Bear Hugs

 

The Junior League of Orange County, California’s Bear Hugs and Bear Necessities project supports the Orangewood Resource Center through their Independent Living Program.  The project was created by a group of JLOCC’s  sustaining members in the early 80’s; it is part of a 30 year partnership between the JLOCC and Orangewood Foundation to support local children in need. The Bear Hugs and Bear Necessities project is focused on supporting teenagers emancipating from Orange County’s foster care system, and helping to ease their transition into independent living and adulthood.

One of the main componenets of the Bear Hugs and Bear Necessities project is providing emancipated teens with a duffel bag full of essentials, including a towel, blanket, flashlight, umbrella, and toiletries. Inspired by a new event, MIMS (Mile in My Shoes), the duffel bags assembled in 2017 will also include new athletic shoes for each youth emancipating.

For additional information please contact the JLOCC Bear Hugs Manager at bearhugs@jlocc.org