Weekly Newsletter

Dear Active Volunteers,

UnderShare has chosen five charities to focus on this year. Our goal is to organize two fundraisers for each charity in the next 10 months. Below, you will find information about each charity and its web address for more details. Once you decide which charity interests you, please contact the UnderShare leader of that group (also listed below). We are really excited about this plan because it will give us a strong direction for 2004 and help people all the way from San Francisco to Orange County. Now we just need your help to fulfill our promises! Please contact Faith if you have any questions or concerns.

1. Orangewood Children's Home: Orange County

Since 1985, Orangewood Children's Home has served as the County's transitional home providing children shelter and protection. Children from newborn to 17 years of age stay at Orangewood from a few weeks to months, while awaiting Juvenile Court decision concerning their welfare and future. Orangewood is operated by the Orange County Social Services Agency. Creating a secure and stable environment in a transitional setting can be challenging. The Orangewood staff of counselors, social workers and teachers provide 24 protection, supervision and care for all children in protective custody.

For more information see their web site: http://www.nrmhosting.com/lacasa/och.htm
UnderShare Contact: Faith faith@undershare.org

2. Union Station Foundation: Pasadena

Union Station Foundation is located in Pasadena, California and has been providing food, shelter and vital supportive services to homeless men, women and children since 1973. Union Station has grown to become the largest private agency in the San Gabriel Valley that serves the poor and homeless.

Union Station assists its clients to transform their lives by becoming productive, stable and self-supporting citizens. Every year, 130,000 meals are served and 25,000 nights of shelter are provided. Supportive services include career development and job placement, community healthcare, case management services, 12-step meetings, legal assistance, transitional housing and special programs for homeless families. Union Station's programs and services are designed to help their clients and future generations permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. The work of Union Station is carried out by the efforts of a skilled professional staff, devoted community volunteers and generous supporters.

For more information see their web site: http://www.unionstationfoundation.org
UnderShare Contact: Faith faith@undershare.org

3. Sojourn Services for Battered Women and their Children: Santa Monica

Services include:

• A 24-Hour Crisis hotline, information and referral services, legal and medical advocacy, and peer counseling.
• Crisis shelter with 4-6 weeks of safe housing
• Support Groups
• On-Call Emergency Advocate Network (OCEAN) is a 24-hour, in-person, emergency crisis intervention team in coordination with law enforcement and medical facility.
• Children's Programs include counseling, art and play therapy, advocacy, child abuse networking, and non-violent parenting skills for women.
• Community Education
• Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) conducts presentations to junior high and high school aged youth aimed at awareness and prevention of relationship violence.