Recently, members of the Orange County Community Foundation’s Family Foundation Alliance, gathered recently for an unforgettable Celebration of Giving focused on the life-changing impact of philanthropy. The event highlighted the work of two exemplary Orange County nonprofits, Working Wardrobes and Project Kinship. Their missions speak directly to one of OCCF’s six Vision 2030 community initiatives– advancing economic opportunity so that all can participate in Orange County’s thriving future.
Much More Than a Suit
Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, opened the program with a dynamic presentation that showcased how Working Wardrobes is far more than clothing support. Bonni outlined a full suite of career readiness services that include resume preparation, mock interviews, career navigation, workshops, soft skills training, certifications, job placement assistance, and professional wardrobe styling.
Bonni reflected on the organization’s dramatic growth, serving more than 7,600 people in 2024, its highest number to date, with nearly half being young adults and nearly one in five being justice impacted individuals.
Bonni then introduced two individuals whose stories brought their mission to life.
Allison shared her journey of surviving a violent relationship, self-medicating to cope, and losing her way until she hit rock bottom. With support from Working Wardrobes, she rebuilt her résumé, regained her confidence, secured employment, and reclaimed her future. Today, she works as a nurse in palliative care, serving people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Her story of healing, purpose, and new possibilities moved the entire room.
Jonathan then stepped forward to share his experience as a veteran who served in Iraq, returned home with trauma, and spent four years living in his car. Working Wardrobes helped him stabilize, regain employment, secure housing, and get certified to become a licensed insurance broker. His story was a powerful reminder that with compassion and opportunity people can find their way back from circumstances that feel impossible.
There was not a dry eye in the room.
From Hopelessness to Helping Others
The audience then heard from Steve Kim, co-founder of Project Kinship, whose presentation blended humor, vulnerability, and profound insight. He opened with a photo of himself as a child, sporting a bowl haircut and shy smile, and shared that as a child he faced relentless bullying, racism, and isolation. That pain led him into a turbulent adolescence, addiction, and incarceration.
After his release, Steve connected with Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles and the mentorship of Father Greg Boyle. With their support, he rebuilt his life, earned a BA, then a master’s degree, then a doctorate. Today, Steve leads Project Kinship, an Orange County based organization, that supports individuals impacted by incarceration, gangs, trauma, and systemic barriers. The organization now employs more than one hundred formerly incarcerated individuals and works inside jails and juvenile detention centers to build pathways to opportunity.
One of Project Kinship’s young staff members shared her story of being abused as a child, trafficked at 14, and incarcerated at a young age. Upon her release, she received a call from Steve that changed the trajectory of her life. Today she works with Project Kinship helping others find safety, stability, and hope. Her courage and honesty filled the room with awe.
Rafa, also now serving on Project Kinship’s staff, then shared his profound story. He spoke about suffering abuse as a child, growing up with an abusive father, and living in an environment shaped by violence. In order to survive, as he put it, violence became his voice. This path led to a 30-year sentence. After his release, Rafa started a new life with the help of Project Kinship where he began to understand the deep hopelessness and despair that led to his life choices. He realized he had long felt disconnected from his community, which fueled his self-loathing and resentment.
Today Rafa serves as a counselor at Project Kinship and supports others who struggle with the same sense of hopelessness and despair. He said his goal is “not simply to give someone a plate of food, but to offer a seat at the table to build dialogue about how people can contribute to their communities.”
Living New Values Through Service
What united each of the four individuals who bravely shared their personal stories was not only resilience, but purpose. Their lives were not simply restored. They were redirected. When people experience true transformation, they often emerge with a deep desire to help others find the same sense of dignity, stability, and belonging they once lacked. Each speaker reflected a powerful truth. When values shift and hope is restored, giving back becomes a way of life, and lived experience becomes a catalyst for change.
A Vision for Orange County’s Future
OCCF’s CEO, Shelley Hoss, closed the program by reminding us of what these stories truly represent: the product of philanthropy, which is a changed human life.
Shelley connected the work of both organizations to Vision 2030, OCCF’s five-year plan to amplify giving and build a shared commitment to Orange County’s thriving future. Economic opportunity is one of the organization’s six core initiatives, focused on ensuring that every person has access to the tools and support needed to build a stable and sustainable future.
She reminded the audience that economic empowerment is not an abstract idea. It is a lifeline. It is the difference between surviving and flourishing. And it is something our community can make possible when philanthropy, nonprofits, and lived experiences come together.
Shelley encouraged attendees to stay engaged, support the organizations that moved them, and connect with OCCF about opportunities to advance economic opportunity in Orange County.
Looking Ahead
The Celebration of Giving highlighted the real impact of our Family Foundation Alliance members and the power of investments that restore dignity, open doors, and transform futures. We are deeply grateful to Working Wardrobes, Project Kinship, our members, and our sponsors for their generosity and leadership.
Together we can continue building an Orange County where all have the opportunity to thrive.
