Gift supports the renovation and expansion of Double R Ranch working horse ranch
(Orange County, CA) August 13, 2024 – Orange County Rescue Mission’s Double R Ranch (DRR) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The grant helped fund IT infrastructure for The Success Center, DRR’s technology center that officially opened today.
Founded in 2005 by Orange County Rescue Mission, DRR is a working horse ranch in Silverado Canyon serving men experiencing homelessness. DRR is currently undergoing a renovation and expansion that will house approximately 55 additional women with children by 2025. DRR empowers each homeless adult with the tools and resources needed to achieve long-term, full-time employment and financial stability.
The Success Center plays a significant role in that, powering telehealth, workforce development, skills training, and ongoing education for DRR residents.
“We are grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for this very generous gift and the ongoing support of Cox Communications in Orange County. This gift enables us to develop the IT infrastructure needed in the Success Center. Access to technology is essential for people experiencing homelessness to overcome barriers to full-time employment and financial stability,” said Bryan Crain, Orange County Rescue Mission president and CEO.
“Congratulations to the Orange County Rescue Mission and the Double R Ranch (DRR) for being selected as a James M. Cox grant recipient,” said Don Wagner, chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “By investing in the Success Center, individuals will have access to training opportunities, life skills classes, financial literacy education, workforce development and more, which will all contribute to acquiring long-term and full-time employment and financial stability. This grant will certainly help the organization continue their important work among people who are impacted by housing insecurity in Orange County.”
DRR provides safe shelter and wraparound services, including meals, case management, legal assistance, and medical, dental, and mental health services. The DRR program provides access to educational opportunities, job readiness skills, employment experience, and job placement and retention services.
In the wake of the pandemic, Orange County rent increases, and the effects of high inflation, Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) experienced a dramatic increase in those seeking its services.
Over the past year, the organization has experienced its highest occupancy rate in history, especially for homeless families, homeless single women, homeless pregnant mothers, and homeless mothers with children, which is at 131% capacity.
“At Cox, we are committed to empowering our employees and communities to build a better future for the next generation. Through this generous gift from the James M. Cox Foundation, we are thrilled to do just that and support the transformational work of Orange County Rescue Mission,” said Colleen Dillaway, market vice president for Cox Communications in Orange County.
Double R Ranch spans 33 acres. The entire renovation project will eventually encompass 60,000 sq. ft. to accommodate 141 beds for more of Orange County’s most vulnerable population, including women, children, veterans, and senior citizens.
About the James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio’s first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including conservation and environment, early childhood education, empowering families and individuals for success, and health.
About Orange County Rescue Mission
Orange County Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that uses Biblical principles in its programs to help those who are homeless and are prepared to change the underlying issues that contribute to their circumstances. The Rescue Mission’s innovative facilities and programs are specific to meet the needs for the whole family. It provides food assistance and shelter in addition to counseling, education, job training, mental wellness, life skills training, and medical services to provide a solid foundation for families to transition to a self-sufficient life.
