Our Focus is Your Future
As one of the leading service providers in Orange County, we’re proud to support young people in the ways they need it most. Learn more about our focus, our programs, and how you can get started with us.
Our Programs Empower Young People to Thrive
We focus on supporting young people in Orange County. With a hot meal, a safe place to stay, and a plan for the future, we’re here to help.
Young People Transitioning from Foster Care to Independence
Moving from foster care to adulthood can be a confusing and scary experience. We offer programs to help young people build skills, find a safe place to live, and get a job. For young people who are age 16 and older, we offer drop-in support services, grants for unexpected expenses, and skill-building workshops.
FACTS ABOUT FOSTER CARE
*National Foster Youth Institute
**Orangewood Foundation data
***Orangewood Annual Report 2023-2024
50%
of people experiencing homelessness in the United States spent time in foster care*
of young people from foster care will experience homelessness within four years of emancipation*
340
youth received independent life skills training to reduce homelessness
Young People Experiencing Homelessness in Orange County
More people are experiencing homelessness in Orange County than ever before. We provide safe places to live, referrals, and support for young people as they look for permanent housing. Thanks to our inclusive community of partners, we’re able to empower young people with a space they can call home.
HOMELESSNESS IN CALIFORNIA
*Orange County of California
**Orangewood Foundation data
***Orangewood Foundation Annual Report 2023-2024
6.5%
of people experiencing homelessness in California live in Orange County*
20k+
people experiencing homelessness in California are 18 to 24 years old*
$255k+
in funding helped young people with move-in and stabilization costs in 2023-2024.
Students Needing Innovative Support for High School & College
Every young person deserves the chance to have the education they want. Our scholarships and funds help young people from foster care pay for their school supplies, fees, and tuition. From trade school programs to advanced degrees, we’re proud to support young people as they make their dreams come true. We also operate Samueli Academy, a public charter school for middle and high school students who need one-on-one support.
FOSTER CARE & EDUCATION
*Orangewood Foundation data
of young people from foster care will earn a high school diploma*
of young people from foster care will receive a bachelor’s degree*
325
undergraduate and graduate students received scholarships from Orangewood in 2024*
Survivors & Young People at Risk of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking happens when someone is manipulated, threatened, or pushed into doing something they don’t want to, like forced work or sex acts. We offer safe spaces for young people who are in trafficking situations, looking to leave the life, or think they might experience trafficking in the future.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN ORANGE COUNTY
420
people reported having experienced trafficking in 2021 and 2022*
of people who experienced sex trafficking were adult women*
of people who experienced trafficking were 17 years old or younger*
Four Program Areas, One Purpose, Your Future
Take a closer look at our programs and see how you can get involved with Orangewood Foundation.
Basic Needs & Support: Groceries, Safe Spaces, & Counseling Services for Young People
Being healthy is the basis for living an independent life. We offer one-on-one support for young people experiencing things like foster care, homelessness, and trafficking.
Check out our Basic Needs & Support programs:
- Project Choice: Counseling, laundry, and daily needs for survivors of trafficking
- Orangewood Resource Center: Drop-in support, information, hot meals, and referrals for services
- Grants: Yearly financial support for high school students and young people who were formerly in foster care
Education: Financial Support for High School, College, & Beyond
Whether they’re pursuing certifications at trade schools, heading to college, obtaining an advanced degree, or paying for extracurricular activities, we support young people as they build their futures. We offer grants, scholarships, and specialized middle and high school programs for young people in Orange County.
Check out our education programs:
- Scholarships: Financial support for undergraduate, community college, and trade school programs
- Samueli Academy: Public charter school with priority admission for young people from foster care
- Advanced Studies Fund: Scholarship program for master’s, doctorate, and advanced degrees
Life Skills & Employment: Building Professional Skills for an Independent Future
Foster care may not prepare young people for the jobs and futures they want. We connect young people with skill building workshops, specialized training programs, and one-on-one guidance so they can confidently step into adulthood.
Check out our Life Skills & Employment programs:
- Independent Living Program: Workshops, events, and individual support
- Lyon Workforce Academy: One-year paid training program for young people who are interested in building their careers
Transitional Housing & Support: Safe Spaces, Referrals, & Financial Aid
When young people experience homelessness, they’re at a higher risk of becoming victimized. We offer preventive housing support, apartments, and referrals for young people from foster care, survivors of trafficking, and single moms.
Check out our TRANSITIONAL Housing & SUPPORT programs:
- Lighthouse: Housing and emotional support for survivors of sex trafficking
- Rising Tide: Transitional housing for young people building independence
- Casa de Rosemary: Specialized spaces for single moms
- Housing Assistance: Financial aid for move-in costs, housing stabilization, furnishings, and utility bills
Need help? Explore our programs! They’re designed to support young people like you.
Here’s How We Supported Young People
1,183
young people visited the Orangewood Resource Center
99%
of seniors graduated from the Samueli Academy charter school
233
young people found jobs through our programs
54
young people used our housing programs — 11 were survivors of human trafficking
Read Their Stories & Inspire a Better Future
“
Orangewood welcomed me with open arms and they’ve always been supportive and helpful. They aren’t afraid to push me in the right direction, and I’m grateful.
Luz • Young Person
“
I’ve been working hard to build a better life for myself. In just a month, I worked with the Orangewood Foundation team to get my California ID, permit, and driver’s license. Now I can drive to work and school, which makes my day a lot easier. Balancing work and school is tough, but I’m determined to make it.
Michael • Young Person
Support Our Mission
Donate today to help a young person start building their future.
Resources For Young People
Need support? See which of our programs may be right for you.
