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