A new database of local nonprofits is aimed at helping donors find and research groups worth their support. The Orange County Community Foundation’s new Nonprofit Central database is an online “matchmaker” for philanthropy. “This is really the first resource of its kind in Orange County,” says Todd...
No, really. Kids need to be challenged when school is out to prevent academic skills from sliding. The serene days of summer; when months of downtime blend together and school-weary students haven’t a care in the world. This storybook scenario is not the reality, however, for...
Hand-picked successor as OC superintendent reflects on job's challenges. When the highly respected Bill Habermehl, superintendent of schools for Orange County, stepped down in May of 2012, he left with a purpose. He wanted to lay the foundation for his successor, one he had a hand in...
I was fortunate to find my passion for elders and victims of abuse early in my career. It happened when I met Lupe, a woman whose own son, his wife and child move into her home to assist her and then physically, financially, and emotionally...
Hands-on instruction the key to unlocking students’ individual and national success. There is no disputing it. The United States has fallen dramatically behind other industrialized nations in the fastest-growing global industries, and we must act now if we are to regain our competitive edge. The highest-paying...
The Larsons have raised their son to adulthood. Now, at Glennwood House, he can find refuge. More than 30 years ago, when Randy Larson, president and co-founder of the Glennwood Housing Foundation, learned that his son, Trevor, would have Down syndrome, he was overwhelmed. He thought his...
We should help veterans with the battles they have to fight at home. What is more moving than the scenes of servicemen and servicewomen returning from war? A young wife launches into her husband’s arms. Children cling to a long-absent parent. It’s uplifting and unambiguously joyous. And we...
Issues arise as population of older adults expands at a rapid rate. The baby boom generation has defined life in the U.S. since just past World War II. If we are not part of it ourselves, we’ve likely come directly before or after. And since...
Jack Shaw chose ‘one square mile’ to try out his vision for helping families living in poverty. Avid sailor Jack Shaw knows the value of marshaling key elements— nature, skill, effort and teamwork—to navigate turbulent waters. And in life, as with sailing, the more prepared...
The ConnectOC Blog is a place for sharing insight, information and examples of how Orange County residents, donors and nonprofits are working to build a brighter, stronger, more vibrant community. We welcome you to share your thoughts by commenting below. When Kelly Thomas, a severely mentally...