As part of its mission statement, OCWLA is committed to charitable giving. OCWLA's goal is to make charitable gifts to non-profits in the spirt of assisting the advancement of the status of women and children in law and society in matters including, but not limited to:

1. Domestic and sexual violence against female and child victims with emphasis on legal services, education, awareness, and prevention.
2. Gender discrimination, harassment, or bias against females.
3. Bridging the gap of legal needs of women and children, particularly programs that serve to support and improve the rights of these individuals.

OCWLA's Philanthropy Giving policy provides an annual opportunity for non-profit organizations to apply for funding. The applications are intensely reviewed by the philanthropy committee and a recommendation is made to the OCWLA board for approval.

This year, OCWLA is pleased to contribute approximately $25,000 to charitable giving. The 2019 philanthropy recipients are as follows:

• CASA of Orange County - Serving Orange County's most severely abused, abandoned, and neglected children through the recruitment, training, and supervision of community volunteers who advocate for their best interest
• Code Open Sesame - College and high school volunteers teach computer coding to children at homeless and domestic violence shelters
• Family Legal Services at CHOC Children's - Supports families who need help with medical consent issues with legal representation
• Girls Inc. - An organization providing education and job training to underserved and at-risk girls, including its College Bound/Externship Program
• Human Options - An organization providing a variety of services, including legal services, to victims of domestic violence
• Laura's House - An organization serving victims of domestic violence in Orange County with a variety of services, including its Legal Advocacy Program
• Orange County Justice Fund - Provides legal representation to detained immigrants in Orange County, including women who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence
• Project Youth OCBF - An organization working to keep at-risk youth in school and drug free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening
• Tathiana's Home - A newly-established home in Orange County dedicated to providing a safe home and 24-hour support to victims of human trafficking

OCWLA is also an annual supporter of the Public Law Center's Volunteers for Justice Dinner. If you would like to purchase a ticket to sit at OCWLA's table, please contact info@ocwla.org.

Michelle A. Philo
OCWLA 2019 President