OCCHC Celebrates 45 Years of Service

OCCHC recently hosted its 45th Anniversary Celebration at the Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens. The event welcomed guests to a fun filled evening with LIVE music by the Johnny Ramos Band! The celebration honored OCCHC Founding Executive Director, Allen Baldwin, in addition to, friend & donor of over 20 years, Rossina Gallegos!

The team introduced guests to the Peralta Family, sharing their success at OCCHC while receiving affordable housing and education that continues to assist them in stepping up for a brighter future. Thank you for joining us in the celebration!

Founding Board Members, Jim Yacenda & Joe Boyle, join Allen & Nora, to share their memories of the early days of OCCHC and its growth over the past 45 years.

Meet the Peralta Family...

The event honored the Peralta Family, who came to OCCHC after living in overcrowded conditions just to make ends meet. At OCCHC they were not only provided affordable housing, but also the free educational programs to help step up to a brighter future.

“Having affordable rent has alleviated our financial stress; we were constantly worried about how we were going to make ends meet. Best of all, we don’t have to share a home with outside people in order to be able to afford our rent. My children do not have to worry about disturbing others or their privacy.”

Not only did the Peralta Family find a safe place to call home, but they also found OCCHC’s signature program, SteppingUP. Their daughter, Lizbeth, joined the program in 6th grade where she was provided with academic advisors who guided her on a path to college and opportunities that would help her plan for her future. Lizbeth maintained above a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, interned at Boeing, and gave back to her community by helping girls learn about robotics at Oak View Elementary in Huntington Beach. She was also a panelist during SteppingUP’s summer boot camp where she shared her high school journey and tips for success with current program participants.

This year, Lizbeth will be the first in her family to step up to college with a FULL RIDE to JOHNS HOPKINS where she will major in Mechanical Engineering. Lizbeth is a shining example to our students and our future!