Go Laura!

 

Laura

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:32:54

Hi Hal!

Thanks for the cheering on! I think I'll be keeping my hands fairly clean at this point...just a sampling until I get to know the organization better. But I do believe this organization may be the right venue for me...it's just figuring out the best way to use my gifts for the most impact (sustainably).

I've been to burnout with non-profit work a couple of times now and it's not pretty!

 



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