Irvine, CA, (October 3, 2023) – Orange County United Way today announced that Elizabeth Andrade has been named the Executive Director for 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), the free service which connects residents to housing, food assistance, utilities, transportation and a host of other resources offered by local nonprofits and government agencies. 211OC also administers the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the database that supports the community’s efforts to address homelessness, for the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC).
“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Andrade to the team as the Executive Director for 211OC,” said Susan B. Parks, President, and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Liz is a visionary non-profit leader and strategist who brings diverse experience and genuine passion for serving the community to this role. Under her leadership and backed by Orange County United Way’s network of staff, volunteers, supporters and partner agencies, 211OC is poised to expand and have an even greater impact serving even more OC residents seeking assistance.”
Andrade will build on her vast experience in expanding social services and driving organizational growth to bridge partnerships that improve access to services for individuals and families across the county. She will lead a team of 31 who field an average of 37,000 inquiries for resources a month via phone call, text and email, and online searches. 211OC plays a vital role in the community’s social services ecosystem.
“I’m honored to be joining Orange County United Way and the 211OC team as we embark on setting the course for the future in service to this community,” said Andrade. “I look forward to engaging local leaders and stakeholders in shaping the vision, scale and impact of 211OC through community listening sessions and working alongside the dedicated 211OC team to ensure everyone we serve receives the resources and support they need.”
Prior to joining Orange County United Way, Andrade served as Chief Executive Officer of Family Assistance Ministries where she oversaw the organization’s strategic direction and led a team of dedicated professionals in delivering essential services including food, housing and case management to South Orange County communities. She has also held leadership positions with Mercy House Living Centers, Family Solutions Collaborative, and Families Forward.
Andrade graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. She also serves as a volunteer board member of the Delhi Center in Santa Ana.
For more information about 2-1-1 Orange County, please visit 211oc.org.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way is committed to breaking barriers and improving lives for everyone who lives here. Through our key initiatives—United for Student Success℠, United for Financial Security℠, and United to End Homelessness℠—we are working to ensure local students succeed, struggling OC families gain financial security, and our homeless neighbors find a place to call home. We also offer vital support via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of our most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources. We are committed to caring for one another. That’s #TheOCWay.
To learn more or discover how you can help, visit UnitedWayOC.org.
Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Heidi Pallares, hpallares@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 285-7278
