A brief description of programs and activities . . .
Foothill Unity Center is among the most respected and effective local nonprofit organizations in Southern California and was given the federal designation as the Community Action Agency for the Foothill Area in November, 2008. In the past year, the Center has distributed over 3,861,270 pounds of food to over 3,974 unduplicated very low-income families in the cities of Pasadena, Altadena and South Pasadena, Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre, Bradbury, Baldwin Park, Irwindale and Azusa. The Center provides vital assistance to help those in crisis to become self sufficient. A majority of our clients are children or seniors, who are the most vulnerable and least able to help themselves.
New programs that are in the process of being developed include Health Services – which will help meet vital needs not currently being met and the Foothill Area Job Collaborative to give the support and assistance needed to local people. Meeting current needs is a constant challenge. What we do . . .
Feed the hungry . . .
Family Food Programs: Each month, families receive enough food (canned, dry, frozen, refrigerated food, bread, bakery, milk, dairy products, and fresh produce) including USDA foods, to supplement their family for about ten days. Last year Foothill Unity Center provided 29,863 food orders, which means that over 3,000,000 meals were provided to the low-income people of our local community. All families may return for perishable foods (bread, dairy and fresh produce) once a week. Families must qualify by showing income at or below 150% of the National Poverty Level, local residency and identification.
Bag Lunch Program: Three times a week, 50 to 60 substantial bag lunches (enough for about two days) are given to people and families who are homeless or have no place to store or cook food. The lunches include sandwiches, instant soups, snack-foods, fresh fruit, drinks, flip-top canned foods, sweets and canned meats. Often toiletries items are provided, as available. (Monrovia site only)
Programs to assist those in crisis . . .
Motel Voucher Program: We provide motel vouchers to people who need emergency shelter and have exhausted all other resources. These vouchers are most often given to seniors, women and families with children, or persons who do not have a pattern of being homeless. We usually provide one to seven nights of vouchers to give us time to help find a longer-term solution. This program is limited to the amount of funds available.
Homebound Grocery Delivery: We help homebound seniors and disabled person by delivering groceries to their home once a month. This has proven to be a very needed and appreciated service.
Food Stamps Outreach: Once a week, representatives from local Department of Social Services (DPSS) agencies come to each site during distribution to enroll clients in Food Stamps and Medi-Cal programs. This is extremely beneficial to our clients, as it eliminates the fear of going to the DPSS buildings.
Referrals: We assess each client’s needs and often refer them to organizations that can help them return to stability and self-sufficiency through employment counseling, shelter, health care, and client advocacy.
Transitional Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: We collaborate with Santa Anita Family Service to provide needed services to victims of domestic violence throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Transportation Program: We provide bus tokens and taxi coupons through collaboration with the International Institute of Los Angeles. This helps our clients pick up food, attend job interviews, keep medical appointments, and more.
Work Experience Programs (Welfare to Work, Community Service, GAIN, Senior & Youth Work Training) Many welfare recipients, senior citizens and youth gain work experience, learn new skills and develop good work habits at the Foothill Unity Center and then have the references to secure good jobs.
Making the Holidays happier, warmer . . .
Each year, many individuals and groups from local schools, businesses, civic organizations, police and fire departments donate items and volunteer their time to make our holiday events a happier time for our clients. Thanksgiving and Holiday programs are held at the beautiful LA County Arboretum in Arcadia.
Thanksgiving Distribution: With help from the community, we provide our families with generous food baskets which include all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, including meat.
Holiday Distribution: Every year we have a massive Holiday Distribution Party where hundreds of families receive huge holiday food boxes, new toys and clothing for their children, Christmas trees and much, much more. Last year through the Angel program, we provided over 3,000 children with clothes, toys and more.
Children are our future . . .
Back-to School Program: Each August, we provide local K-12 grade children of low-income families with the clothing and supplies they need to start the new school year. This past year we provided for nearly 2,300 children. Community support helps to purchase new school uniforms, underwear, shoes, socks, jackets, school supplies and even haircuts for these students. A good start of the school year can make a difference.
Recognizing our supporters and raising funds . . .
Annual Golden Plate Awards Dinner, a fundraising event, has become a highlight of the community calendar and the top community award "The Heart in Hand Humanitarian" brings more awareness and encourages humanitarianism. The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Awards have given us a valuable way to recognize and thank individuals, organizations and businesses that have been very supportive.
Volunteers and Staff . . .
The Center staff is minimal and consists of only eleven full-time employees. Much of the work required to run the Center and its store is provided by dedicated volunteers from the communities we serve. In 2009, those volunteers contributed over forty three thousand hours of time to our organization. Many complete varying community service assignments at the Center.
Our Funding comes from . . .
As a community organization, we receive support from many local churches, businesses, individuals and foundations. Approximately 40% of our funds come from the government (county, state and federal) and the balance is from grants, donations and fundraisers. For the past five years 90 to 96% of every dollar has gone to our programs helping the underserved, leaving less than 10% for administration and fund raising. Truly, the Foothill Unity Center is a community effort.
Our Awards to the Center include . . .
2009 Spirit of Humanitarianism Award was presented by the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley.
Community Achievement -Torch Award was given by the 48th District Schools Involvement Program.
Community Spirit Award Los Angeles Regional Food Bank chose our Center for this coveted honor.
Hunger Fighter Award was given by California Hunger Action Coalition to Executive Director Joan Whitenack "for dedication, service and deep personal commitment to end hunger in California."
Tony Collier Award from Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s top honor was presented to Joan Whitenack for her "leadership in the war against hunger."
