Money will support free financial education and coaching through SparkPoint OC for 100 local housing insecure families.
Irvine, CA. (May 19, 2025) – Orange County United Way has received a pivotal grant from Wells Fargo as part of a statewide, $1 million grant to United Ways of California. This grant is supporting financial empowerment and community resiliency programming at 12 United Way organizations covering more than 30 counties across the state. As part of this statewide investment, Orange County United Way received $100,000 to expand its financial education and homelessness prevention efforts through SparkPoint OC.
The funds dedicated to United Way provide critical financial coaching and support services to 100 families in Orange County who are experiencing housing insecurity or are at risk of homelessness. Participants receive 12 months of wrap-around support, including free, one-on-one financial coaching designed to build financial stability and help families sustain housing.
Financial literacy and empowerment are foundational to long-term housing stability. When individuals and families gain the knowledge and tools to take control of their finances, build credit, and reduce debt, they are better equipped to avoid eviction, recover from financial setbacks, and achieve lasting independence. Through SparkPoint OC, clients are not only guided in achieving immediate financial goals—they are also empowered with the tools and knowledge needed to break the cycle of poverty and create a more secure future.
“We’re grateful to Wells Fargo for their generous donation to support our efforts to make financial stability possible for Orange County families. We are reminded that financial education is about more than budgeting, it’s about empowerment, self-sufficiency and freedom. It enables opportunities for our residents to thrive and provides a pathway to independence, dignity, and security,” said Sue Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way.
SparkPoint OC is United Way’s financial empowerment program that supports hardworking residents on their journey to financial stability. Through personalized support, individuals gain the tools and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals and build a more secure future. Goal-setting plans are created in four key areas including increasing income, improving credit, reducing debt, and building assets.
“Wells Fargo is proud to support Orange County United Way’s SparkPoint OC program in providing financial coaching to those who need it most,” said Julie Tomanpos, AVP, Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “Programs like SparkPoint OC are vital to helping our communities achieve financial stability and long-term success.”
For more information about Orange County United Way, visit: UnitedWayOC.org.
For more information about SparkPoint OC, visit: https://www.unitedwayoc.org/our-work/united-for-financial-security/sparkpoint-oc/
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, families gain financial security, and our unhoused 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. Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, Cornerstone Communications, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, 949-449-2527
