Family

There are 11 Community Centers strategically located throughout Orange County, where citizens can access programs and services that address a variety of family needs including youth mentoring, literacy/G.E.D., employment & training, senior meals & activities, and much more. Managed by Orange County Community Action, the Centers are also available for community activities and events.

The Crisis Assistance Program provides one-time financial assistance to Orange County citizens who are experiencing a sudden, temporary financial emergency, but will be self-sufficient within one month. Assistance may include payment of rent, mortgage or utilities, as well as referrals to other needed services. For an appointment, call (407) 836-6500.

During tax season, Orange County offers a free tax preparation program for low-income families applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers who are eligible for and claim the credit. This credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund, which could be used for food, housing, education, transportation, or saved for the future. To learn more, contact a Community Center near you.

Orange County Community Action offers a comprehensive range of employability services to assist residents in securing employment. Services can include: referrals, employability skills training, mentoring, vocational training, community services, job search and placement assistance, computer skills training, etc. For more information, contact an Orange County Community Center near you.

Helping families meet the practical challenges of daily life through educational workshops, seminars, phone, office visits, learn-by-mail, educational materials, and computer networking, Family & Consumer Sciences agents work to bring you the latest information on: Financial Management, Food Safety, Nutrition, and Housing and Home environment, and Family development.

Providing counseling for families struggling with adolescents, (especially those who are truant, runaway or troubled), this program seeks to keep families intact and prevent involvement of youth in the juvenile justice system. For more information, call (407) 897-6370 x221.

The Family Resource Program provides assistance to families enduring long-term hardships, usually as the result of health and disability issues. Services are focused on assisting families to become self-sufficient through a return to work or obtaining social security disability benefits. For more information, call (407) 836-7424.

The Ryan White program provides health and social support services for persons living with HIV disease or AIDS who have no other resources. Services are provided by local government and non-profit agencies.

Home Visitors provide in-home education and support for families needing help in the areas of parenting and basic homemaking skills. For more information, call (407) 836-9340.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides utility payment assistance to Orange County families whose income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. To find out how to apply, call (407) 836-7429.

Neighborhood Centers for Families are available to residents in 13 communities throughout Orange County. Services are tailored to the needs of each community, and may include: counseling, tutoring, parent education, mentoring, employability skills, senior activities, and much more. For more information, call (407) 836-7610 or visit a Neighborhood Center near you.

Veterans Services provides assistance to all former or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States, their spouses and/or their dependents in preparing claims for compensation, hospitalization, vocational training and other benefits to which they are entitled. For an appointment, call (407) 836-8990.