For four decades, Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) has welcomed vulnerable, displaced children into a safe, compassionate temporary home.
Originally named Orangewood Children’s Home when it opened in 1985 under Bill Steiner and Gen. William Lyon’s leadership, the shelter is a haven for abused and neglected children. Today, operating under the County of Orange Social Services Agency, OCFC continues to support Orange County foster youth on a beautiful 10-acre campus, providing 24-hour emergency shelter and trauma-informed services for children from birth to age 18. The center provides care for over 1,100 abused, neglected or abandoned children every year, offering a path to a brighter future.
Orangewood recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with the people and partners who have been instrumental in supporting its mission. Members of the County of Orange Board of Supervisors, Bill H. Lyon, son of Gen. Lyon, Craig Arthur, Presiding Judge of the Orange County Juvenile Court, Chris Simonsen, CEO of Orangewood Foundation, Doug DeCinces, Orangewood Foundation board member, and Loan English, SSA Children and Family Services Division Director, shared memories and impacts to Orange County children.
“This success wouldn’t be possible without hardworking SSA staff, community partners and volunteers who have dedicated time and effort in supporting Orangewood Children and Family Center,” said SSA Director An Tran. “This facility runs 24/7. Our staff and volunteers work around the clock to ensure these children are protected and cared for at a time when they most need it.”
At the gathering, Orangewood Children and Family Center honored the following partners:
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- Assistance League of Orange
- Catholic Ministries
- Southern California Frozen & Refrigerated Foods (SCFRC)
- Mariners Church
- Orange County Bar Association
- Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
- Free Chapel
- Creating Pride
- La Casa
- Orangewood Foundation
Children currently housed at OCFC celebrated with a carnival-themed event that included food, games and entertainment.
“Orangewood is more than a shelter. It’s a place of transition, of transformation, where we meet uncertainty with empathy, structure and care. Every child who enters Orangewood leaves with hope,” CFS Director English stated.
If you’re interested in volunteering at or making a donation to OCFC, please visit ssa.ocgov.com.
