Newsletter

California JPIA Team Embraces the Spirit of Giving

The holidays offer a special opportunity to make a difference, bringing joy to others and fostering community connections. This past December, California JPIA staff once again embodied the spirit of giving. With leadership from Management Analyst Courtney Morrison and Administrative Analyst Edith Aviña, employees hosted two meaningful service initiatives. The first was a food drive benefiting the Orangewood Foundation, dedicated to helping foster youth in Orange County. The second initiative was a gift drive for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Program, which supports low-income families during the holiday season.

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Through their sponsorship of the Adopt-A-Family Program, Authority employees were matched with three families for whom they fulfilled holiday wish lists including clothing, toys, and gift cards. The families appreciated the help they received from the Authority, sometimes sharing notes of thanks. One family expressed, “This year was difficult for us financially, and we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to get presents for the kids. But thanks to your donations, my kids will have presents to open this Christmas.”

“Being part of the Adopt-A-Family Program gave us a chance to make the holidays brighter for families who really needed it,” said Aviña. “We adopted three families this year, and it was so rewarding to know we were helping people who were going through a tough time.”

The Orangewood Foundation, based in Santa Ana, provides personal care supplies, groceries, transitional housing, life skills workshops, and employment opportunities for almost 2,000 local young people annually. The California JPIA collected nourishing, non-perishable food items such as soup and pasta to fill a holiday table for community members served by the Foundation.

“We look forward to participating in a winter service project each year,” said Morrison. “Partnering with the Orangewood Foundation with a food drive gives Authority staff the opportunity to support our community and come together as a team to make a difference for those in need.”

For more information about the Orangewood Foundation, please visit orangewoodfoundation.org. To learn more about the Adopt-A-Family Program, please visit dpss.lacounty.gov.

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