After 50 years of working in the helping professions, I became keenly aware that some well-meaning groups talk a good game but fail to leverage donations into true social impact. Then, about 10 years ago, I was introduced to Padres Unidos (Parents United).
Actually, I was introduced to their work first. I initially had no idea who was behind all of these wonderful outcomes. I watched 30 parents graduate from a rigorous two-year program to become community workers. These individuals were dedicated to helping local families raise successful, highly educated children. They found ways to feed the hungry, ensured babies had diapers, and ran programs in the court system to guide youth toward productive lives. These weren't just goals—these were proven outcomes.
I had to learn more about how Padres Unidos operated and how I could help them grow. They were unlike any non-profit I had ever known; they hugged at meetings and spoke openly about "love circles." Padres Unidos always finds a way to make a difference in Orange County.
After observing this amazing group for a decade, and serving on their board for the last six years, I promise you that they will treat your investment with the deep love and meaningful action they are known for.
They are a humble group that doesn't toot their own horn, so I am here to do it for them. Your monetary investment will directly change the lives of our neighbors. Please give whatever you can—our community needs it more than ever before!
After immigrating from Mexico in the late 1990s, Jose and Maria worked tirelessly to build a better life for their four children by starting and operating their own business. During those demanding years, their oldest son became involved in a gang, and the family experienced one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Heartbroken but determined to break the cycle, Jose and Maria turned to Padres Unidos for support. Through parenting education, encouragement, and a caring community, they strengthened their parenting skills, rebuilt family relationships, and renewed their hope for the future. They discovered that lasting change is possible when families are surrounded by support, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. Their perseverance paid off. Today, Jose and Maria are active Padres Unidos Community Worker at Chapman award volunteers who continue to give back to their community, and all of their children have attended college and pursued their own paths in life. Their family's journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, education, resilience, and the belief that families thrive through support and inclusion.
At Padres Unidos, we believe that successful families build successful communities. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with parents from Orange County's diverse communities to build stronger families through education, support, and leadership development. By empowering parents, nurturing children, and cultivating community leaders, we are creating a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive Orange County where every family is valued, every voice matters, and everyone belongs.