Family Assistance Ministries
Nonprofit Organization Management - , ,
Family Assistance Ministries Employees
Family Assistance Ministries Details
Our HistoryFAM was established in 1999 when founder Ellen Gilchrist responded to the lack of services available in southern Orange County. FAM's first client was provided rental assistance and financial counsel to prevent eviction. By the second month, this person became self-sufficient. FAM has provided a growing continuum of services in response to the changing needs of those at-risk in our community. All people seeking help at FAM receive case management, financial counsel, and nutritious food options.Ultimately, our focus is on prevention.Today FAM provides food, shelter, and client aid to tens of thousands in Orange County. We provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, medical, dental, and prescription drugs, as well as financial counseling, free income tax preparation and collaboration with other social services organizations to provide referrals and medical screenings, immunizations and much more!FAM offers a full housing continuum to help people stabilize:Rental and utility assistance to help prevent evictionFAMily House is the only emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in south Orange County. Single dads, single moms, dual parent households, pregnant women and their children have found safe shelter and help to graduate into permanent housing since 2017.Gilchrist House homeless shelter for single women and mothers with children has sheltered over 900 since opening in 2003 (as of 2020) with the goal of graduating into their own permanent housing.Permanent Housing assistance is provided through both Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing.In 2019, FAM had 126,783 encounters with people in need, with 46% of them children. 2.3 million meals were provided to the hungry and over $354,000 in cash aid was granted in the form of vouchers and bills paid.Without dedicated and talented volunteers, who served over 33,000 hours in 2019, FAM would not be able to achieve its mission.
