In the heart of community service, organizations like Giving Children Hope (GCH) play a vital role in supporting families in need. ReEmployAbilty’s Nonprofit Relationship Manager, Lindsey Bressi, took some time to visit GCH and learn more about their organization during her travels. Their initiatives provide essential resources and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. One such initiative, the “We’ve Got Your Back” program, is particularly noteworthy for its dual approach to addressing food insecurity among families across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino.
Fresh Food Friday: A Lifeline for Families
Every week, GCH organizes “Fresh Food Friday,” a nutritional program to distribute fresh food to families facing challenges. This distribution is part of the broader “We’ve Got Your Back” program, which serves the community in two main ways.
Backpack Program
The first component of this initiative is the Backpack Program. GCH partners with 89 local schools to provide backpacks filled with non-perishable goods. These backpacks are distributed to students, ensuring they have nutritious food to take home for the weekend. This initiative is particularly crucial for families struggling to provide adequate meals when school is not in session.
Drive-Thru Distribution
The second aspect of the program allows families to participate in a drive-thru distribution at the GCH campus every Friday. Families can receive at least fifty pounds of fresh produce, dairy, meat, bakery items, and non-perishable goods. Each distribution concludes with a “bonus” treat, adding a touch of joy to the experience—recently, families were delighted with popcorn!
Empowering Families Through Education
For those enrolled in the “We’ve Got Your Back” program, GCH offers Parent Leadership courses that focus on nutritional and financial literacy. As shared by a volunteer coordinator, “We like to give them the tools they need to survive so that they can thrive.” This commitment to education empowers families, equipping them with the skills necessary to improve their quality of life.
The Power of Community Engagement
The palpable sense of community at GCH is a testament to the power of collective action. Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every family feels welcomed and respected. One volunteer expressed, “You see so many families, so many little ones. Their stories really pierce your heart. I leave knowing that everyone who came through the line has good food for the weekend, full meals and full bellies.” This dedication nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
During distribution, volunteers interact warmly with families, often sharing smiles and small gestures of kindness—like sneaking juice boxes to children in cars. Each car that pulls up is met with a cheerful greeting, reinforcing a sense of dignity and respect for every individual.
A Meaningful Impact
One recent Friday, GCH provided food to 260 families, significantly supplementing their home pantries with fresh, nutritious options. The collaborative efforts of ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work Volunteers contributed to a mission that seeks to break the cycle of need and foster self-sustainability among families.
As one GCH staff member noted, “The people you have sent us have been tremendous in helping us achieve our mission. They become a part of the team, playing a meaningful role in building and supporting the community. They’re family here.” This sentiment underscores the collective impact of dedicated volunteers and the importance of community support in driving positive change. Each volunteer’s contribution is invaluable, making them an integral part of the GCH family and the larger mission of supporting families in need.
The work being done at Giving Children Hope is a testament to the power of community and the organization’s vital role in supporting families. Through programs like “We’ve Got Your Back,” GCH addresses immediate food needs and fosters long-term self-sufficiency. By empowering families with education and resources, GCH is not just providing a meal but also helping to create a brighter, more hopeful future for those it serves.
Transition2Work Makes a Difference for Workers
ReEmployAbility is committed to positively impacting the lives of injured workers through community engagement. We believe everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully to their local area. Through our partnerships with nonprofits like Giving Children Hope, our Transition2Work program can support hundreds of thousands of families in need. By offering light-duty opportunities, we help injured workers build a sense of community, gain support during their recovery, and give back to those who require assistance.
Reach out to us today to learn how your Return-to-Work program can benefit your community!
Giving Children Hope (GCH)
For more information about Giving Children Hope (GCH), visit them at givingchildrenhope.org.
ReEmployAbility Gives Back to the Community:
- Empowering Lives: The Impact of Volunteers at The Center for Employment Opportunities
- ReEmployAbility Team Members Shine Through Service: Spreading Joy Across Local Nonprofits
- Building Hope: ReEmployAbility Employees Make a Difference at Habitat for Humanity Restore
- ReEmployAbility Participates in Relay for Life in Support of Coworker
- ReEmployAbility Employees Brave the Cold Rain in Support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association