Olive Crest, the Southern California child and family services nonprofit long supported by the grocery industry, celebrated the grand opening of its Swenson Family Foundation Campus on Sept. 1 in Santa Ana, California, unveiling two new apartment buildings that will house young adults who have experienced homelessness after aging out of the foster care system.
The Shelby Report‘s Bob Reeves attended the celebration at 2130 E. Fourth St., where the new Curtis & Jill Scheetz and Kenny & Vera Thompson Apartment Homes — part of the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation’s RSI Dream Communities — were constructed on the grounds of Olive Crest’s corporate office. The campus also includes an expanded Children and Family Resource Center, and the day’s program featured a ribbon cutting, campus tours and a tour of the Dave Hirz Family Foundation Kitchen, named for the family foundation of the retired Smart & Final CEO.
The need the apartments address is stark: 60 percent of foster teens become homeless within their first year of aging out of care, according to Olive Crest. Residents will have access to safe housing and personalized guidance through the organization’s “Operation Independence” program, which helps young adults pursue education, employment, financial literacy and mental wellness.
“For 53 years, Olive Crest has walked alongside children, teens and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges,” Olive Crest CEO Donald Verleur wrote in the event program. “Young people who are homeless, housing insecure or at risk of exploitation will find safe housing and supportive services. Families in crisis will have access to counseling, visitation services, resources and compassionate care under one roof.”
Food industry ties run deep
Grocery retailers in the West and beyond have long supported Olive Crest’s work, from checkout campaigns and cause marketing with retailers including Smart & Final, Gelson’s, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions to industry events such as the Food Industry Sales and Marketing Club’s fundraisers. The organization also convenes its Olive Crest Round Table, where food industry partners plan fundraising activities in support of the nonprofit — support reflected in the campus donor roll, which includes the Hirz Family Foundation and the In-N-Out Burger Foundation.
Founded in 1973, when Dr. Donald and Lois Verleur took in four teenage girls and opened their first home for children in Orange County, Olive Crest today serves thousands of children and families throughout California, Nevada and the Pacific Northwest as it expands eastward to reach youth nationwide.
The organization’s next major event is its Power of One Luncheon, set for Oct. 6 at the Westin South Coast Plaza, featuring author and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.
Olive Crest holds Grand Opening of the Swenson Family Foundation Campus
