The History Behind FAM

Family Assistance Ministries of South Orange County was founded in 1999 by Ellen Gilchrist to continue to accommodate the 135 families that the Episcopal Service Alliance could no longer serve.

The first case in September 1999, provided rental assistance to an individual so eviction could be prevented. Within 30 days, this individual became employed at a major retailer becoming self-sufficient and a productive member of our community.

Now, Family Assistance Ministries is providing food, shelter, and client aid to thousands of people in South Orange County. We provide shelter, utility assistance, transportation assistance, medical, dental, prescriptions assistance, financial counseling and courses as well as collaborating with other social services organizations to provide referrals and medical screenings, immunizations, eye glasses, and much more! We belong to several collaborative and social services regional groups in order to provide full services to our clients in need.

In 2012, FAM redistributed just over $2.5 million in food to the hungry in So OC, over $95,000 in cash aid in the form of vouchers and bills paid, and sheltered 60 women--some with children--in our transitional shelter, Gilchrist House.

FAM would not be able to reach such numbers and provide a hand-up without the partnership of our many devoted volunteers! We also acknowledge that we could not reach so many of those in need without our incredible donors who give from their heart in the form of food, money, and time! Thank you on behalf of all those we serve TOGETHER!

As a 501(c)3 organization, all funds raised are used to fulfill our mission in South Orange County.