The Future is Working

PRESS RELEASE

24-Hour Fundraiser Seeks to Raise $90k For Nonprofits Committed to Developing a Stronger Workforce in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA, March 10, 2021 — Chrysalis will partner with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) and ten aligned nonprofits for The Future is Working Giving Day on March 25. The 24-hour online effort to bolster stronger workforce opportunities in Orange County aims to raise $90,000 for local nonprofits who are committed to creating pathways to success through employment and build a flexible and resilient workforce.

The Giving Day is an opportunity for donors to be part of a combined effort to build pipelines of opportunity through living-wage employment at a critical time. The 2020-2021 Orange County Community Indicators Report reveals that Orange County unemployment skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains at historically high levels with a reduction of nearly 195,000 jobs as of July 2020 – translating to a 283% increase in total unemployment. Research also shows that those job losses have had a larger impact on our most vulnerable populations. Nearly 90,000 of those jobs were lost in the leisure, hospitality, or retail sectors – sectors that traditionally employ more people who are immigrants and/or people of color[1].

During 2020 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrysalis’ Orange County team members were able to support hundreds of clients virtually. More than 180 clients secured employment and 52 Chrysalis clients worked more than 24,000 hours through its employment social enterprise. In 2021, Chrysalis anticipates that it will be able to support 220 clients who will obtain employment.

Last year, Chrysalis also provided more than $78,000 in direct aid to Orange County clients to provide groceries, gas, rent and utilities relief, computer and phone access, transportation assistance, scholarships for online training, and more to help them stay on the pathway to self-sufficiency as they continue their job search. In 2021, the organization will continue to provide these direct supports for clients as all of us weather the storm of this pandemic.

Through philanthropy, however, there is hope. The pandemic’s economic fallout has prompted a heightened urgency to address workforce development – and The Future is Working collaborative Giving Day will support 11 Orange County nonprofits continue to help employers, workers, students, and the most vulnerable residents adjust to rapidly changing economic conditions. Participating nonprofits include Chrysalis and CIELO; Community Action Partnership Orange County; Hart Community Homes, Inc.; High School, Inc.; Kherut; JVS SoCal; Orange County Conservation Corps; Taller San Jose Hope Builders; Youth Employment Service, and Vital Link.

“The Future is Working Giving Day is a vital opportunity to support nonprofits committed to building a thriving local workforce in the wake of the devastating economic effects of the pandemic,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “We are proud to power this collaborative effort to build a stronger, more resilient Orange County for all.”

Chrysalis is dedicated to providing participants with the necessary resources and support to navigate barriers to employment and change their lives through jobs.

“For 37 years, Chrysalis has been helping Southern California’s most vulnerable residents get on a pathway to self-sufficiency. As we navigate through the pandemic and address the unique economic needs of Orange County, I’m confident that this community will come together to help build a robust and resilient workforce – and The Future is Working will help make that happen,” said Mark Loranger President & CEO of Chrysalis.

To give online during the 24-hour Giving Day, please visit the-future-is-working-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit oc-cf.org/givingdays.

About Chrysalis:

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 71,000 individuals at its five centers and locations throughout Southern California. During 2020 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,580 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ program and more than 1,650 participants worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise. Learn more at ChangeLives.org.

About Orange County Community Foundation :

Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded nearly $780 million in grants and scholarships, placing the organization in the top two percent in grantmaking among U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2020 annual report here.

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[1] https://charitableventuresoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/OCCRF-Evaluation-Report-August-Final.pdf.