The final episode in “The Power of Community” documentary series shines a light on nonprofits fostering belonging and understanding across Orange County’s diverse communities.
IRVINE, Calif. (October 21, 2026) — The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit, are thrilled to announce the broadcast premiere of “Building Bridges: Connection. Community. Humanity.” on KLCS-PBS on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. PDT. The sixth and final episode in their “The Power of Community” series, the program explores how Orange County’s nonprofit organizations, community leaders and philanthropists are building connections and fostering belonging through programs designed to overcome divisions, resolve conflicts, and strengthen community bonds.
Program highlights include:
- Connection and belonging: Dr. Jerry Hunter, a respected educator and civic leader, reveals the critical role a sense of belonging plays in the well-being and resilience of a community.
- Restorative Justice: Groundswell’s transformative programs empower young people to bridge divides through communication and restorative justice, currently operating in eight Orange County schools.
- Healing and Reconciliation: Project Kinship provides—counseling, case management, mental health support, and employment training to assist justice-impacted individuals as chart a new course after incarceration.
- “Long Bridging” for Democracy: An innovative collaboration between the Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) and the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at UC Berkeley creates opportunities for meaningful connections that transcend deep-seated differences.
- Social justice in action: Philanthropist Keith Swayne and his daughter Anne Swayne Keir share how they were inspired to create a social justice fund that champions equal access to economic, political, and social opportunities for who call Orange County home.
Throughout the episode, community leaders and nonprofit partners demonstrate how listening, trust-building, and investment in authentic connection can forge a more compassionate Orange County.
“In Orange County, our strength lies in the bonds that connect us,” said Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “By supporting programs that foster understanding, heal divisions and bring people together, we can build a more promising future for all. When we build bridges, the entire community benefits.”
Previous episodes in “The Power of Community” six-part series include:
- “Child and Youth Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic” examines startling local data, highlights real-world solutions in action, and presents heartfelt stories of resilience and healing from local youth and families tackling mental health issues.
- “Earn & Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy” explores the intersection of education and economic innovation, spotlighting programs that equip youth and young adults with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
- “Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond” focuses on opening pathways and bridging gaps to higher-education success in underserved communities, especially among first-generation college students.
- “Protect & Preserve: Orange County’s Unique Ecosystems” explores the region’s natural landscape, the critical environmental challenges and community-led solutions shaping the future of Orange County’s land and water.
- “Women’s Health Drives Community Health” examines the health challenges Orange County women in underserved communities face at every stage of life, and the innovative, culturally responsive programs working to close the gap.
OCCF and OC World invite everyone to explore “The Power of Community,” a series that promises to inspire change and elevate the voices of those making a difference. By sharing stories of perseverance and promise, this series serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, encouraging audiences to connect with local efforts making a meaningful and lasting difference.
For more information on “The Power of Community” series, please visit oc-cf.org/power-of-community.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) transforms our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good by working with local donors and nonprofit partners as an expert advisor and innovator. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. OCCF’s Vision 2030, a five-year strategic plan, is designed to amplify giving and support donors’ philanthropic goals as well as address critical needs in Orange County. Since 1989, OCCF has granted more than $1.25 billion in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2025 annual report here.
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Media Contact
Lisa Liddane
lliddane@cornerstonecomms.com
(714) 656-5002
