ABOUT

Lifelines Assistance

Lifelines Assistance helps neighbors in need as they weather a period of crisis and move toward self-sufficiency. We guide clients in navigating the often complex network of social service programs; we connect them with resources through referrals to a broad range of providers across OC; and we provide financial assistance to qualified applicants, supporting housing, food, and transportation, as well as Jewish burial.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Our team is experiencing an influx of client inquiries. Due to this high volume, our response time may be longer than usual. Rest assured that we are working diligently to address each inquiry on a first-come, first-served basis. We understand the importance of your inquiries and acknowledge any inconvenience caused by the delay. Please bear with us as we navigate through the increased demand. We sincerely apologize for any delays in our response and appreciate your patience and understanding during this busy period.

Please note that the Jewish Federation phone number is not a crisis hotline or staffed – you will need to leave a voicemail. 

  • If you are having an immediate medical or mental health emergency or if a suicide attempt is imminent, call 911. 
  • If you are experiencing a social service emergency, call 211. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, NAMI’s OC Warmline is available 24/7 to call, text, or chat anytime: 714-991-6412. 

Helpful Resources

Employment

America Works Information

Senior Community Service Employment Program

Integrate

Ability Jobs

Food Resources

Project Food Box

Orange County Food Resources

Mental Health

Be Well OC

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

Support for Seniors

Senior Resource Guide

Independence At Home

Community Resource Guide

Equus Workforce Solutions Community Resource Guide

Donate Goods

Jewish Federation of Orange County is not accepting donated goods for clients in need. Some of our callers ask if there is a Jewish organization to which they can donate clothes; we are not aware of any Jewish organizations in Orange County that collect clothing donations. Please consider donating your items to one of these local organizations, and mention that you were referred by Jewish Federation.

Donate Clothing

Working Wardrobes

Accepts women’s/men’s clothing and accessories appropriate for work environment. Provides workforce readiness services to women, men and veterans.

Visit their site here

Locations:
Irvine - 714.210.2460.

Savers (Value Village)

Accepts clothing, furniture & household items. 

Locations:
Anaheim - 714.254.1424
Laguna Hills - 844.799.2050
Santa Ana - 844.799.2050
Fountain Valley - 714.963.0425
Yorba Linda - 714.854.9961

Women Helping Women

Accepts women’s/men’s clothing, accessories and toiletries. WHW provides job seekers with resources, skills and training.

Locations:
Costa Mesa - 949.631.1287
Fullerton - 714.870.5300
Laguna Niguel - 949.448.5180
Santa Ana - 949.631.2333.

Donate Food

Families Forward

When a family doesn’t have enough food – the most basic human need – stability in other areas is impossible. At Families Forward, we provide food to struggling families. Currently, the Families Forward food pantry serves over 6,000 low-income individuals each year. Families Forward relies almost entirely on community donations to feed these local families. Click here for a list of our most needed food items.

Visit their site here

Donate Furniture

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Long Beach and Orange County (JFCS)

JFCS’ Heart to Home program collects new mattresses and bedding, and gently-used furniture and essential household items, to furnish refugee newcomers’ homes.

Visit their site here

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Accepts home improvement items and furniture in good condition. Does not accept clothing or linens. 

Visit their site here

Locations:
Anaheim & Santa Ana
714.434.6202

GET IN TOUCH

How to Contact Lifelines Assistance

Reach out to us by email: 

Assist@JFedOC.org

In your email, provide your name, telephone number, and a brief summary of your situation. The Case Manager will respond to schedule a time for a telephone meeting to learn more about your need. Our Case Manager will advise you on next steps after the initial telephone or email communication.

Reach out to us by phone:

949-435-3484, ext. 366

The Case Manager will return your call during assistance business hours which are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Please note that we return calls in the order received, and that there may be unavoidable delays in responding to you, due to high call volume.

To ensure we can call you back, speak slowly and clearly, and provide (1) your name, (2) your telephone number, and (3) a very brief message on the kind of assistance you seek:

Example 1: My name is Sarah Schwartz, my phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX, I need a caregiver for my mom.

Example 2: My name is John Robertson, my phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX, I’m looking for affordable senior housing.

Please do not leave a lengthy message as there is a time limit on voicemail. We will obtain more detail from you in a phone interview when we call you back.