Orangewood Challenge Grant (1981)
The JLOCC contributed all the proceeds from its 1980 The Christmas Company as a challenge grant to replace the overcrowded Albert Sitton Home for abused children. The result was the opening of Orangewood Childrens Home in 1986.
CASA Cultural and Recreational Outings (1996-2006)
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates, a program founded by the JLOCC in 1983) volunteers act as a friend and voice for abused, abandoned and neglected children involved in juvenile dependency proceedings in Orange County. JLOCC volunteers worked to coordiate activities for the CASA's and the kids they support.
Canyon Acres (2003-2006)
Canyon Acres is the only facility in Orange County and surrounding communities dedicated to serving the most severely abused and emotionally troubled children between the ages of six to 12. JLOCC volunteers work with the children in two community-based group homes. They serve as mentors and friends and plan fun, creative activities to facilitate learning opportunities for the children.
Free Arts for Abused Children (2000-2003)
JLOCC members were trained by Free Art to work with children in residential care facilities, family centers, and at the dependency court. Volunteers had hands-on opportunities to bring the therapeutic power of dance, drama, writing, music, painting, and other avenues of creativity to abused, abondoned and neglected children to encourage them to channel their emotions, release frustrations and develop self-esteem.
Olive Crest "Adopt a Home" (2000-2003)
Working with the staff at Olive Crest, a group of residential facilities for abused, abandoned and neglected children, the JLOCC planned and sponsored activities for two "adopted" homes. Voluntees used their creativity and resources to plan activities and outings for the children or teens of the selected homes and also planned and executed a home improvement project for each house.
Girls Hope (1996-2000)
Boys Hope/Girls Hope of California helps academically capable at-rish children by placing them in a value-centered, family-like home, and providing them with a quality education through college. The JLOCC assisted with the establishment and furnishing of the Girls Hope Home in Fullerton which houses girls age nine to 17 and staff members.
Orangewood "On My Own" (1996-2000)
The JLOCC work with Orangewood Children's Foundation to assist foster children in making the transition from foster care to independent living. The Business Mentor portion of the program assisted the youth in finding paid, part-time jobs and matcing the youth with business mentors. Independent Living workshops were offered to help foster children gain the skills necessary to live on their own.
Project for Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy (1996-1999)
This multi-faceted program targeted children in middle schools and provided strategies that would help delay parenthood. The program included a classroom cirriculm, marketing materials and "Baby Think it Over" dolls.
South Orange County Family Resource Center (1995-1998)
In partnership with the Children's Bureau of Southern California, Mission Hospital and the Child Abuse Prevention Council, the Center was established for families to have a resource for educatoin, referral and support services.
Casa Teresa
Casa Teresa houses homeless pregnant women that have chosen to either keep their babies or give them up for adoption. Residents go through training programs that include prenatal care, parenting, health, and nutrition, in addition to career counseling, financial guidance and life skills. JLOCC partners with Casa Teresa to develop and implement a mentoring program for these women as they transition from the structured environment of the home into the community at large, providing a support mechanism to keep the women focused on their goals and better equipped to provide a non-abusive home environment for their children.
Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. (formerly known as Girls Clubs of America) is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. JLOCC has teamed up with Girls Inc. to help administer and enhance the Action for Safety Program, a self-defense and violence prevention course for girls 9-11 years old, designed to teach girls negotiation, assertiveness and self defense skills to protect them from abuse and harassment. JLOCC volunteers also will develop a community awareness program for child abuse prevention.
Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC)
Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is dedicated to the education, empowerment and therapy of at-risk and special needs children and youth. JLOCC partners with OCCTAC to help develop a Strategic Child Abuse Prevention Plan and a resource library focused on child abuse prevention for families, educators and therapists working with the local community. JLOCC members also serve as volunteers in art workshops for children and families.
Bridges To Higher Education
Bridges to Higher Education, a program offered through The Orangewood Children's Foundation, was initiated to increase high school graduation rates and admission to college or trade school among dependent foster youth participants. The program matches students in grades 10 - 12 with mentors in the community. The mentors are advocates on the students' behalf, with teachers, social workers, schools, care givers, etc. as well as being an advocate for education and exploring options after high school. Through the JLOCC's partnership with the Bridges to Higher Education, JLOCC members plan 5-8 workshops throughout the year for program participants and mentors. Workshop topics such as Better Studying Habits, Test-Taking Tips, focus on the students' goals of graduating high school and seeking opportunities to continue their post-secondary education. The JLOCC also works with Orangewood staff to organize educational field trips and tours of local colleges and universities.
Higher Education Mentoring Program With Orange County Bar Foundation
In partnership with the Orange County Bar Foundation, the JLOCC works with the Higher Education Mentoring Program, serving approximately 40 Latina girls in their junior and senior years of high school in the Santa Ana area. The program is designed to lend educational support so these promising young women can graduate from high school, enter college and prepare for professional careers. JLOCC members provide tutoring in the areas of math and science and assist with the college application and personal essay process. The JLOCC also helps in planning monthly workshops for the parents/guardians and program participants. Workshop topics range from fostering excellent study skills to applying to financial aid. In addition, program participants tour local colleges and have an annual Career Day Workshop where they can explore various career paths and participate in resume writing workshops and mock interviews. At the end of the year, the JLOCC sponsors a graduation event where seniors of the program receive college starter kits with school supplies and dorm essentials for their next steps in their journey onto higher education.
