Orion Communities Inc

Financial assistance - after an assessment of needs and resources, critical funds may help stabilize individuals and families who are under-resourced. Orion has three pools of funds. 1 - community emergency fund provides funds for critical situations to assist with life's basic needs or to keep a client from catastrophic losses. In 2024, orion provided $144,000 in direct aid through the community emergency fund. 2 - roofs(readily obtainable occupancy funds) provides temporary hotel stays and security deposit assistance for individuals and families moving from homelessness to permanent housing. In 2024, this fund provided $178,000 in support. 3 - gifts in kind and restricted funds provide additional direct support.

Stars - an academic gap exists between children from under-resourced households and their peers. Stars (sharing technology advances reading skills) is a literacy, digital literacy, stem, and computer/book distribution program that engages children to improve academic performance. In 2024, 61 children participated in stem workshops and book clubs. Over 10,000 children's books were distributed to a variety of giving libraries, partner organizations, schools and directly to families to ensure books are accessible to low income children.

Glad (gutsy ladies achieving their destiny) - this 'trauma informed' program for single mothers is designed to be responsive to the impact of trauma and emphasize safety while helping participants build on their parenting skills, identify their passions, and develop education plans to fulfill those passions. Built into the program are "learning to learn" components which include critical thinking and self-regulation skills.

Technology resource center - lack of access to technology resources can lead to a disparity gap in education, health, and finances. Orion's technology resource center provides free guided access to computers, internet, phones,and copiers/fax to facilitate bridging the gap.

Community outreach is an endeavor that assesses needs, develops strategies, and provides services that will fill the gaps to in-need and at risk populations. Community outreach also raises community awareness and develops a collaborative approach to meet the needs of the community as well as provide an understanding of the existing services. One example is offering bridges out of poverty-getting ahead in a just gettin' by world and poverty simulation workshops to create a network of people with a common language and understanding of local poverty. The goal is to prevent and reduce poverty with all voices at the decision-making table.