The months that Sophia went through treatments were not only emotionally and physically challenging, but financially the family struggled to make ends meet. Sophia’s husband and two young children were referred to Share Our Selves in Costa Mesa, where case manager Yadira Gomez compassionately worked with them to uncover their needs, provided them with monetary assistance to pay utilities and cover baby items, and connected them to other community organizations that could help them further.  

“My family is a real example of how the mission and purpose of Share Our Selves is worth supporting and maintaining. Share Our Selves was there with a helping hand when we needed it most. On behalf of my late wife, and my children, I want to express my gratitude to your organization for support of organizations like Share Our Selves.”

For more than 35 years, Share Our Selves (SOS) has provided a safety-net of care to those in need. Families and individuals can access food and clothing, receive financial aid assistance and even secure a “Birthday Party in a Box” to help families celebrate their child’s special day. With more than 200 volunteer health professionals and a partnership with Hoag Hospital, the SOS free medical clinic provides care for more than 300 patients per week. The free dental clinic is the only comprehensive free clinic for adults in Orange County and in 2006 over 7,000 patients received services from volunteer providers. The SOS Comprehensive CARE Center provides counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, home visits and more to help clients become and remain self-sufficient. Orange County United Way is proud to support Share Our Selves and applauds their staff and volunteers for all the hard work they do to create lasting changes for many Orange County families. For more information on Share Our Selves, visit www.shareourselves.org.