ConnectOC is a first-of-its-kind resource providing eye-opening facts and insight into Orange County and areas of greatest need. The report addresses three key areas: the safety net (link to ConnectOC safety net landing page) for our community’s most vulnerable (shelter, food and employment); the health and wellness (link to ConnectOC health landing page) of children and families; and the education (link to ConnectOC education landing page) of our youth.
In addition to providing critical data, ConnectOC moves from knowledge to action, showcasing strategies for driving real change in these areas of need. The report spotlights organizations (link to ConnectOC stories of impact) that are already moving the needle (link to ConnectOC Moving the Needle summary landing page) and what they’re doing to make it happen.
ConnectOC pulls back the curtain to reveal the real Orange County. While the region and its residents are often portrayed as the upper echelon, living in multi-million dollar homes and bringing home six-figure salaries, the reality is that Orange County is a community of contrast (link to ConnectOC Community of Contrast landing page). These disparities have deepened with a challenged economy and rising cost of living. Moving from knowledge to action, ConnectOC provides strategies for driving real change in these areas of need. OCCF and its donors are already charting the course by investing in safety net, health and wellness, and education outcomes. The work is under way – but more support is needed to buoy those efforts and create lasting change.
Three Critical Issues
Safety Net
High cost of living and unemployment create extraordinary challenges for people living in deep pockets of poverty adjacent to great affluence.
Health & Welllness
Families who struggle with basic needs are more likely to suffer from poor health and well-being, which negatively impacts children’s educational achievement.
Education
Lack of education drives lower incomes and limited ability to meet basic needs, creating a negative cycle that can continue for generations.