Jun 6, 2023 | Inspiration
Santa Ana, Calif. (June 5, 2023) — Reimagine and nine aligned nonprofits partnered with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on June 1 for Empowering Possibilities, a collaborative online Giving Day to support efforts in supporting the needs of Orange County neighbors with disabilities. Reimagine today announced 25 donors contributed over $18,000 to support the educational and clinical programs that so many children, youth, adults and families rely on. In total, OCCF’s Empowering Possibilities Giving Day raised $150,496.
Reimagine is dedicated to providing participants with the services and supports vital to living more independently and to thrive. The $18,350 raised will enable Reimagine to strengthen the nonprofit’s core services in child development, transition youth access and adult learning—services that are life-changing for individuals with disabilities determined to grow and thrive.
In addition to Reimagine, other participating organizations included Beyond Blindness, Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled, Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County, Hope Center for the Arts, Project Independence, Tomorrow’s Leadership Collaborative Charter School (TLC), Unlimited Possibilities and Vocational Visions.
“I am so proud of everyone who participated in the success of this wonderful one-day fundraiser. It’s a testament to the strength of our disability community and our continued commitment to providing the programs and services that help our participants live their best lives,” said Sofia Martinez, Reimagine CEO.
“We thank our tremendous nonprofit partners for the effort they put behind the Empowering Possibilities Giving Day,” said Carol Ferguson, director of donor and community engagement at the Orange County Community Foundation. “Our neighbors with disabilities are often overlooked, so we’re thrilled that the Orange County community rallied to support this group so that everyone feels included and achieves success.”
For more information about Reimagine, visit www.reimagineoc.org. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit https://www.oc-cf.org/giving-days/.
About Reimagine
Reimagine serves over 450 children, youth and adults with disabilities in Orange County. From continuing education and pre-employment training to a range of highly specialized clinical services and supports, we are passionate about unlocking the potential of every person to thrive. Our mission is to reimagine and relentlessly pursue possibilities throughout the lifespan of every person with disabilities. www.reimagineoc.org
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) combines giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result: greater good in Orange County, and beyond. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact, granting $975 million since 1989 in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2022 annual report here.
Feb 20, 2023 | Leadership, Testimonial
How does Reimagine OC help people with disabilities thrive? Find out by listening to OC Talk Radio Public Affairs Director Dawn Kamber’s interview with Reimagine OC Chief Executive Officer Sofia Martinez. She talks about how Reimagine’s programs are in line with its vision which is to create a world in which all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in healthy, inclusive communities.
https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6ewed-13855fb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8
Jun 8, 2022 | Board of Directors, Leadership
On June 1, Reimagine’s Board of Directors announced Sofia Martinez as its new Executive Director.
“With Sofia’s long tenure and outstanding leadership as Chief of Programs and Service Operations, there is truly no one better to lead Reimagine forward. Her knowledge of Reimagine’s services, participants and operations is unparalleled. Sofia has the board’s full support and we are excited about having her partner with Reimagine’s dedicated and talented employees to continue the extraordinary work to relentlessly pursue possibilities for Reimagine participants,” said Ron Murray II, Board President.
“In my new role as Executive Director, I look forward to an even stronger partnership between our staff, participants, families and supporters who bring our mission to life. A summer of new possibilities is on the horizon, and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to the success of every participant we are so proud to serve.” said Sofia Martinez, Executive Director
May 5, 2021 | Board of Directors, Leadership, New Year
Reimagine is pleased to announce the addition of Alex Cochran, a Vice President at Hirtle Callaghan, a national firm that serves as an investment office for non-profits and families, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Cochran brings nearly 15 years of expertise as a trusted advisor to endowments, foundations, and philanthropic families.
“I am thrilled to join the Reimagine Board of Directors as we embark on the next phase of our journey to support the lives of individuals with disabilities throughout Orange County. We have built a world-class facility that is focused on enriching the lives of individuals who are often overlooked. I look forward to building a community that can grow and provide an invaluable service to individuals and families living with disabilities,” said Cochran.
Mr. Cochran is a graduate of Chapman University and lives in Costa Mesa with his wife and two children.
May 3, 2021 | Inspiration, Testimonial, Virtual
The Generous Heart of a Helper
For 20-year-old Jacob, participating at Reimagine means more than just finding help for himself. It means finding a place where he can give of himself to others. As a young adult with autism, Jacob has many opportunities available to him at Reimagine. His favorites are the programs and activities that offer him the chance to give his time and talents to others.
Jacob’s case manager at Regional Center introduced him to Reimagine and its Lifelong Learning Program, believing that he would benefit from the program’s opportunities to expand his horizons through education and socializing. And he’s thriving!
A lover of bike rides, brisk walks and watching movies (at home and in the theater), Jacob is proud to live on his own. He’s independent and values the friendships he’s made through Reimagine’s Lifelong Learning Program. The chance to talk to a wide range of people has brought excitement to Jacob’s life and he loves that some of his classes and programs have included the same groups of people, allowing him to build deep, meaningful friendships.
When asked about his typical week, Jacob lists a rich mix of twice weekly classes at Reimagine and Coastline Community College including health, social studies, math and theater, and shares about the weekly Zoom social hours that they have been conducting since the pandemic began, where he is able to share music recommendations. Jacob enjoys his classes and loves socializing on these weekly calls, but he especially lights up when he starts talking about the volunteer work that he has done through the community service activities that Reimagine has organized for its participants.
Jacob shares that their community service excursions have included everything from setting up tables for senior bingo nights to folding donated clothes for those in need. He specifically remembers the joy he felt working with his friends at Reimagine to sort and box food at Thomas House Family Shelter in Garden Grove, and describes that these day-long service trips often offer unique opportunities to learn new things, while also helping members of the community.
Another great insight into Jacob’s helpful personality is his deep appreciation for the opportunity to assist Brandon, one of his teachers at Reimagine, with his daily tasks. Brandon recognized some of Jacob’s capabilities and began asking Jacob for help with his work. You can feel the great deal of pride Jacob feels from helping Brandon with tasks ranging from filing papers to helping grade assignments. It means a lot that Brandon trusts him with these projects.
Jacob’s participation in Reimagine’s Lifelong Learning Program has benefitted him in many ways. The education and community service is helping him develop life skills that he can apply to professional work and independent living. Great cultures bring out the best in people, and Reimagine’s programming has created an environment where Jacob’s generous spirit has been able to grow and develop, bringing him a sense of purpose and individuality that he is proud to bring into his daily life and personal relationships.
For more information about Reimagine’s Lifelong Learning Program, click here.
