DPWC Holds Fundraiser Benefiting OC United Way Program

Dana Point Woman’s Club (DPWC) hosted the first fundraiser for a new program aimed at helping needy families in Dana Point and surrounding communities to not only “survive”but “thrive”, in the words of speaker Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way (OCUW), which leads the program. “Cocktails for a Cause” was held in the dining room of the Dana Point Yacht Club, where over 100 guests enjoyed drinks and passed appetizers in a beautiful setting while they chatted, checked out silent auction and raffle items, and learned more about this exciting South County program. DPWC Co-Presidents, Betty Hill and Karin Marsh, were thrilled with the inaugural event and thanked the many members and guests who contributed to its success. While financial information is still being tallied, it is estimated the Club will be able to donate over $5,000 to support OCUW’s work helping South County families by connecting them with immediate help and empowering them with new financial skills.

While Dana Point has a reputation for affluence, almost half of its households earn less than the $100,000 annual gross income that would be required (according to federal Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates) to manage the average local apartment rental, now over $2,500 per month. Participants in the first cohort averaged an annual income of only $28,123, most of them avoiding homelessness only by sharing cramped quarters with family or friends. Since 2019, calls from Dana Point residents to the Orange County 2-1-1 hotline for help with food, housing, utilities and more increased 76%.

Working with former Dana Point City Councilman Paul Wyatt, OCUW representatives brought the financial wellness program to Dana Point in late 2020, and the first cohort of 16 families recently completed the program held at RH Dana Elementary School. A second cohort started in April, almost doubling participation with 29 families registered. The program addresses families’ immediate needs like emergency rental assistance, food or utilities, and allows participants to work one-on-one with a financial wellness specialist. Each is required to attend a 12-week financial literacy workshop and, where necessary, is given a laptop loaner to help gain digital access. Sue Parks, along with Leslie Prado, Financial Wellness Program Manager, presented details of the program. Along with RH Dana teachers Sue Paradise and Andrea Brannam, they shared touching success stories about families who learned valuable fiscal management skills and experienced hope and tangible improvement in their financial situations.

DPWC joins the City of Dana Point and other organizations, businesses and individuals who became Founding Members of the program and urges the community to support this worthy cause. Founding Member designation is still available through August 31st for those who donate $1,000 or more. Of course, donations of any size are very much appreciated. To donate to the program, go to South County Program.

Your gift will support:

1. A Financial Wellness Specialist to work one-on-one with each family or individual to address their immediate needs and establish long-term goals.
2. A Financial Literacy Workshops Seriesto support the building of their financial wellness and resilience.
3. "Laptops for loan" to ensure families and individuals participating in the program have the digital access they need to flourish in the program.

For more information about the South County Financial Wellness Program, please contact BrenyaleT@UnitedWayOC.org