Our Roadmap for Impact

Looking To The Future

We can no longer wait for others to act. Using the 2025 Strategic Plan as a catalyst, we must take bold steps to solve the issues faced by the County’s most vulnerable young adults that we serve. As such, our vision for the organization is as follows:

Everyone in Orange County is aware and educated about the challenges teens and young adults face in their own communities when they lack sufficient family support systems.
Orangewood Foundation to be known universally across the County as the expert in serving young adults.
Every young adult is housed safely, every night. We will implement various solutions to address the greatest need of our young people – stable, affordable housing.
There is engagement and support from all communities and groups throughout Orange County, partnering with us to better serve our youth.
All key decision makers at the local, County and State level understand and prioritize the needs of young people. They become dedicated champions for teens and young adults that properly allocate the resources required to make a significant impact.
We always invest in our team. We must maintain a safe, healthy, thriving organization for all staff and young adults. Orangewood Foundation is recognized as THE nonprofit in Orange County where you want to work.

Strategic Goals 2025 - 2030

Goal #1
Housing Expansion

Expanding housing solutions is essential to meet the growing demand for safe, stable accommodations for young people experiencing homelessness. This investment will create new housing units, strengthen partnerships with housing providers, and enhance supportive services that are critical to ensuring youth can live independently. Key objectives under this goal are:

Leverage partnerships with affordable housing providers and developers.
Evaluate and expand the existing housing portfolio and nonprofit partners.
Document and sequence housing strategies and pilot activities for future growth.

With this funding, more young people will have access to the housing and support they need to thrive.

Goal #2
Community Thought Leader

Building a stronger, more informed support system for teens and young adults requires collaboration with policymakers, nonprofits, and businesses. This goal focuses on expanding leadership within the community to share knowledge, resources, and best practices that create meaningful change. Key objectives under this goal are:

Incorporate youth voice and expertise into Orangewood’s operations and program design.
Spearhead community trainings and forums to educate others about Orangewood’s impact and share new ideas and best practices with Orange County.
Deepen the “networked nonprofit” community to create more resources for our youth.

With support in this area, Orangewood will continue to be a trusted leader, fostering collaboration and driving new solutions for young people.

Goal #3
Advocacy

Creating lasting change starts with ensuring that the needs and rights of young people are represented at every level. Advocacy efforts focus on amplifying youth voices, influencing policies, and strengthening relationships that open doors to opportunity. Key objectives under this goal are:

Develop advocacy strategies to engage policymakers and key influencers.
Strengthen relationships with legislators to drive policy changes that address housing, education, and employment challenges.
Leverage partnerships with other advocacy organizations.

Investment in advocacy ensures that key decision makers are facilitating change to benefit young people and that they have a voice in shaping policies that directly impact their futures.

Goal #4
Amplifying Impact

Connecting with donors, partners, and the community in meaningful ways is essential to sustaining and growing support for our programs. This funding will help expand programs and services, improve collaboration, and inspire deeper engagement. Key objectives under this goal are:

Develop and execute collaborative strategies with supporters to secure transformational investments.
Expand outreach through targeted marketing campaigns and social media initiatives.

With the right messaging and connections, more supporters will be inspired to invest in the success of the young people we serve.

Goal #5
Valuing Employees

The dedication of Orangewood’s staff is at the core of its success. Investing in their growth, well-being, and professional development ensures that the young people we serve receive the highest level of care and support. Key objectives under this goal are:

Implement career development tracks and training programs that foster growth and leadership.
Enhance employee engagement through feedback mechanisms and advisory committees.
Develop innovative retention strategies, including competitive compensation and wellness initiatives.

A strong and supported workforce leads to better outcomes for the young people Orangewood serves.

Increasing Needs of the
Young People We Serve

The Growing Housing Need

Transitional Age Youth (TAY) in Orange County face a critical gap between their developmental needs and the availability of safe, stable, and affordable housing. The 2026 PIT Count reported 245 unhoused TAY, but many young people experiencing homelessness are not captured because they are couch surfing, staying temporarily with friends or acquaintances, living in unsafe doubled-up situations, or avoiding traditional homeless service systems due to fear, stigma, or concerns about safety. As a result, the true scope of youth homelessness in Orange County is likely substantially higher than official counts suggest.

Addressing Human Trafficking

According to a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, Orange County has the highest rate of human trafficking in California, ranking as the number one crime in the region. Before the opening of Orangewood’s Lighthouse program in 2015, there were no dedicated services for youth survivors. Lighthouse remains the only program offering transitional housing and survivor-centered services for young women, especially black and brown youth, aged 18-30. Additional specialized services and housing for youth survivors is a significant need.

Meeting Growing Demand at the Orangewood Resource Center (ORC)

Our ORC provides youth with essential resources such as food, clothing, and job readiness programs, serving as a vital access point for those in need. The basic needs of young adults must be met before other supportive services can start and longer-term goals can be set and achieved. Over the past five years, the number of young adults seeking support at our drop-in center has grown by 41%. This steady increase highlights the growing need for housing, basic needs assistance, employment and life skills support.

“I want to live a life of purpose, and Orangewood has allowed me to focus on my future instead of being preoccupied with survival.” – Alyssa, Orangewood Young Adult

The Strategic Plan Campaign

To support this vision and our new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, we have launched a $10,000,000 campaign to drive innovation, raise awareness and expand services in five key areas. This plan will strengthen our ability to provide young adults with the support they need to achieve self-sufficiency and build brighter futures.

Current Amount Pledged is $6 Million of our $10 Million Goal.

60%

As key champions of our strategic plan, Our Strategic Plan Donors fuel the future of Orangewood. Their sustained, strategic investments strengthen our organizational capacity, allowing us to successfully execute our long-term roadmap, scale our services, and expand opportunities for the young people we serve.

Larry and Helen Hoag

Foundation

Mohit Mittal

Qi Wang

Vivien and Dan Hyman

Bill and Pat Podlich

Carole Ulrie

**Updated 2026 – This list reflects our current partners and supporters.* List may not be all-inclusive. please contact us if you would like to be recognized.

*Updated 2026 – This list reflects our current partners and supporters.

Support Our Mission

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Resources For Young People

Need support? See which of our programs may be right for you.