In times of need, OCUUC and its members give tangible support to the needs of others. We divide half of the loose plate collected on Sundays to many different non-profits and communities in need.
If you are a Member or Friend of OCUUC, you may nominate a worthy organization by using the Plate Share Nomination Form.
Plate Share Recipients
Stand Up for Kids Orange County
Stand Up for Kids Orange County serves homeless and at-risk youth and young adults 25 and younger. Programs in Orange County offer street outreach, mentoring, housing support and so much more. Programs have the overall goal of leading homeless youth to self-sufficiency and preventing at-risk youth from gang involvement, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and from dropping out of high school.
Youth that have been served include sexually exploited youth, victims of abuse and/or neglect, LGBTQ youth, kids with disabilities, pregnant and parenting young people, and kids forced out of their homes. For information about Stand-Up for Kids contact them directly at 714 356-5437. www.StandUpForKids.org
Camp deBenneville Pines
Our Unitarian Universalist Camp deBenneville Pines is in Angeles Oaks, California. Our Mountain Camp exists for all of us, providing much needed respite from our daily lives, and has been in operation since the 1960’s. Our Unitarian Universalist Camp provides children, teens and adults of all beliefs and identities an environment for centering, solitude, fresh air, a welcoming community of peers, art, music, yoga and the chance to make lasting friendships in a mountain top setting. Please give generously to help our mountain retreat remain viable and available for generations to come. Contact Janet James at 909-794-2928 or visit the web site at (https://www.uucamp.org/).
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is a 501c3 non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center in Huntington Beach. Its mission is to educate the public about human impact on the environment, and mitigate that impact through care and rehabilitation of native wildlife. Equipped with animal washing stations, a hospital, indoor and outdoor caging, areas to prepare food, and a facilities container, the WWCC admits sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of rehabilitation and release back into the wild.
The Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California
The Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California (UUJMCA) was founded in 2002 to lift up the prophetic voice of Unitarian Universalism and UUs at the state capitol in legislative and policy decisions. Over the years, UUJMCA's advanced justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities, and empowering the public voice of those who share UU values and principles.
Share Ourselves
Share Ourselves is a healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health and support services for the entire community. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. So, every day we break down the barriers to achieving optimal health. From serving as a comprehensive healthcare provider, to offering social services like financial assistance and food distribution, our approach considers all that it means to be healthy. Because when we uplift and prioritize the health of every individual, we become stronger as a community.
Rea Elementary School
Rea Elementary School students have many opportunities for enrichment experiences and specialized learning activities. These include: annual musical theater production, vocal and instrumental music, Rea School Band, hands-on science in our state-of-the art science lab and outdoor nature center, Art Masters, Art Club, Robotics Club, Peer Leaders, After School Soccer, 6th Grade Outdoor Science Camp, Walk Through History assemblies, field trips, and more. Many of our enrichment opportunities are supported by our Rea Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). School Mission: To prepare students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Volunteer Guide
Keep in mind that a number of the members of our congregation do more than just give money. They take a “hands-on” approach and work to help programs in a variety of ways.
From time to time, visitors and members at OCUUC ask about getting involved with community outreach and volunteering to be of service to others. To this end, we would like to be able to provide a listing of possible service opportunities and to be able to refer those interested to members of our congregation who are already acting in “hands-on” efforts helping to meet real community needs. Please let us know what you are doing, where you are volunteering… with young people/old people, health and nutrition, the homeless, education, addiction, the arts, the environment, political action or any activity where others may join you so they might benefit from the great rewards that are derived from being of service. OCUUC continues to seek to identify non-profit groups who can use our financial assistance and now we would like to be able to help by providing a guide for volunteerism.