Are you doing your fair share?
Philanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofits throughout our community and across the country. Kindness funds help to the homeless and downtrodden; children, who in many cases, would have to do without; medical and health support for so many who are out of other options; and so much more.
Our Spotlight on Philanthropy is designed to show you the inner workings of programs touching our community and, hopefully, encourage you to take a closer look.
Featured Charitable Organization:
What does MOMS Orange County do?
The mission of MOMS Orange County is to help mothers and their families have healthy babies by offering health coordination, education and access to community services.
How do adults/children qualify for services?
MOMS programs are open to expectant couples and families with babies up to 18 months of age who lack resources, support and access to quality healthcare.
What services are available?
MOMS Orange County offers a variety of health education courses during pregnancy, in-home visits (now done virtually), and post-childbirth classes including breast feeding, group sessions for couples and mommy and me courses to name a few. In addition to promoting a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, mothers are screened for maternal depression/anxiety and other health issues, as well as lack of food/clothing and other basic needs. Babies are screened for developmental indicators and mothers are coached on promoting their babies’ growth and healthy development. A special class for new dads is also available. MOMS connects families to services and resources in the community. Diapers, baby clothing and maternity items are also provided to at-risk mothers and babies.
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Infant development includes mommy and me courses (now done virtually)
How many adults/kids does MOMS Orange County impact annually?
5,000 low-income and vulnerable mothers, babies and fathers each year.
Why donate to MOMS Orange County?
MOMS Orange County’s services achieve infant health outcomes in underserved populations that far exceed those throughout the rest of the United States. For example, 94 percent of babies are developmentally on track at program closure.
MOMS has a deep commitment to sharing the same culture and languages as the families they work with. Research findings suggest that this cultural competency and the strong relationships formed between home visitors and clients contribute significantly to the positive birth outcomes MOMS Orange County achieves.
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An in-home visit (now occurring virtually)
How can you give?
Visit www.momsorangecounty.org/donate, or call 714.352.3456, ext. 456.
Through Amazon Smile, you can shop online and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5 percent of your eligible purchases to MOMS Orange County. Visit https://org.amazon.com/.
Can someone volunteer? If so, how? What opportunities are available?
MOMS welcomes volunteers to assist with sorting and organizing donated baby and maternity items to be provided to families in need. Contact Luisa Santa at 714.352.3420.
Please describe any internal clubs, partnerships, leagues, college programs, etc.
There is a Junior Board of Directors consisting of young professionals and a Steering Committee for MOMS’ annual May fundraising event: Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures. Additionally, there are periodic advocacy programs that stem from its vision for healthy babies, empowered mothers and strong families throughout Orange County.
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Playtime for parents and infants to interact (now occurring virtually)
What are the major fundraisers and when are they?
MOMS’ major annual fundraiser, Healthy Beginnings Bright Futures, is held every May just prior to Mother’s Day. In 2021, it will be held virtually on May 6.
Names/tiles of the leadership group
Administrative Team
David Lugo – Chief Executive Officer
Andrea Pronk-Dunn – Chief Development Officer
Luisa Santa, MPH – Chief Program Officer
Board of Directors
Sadie Sacks, RN, MSN – President
Retired, Director
Regional Perinatal Program, Orange County
David Lagrew, MD – Vice President
Executive Medical Director
Women & Children’s Services Institute
Providence St. Joseph Health
Southern California Region
Craig Myers – Treasurer
Healthcare Consultant
Allyson Brooks, MD – Secretary
Chief Quality Officer, Hoag
Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Women’s Health Institute
Patricia Bartlett
Executive Vice President
The Resmark Companies
Brian Gomez
President and CEO
GreenFruit Avocados
Tom Horton
National Account Manager
Exagen Inc.
Mark Marten
Principal, Healthcare Consulting
Mazars USA LLP
Elenea Medina, MD
Pediatrician
Kaiser Permanente
Ellen Olshansky, PhD, RN
Professor Emerita,
Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
Founding Director,
UCI Program in Nursing Science
University of California, Irvine
Davina Samuel
Director, Branch Manager
Union Bank
Betha Schnelle
Chief Operating Officer
Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties
Anusha Wijeyakumar, MA
Founder and Director
Shanti Within
Sasha Yamaguchi
Regional Vice President
Cigna Healthcare
Dottie Andrews
Emeritus Member
Founding Executive Director
MOMS Orange County
1128 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Andrea Pronk-Dunn
Chief Development Officer
p: 714.352.3456 f: 714.972.9925
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Spotlight on Philanthropy is underwritten by
