Program Overview
Who They Are
Founded in 1981 as the first public-private partnership of its kind in Orange County, Orangewood Foundation has spent over four decades building one of California's most comprehensive support systems for foster and transitional-aged youth. Recognized as California Nonprofit of the Year in 2023, they have served over 90,000 young people throughout their history.
Orangewood serves youth ages 16–24 who are currently or formerly in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of human trafficking. Their programs span four critical pillars — Housing, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Health & Wellness — giving every young person the tools they need to build an independent, stable life.
Orangewood Foundation — Empowering foster youth across Orange County, California
Programs & Services
How They Help
Emergency and transitional housing for youth experiencing homelessness in Orange County. Programs include Casa de Rosemary for young mothers, Lighthouse Transitional Housing, Rising Tide, and Hope's Corner for LGBTQ+ and marginalized youth — each offering case management and a path to stable independent living.
Scholarships, advanced studies funding, and specialized programs to help foster youth build skills for their futures. Orangewood founded Samueli Academy in 2013 — a charter school serving foster youth — dramatically improving graduation rates and creating new educational pathways for young people in care.
The Lyon Workforce Academy and Independent Living Program equip youth with career readiness, financial literacy, and job placement support. Corporate partners committed to hiring foster youth connect graduates to meaningful employment across Orange County and beyond.
The ORC is a one-stop drop-in hub offering hot meals, showers, laundry, case management, groceries, ID support, and referrals. Project C.H.O.I.C.E. is a trauma-informed drop-in center for survivors of human trafficking — providing safe, specialized support for youth escaping exploitation since 2017.
Reach Out
Connect With the Team
Community Engagement
Michelle Estrada
Community Engagement Manager
info@orangewoodfoundation.org (714) 619-0200Resource Center
Lisa Evans
Orangewood Resource Center
levans@orangewoodfoundation.org (714) 619-0257Get Involved
Ways to Support
Orangewood Foundation welcomes volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and foster families. You can donate money, food, or time — or become a foster parent through their Youth Connected Program. Every contribution directly empowers a young person in Orange County to build the independent, stable future they deserve.
Visit orangewoodfoundation.org/volunteer to explore opportunities, or orangewoodfoundation.org/donate to give. You can also become a licensed foster parent through their Resource Family Agency.
Connect With Orangewood Foundation
Learn more about programs, housing, education, and ways to empower foster youth across Orange County, California.
Explore More Resources
Find additional organizations and support services available in your state.
Browse All 50 States ↗