
Our mission is to restore Orange County’s families and individuals in crisis to self-sufficiency.
Our Story
Serving People In Need was founded in 1987 by Sam Boyce and five friends who wanted to help the homeless of Orange County. Each week, they passed out food and asked questions trying to determine what had brought these families and individuals to these circumstances. Time and time again, the volunteers received the same responses: “I lost my job and couldn’t pay the rent, so I was evicted,” or, “Even though I have a job, I cannot get the money together to pay the move-in costs for housing.” “My family and friends want nothing more to do with me.” Today, as housing prices continue to rise, the need for access remains high, and we are more committed than ever to helping individuals and families reach self-sufficiency.
We Make a Difference!
Our programs work! We are committed to restoring Orange County’s individuals and families in crisis and at risk of becoming homeless, or currently experiencing homelessness, to be housed. Many, if not most of our clients achieve self-sufficiency through our proven support and services. Over 90% of clients reach self-sufficiency each year.
Executive Board
Curtis R. Scheetz
Chairman of the Board
Founder, Total Environment Management
Kate Domagala
Vice Chairman of the Board
Executive Customer Account Manager, Organon
Al Degrassi
Treasurer
Senior VP, American Business Bank
Rachel Owens
Secretary
Founder, Tri-Circle Financial Strategies
Directors
Richard F. Crawford
Founder/President
Crawford Custom Homes
Maureen Flanagan
Managing Director
JP Morgan Advisors
Michael Gilmore, LEED AP, Assoc. DBIA, HFDP
Principal
Mazzetti Engineers
Charlie Granville
Chairman
Granville Executive Consulting
Veronica Lopez
Sales Coordinator Manager
Air Treatment Corp.
Gazal Pour-Moezzi
Partner
Sheppard, Mullin
Mary Lou Shattuck
Former Chairman of the Board
Staff Liaison
Our Staff
Executive Staff
David Wetzel
Executive Director
Meredith Woodson
Donor & Volunteer Engagement Manager
Staff
Sandra Lopez
Program Manager
Amber Benson
Case Manager
Sylvia Ruiz
Case Manager
Brenda Garcia
Family Services Navigator
Vanessa Calderon
Family Services Navigator