Clockwise from top : Wyland Foundation ’ s Mobile Learning Center ; sorting produce at Laguna Food Pantry ; volunteers serving a meal at Friendship Shelter
TOP : COURTTESY OF WYLAND FOUNDATION ; BOTTOM LEFT : COURTESY OF FRIENDSHIP SHELTER
WYLAND FOUNDATION Marine wildlife artist Wyland — known for his whaling wall murals across the globe — established the Wyland Foundation more than 25 years ago to help preserve the world ’ s waterways . “ The Wyland Foundation is a groundbreaking environmental education organization … [ that works to ] encourage people of all ages to take action to ensure the future of our oceans , lakes , rivers , streams and wetlands . We directly inspire millions of people through well-known national and local programs ,” says foundation President Steve Creech . One of those programs is the Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience , which brings a 1,000-square-foot , state-of-the-art science museum on wheels to schools and festivals . Running on biodiesel , the mobile classroom offers interactive stations and a multisensory theater with science-based lessons to teach students how water quality and availability affects our lives . Annually , the foundation also sponsors a conservation-focused student art contest , which awards classroom prizes and scholarships . Also every year , the foundation encourages waterway cleanups and partners with mayors nationwide for a friendly competition to see which city can be the most water-wise as residents pledge online to conserve water and energy . “ The foundation is completely funded by our members and donors ,” Creech says . “ I ’ d encourage folks to take a look at our website and to please consider donating to support our work .” ( wylandfoundation . org )
FRIENDSHIP SHELTER Through an emergency shelter , permanent housing programs , meals and other services , Friendship Shelter aims to end homelessness in south Orange County . Founded in 1988 , the organization started as an all-volunteer effort at St . Mary ’ s Episcopal Church and has grown over the years . “ Friendship Shelter focuses all of its efforts , including shelter , street outreach and housing , on finding and sustaining a housing solution for every person we serve ,” says Dawn Price , the
nonprofit ’ s executive director . “ We believe that by solving that primary issue for every person experiencing homelessness , we create the safety and space for other improvements in health and well-being .” And , she notes , the numbers show the group ’ s efforts are paying off . “ The 2022 Orange County ‘ point in time count ’ … found that homelessness in south Orange County dropped 23 % since 2019 and that street homelessness in Laguna Beach dropped by 60 % during that period ,” she says . Friendship Shelter operates the city ’ s Alternative Sleeping Location Emergency Shelter on Laguna Canyon Road , offering meals , showers , laundry facilities and other resources . The nonprofit also runs the Bridge Housing Program to secure housing and employment or other income for homeless adults . And scattered-site apartments are available for clients who are chronically homeless and have a physical or mental health condition . Whether in a shelter or housing unit , more than 200 individuals sleep in a safe , warm space every night , thanks to the nonprofit . ( friendshipshelter . org )
LAGUNA FOOD PANTRY Since 1993 , the Laguna Food Pantry has been collecting and distributing free groceries to those in need , now providing about 100,000 pounds of provisions per week from its Laguna Canyon facility , where the addition of a covered outdoor distribution area was being completed this fall . “ Inflation and the rising cost of gasoline , groceries and rent have impacted families already struggling financially before the pandemic ,” says Anne Belyea , the nonprofit ’ s executive director . “… With inflation at a 30-year high , we expect the demand for services will continue to climb . Thanks to the generous support of the local community , we can purchase milk , eggs , fresh produce and meat to serve over 850 families per week .” The organization started as the Laguna Relief and Resource Center to aid those affected by the devastating 1993 fire and , later , the flood and landslides , providing food , clothing and even furniture ; eventually , the nonprofit
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