We help seniors, families and youth. Bringing together individual, community and public resources, we offer help to those most in need. HELP also partners with other groups and agencies to address emerging needs.

HELP has been an indispensible part of the community of Ojai for over 42 years. From providing meals to seniors to serving the needs of the homeless - from adult daycare to transportation to medical appointments - from wellness screenings to hospice care - HELP is always working for the residents of the Ojai Valley.

HELP of Ojai is a member-supported organization. Each year, in the spring, we appeal to those interested in partnering with HELP of Ojai to join us as members. In 2009 our members totaled 831 individuals. This year we hope to exceed that number.  Membership with HELP of Ojai means you are partnering with us to bring needed services to many residents in the Ojai Valley. Whether it is transportation for seniors or disabled neighbors or food for hungry families, your membership means we can reach those who need services and continue as the helping hands of the entire community. In addition, membership means helping us to renovate and rebuild our aging infrastructure of buildings and equipment that is used every day as we work in the Valley. A new wheel chair lift for the transportation vehicles or a new washer and dryer for the homeless center can happen when our members re‐commit to HELP's mission each year.

"HELP of Ojai is one of the strongest
and best safety nets in Ventura County"
- Steve Bennett, Supervisor District 1, Ventura County

This year we have many new and exciting projects in progress or planned. The 2nd HELPings Thrift Store is getting a new and improved home. HELP's Community Assistance and Valley Outreach programs will be combined in the same space and occupy a newly‐renovated location in our very own building at 108 Fox Street. Finally, our Senior Nutrition Program will branch out to HELP's West Campus at 370 Baldwin Road, where we plan to serve more people in more ways.

These changes take your support "both in spirit and financial" to be a reality. Membership is one way you can support HELP's goal of expanding to meet the existing and growing needs of the valley. Membership is a "philosophy". You can pay any amount knowing that with each dollar $.89 will go directly to client services.

Our programs and services are available to everyone living in the Ojai Valley. Membership is not required to access all that we offer. Instead, membership is the manner in which we partner with one another and our friends and neighbors to be able to provide all that HELP of Ojai does in the Ojai Valley. Beyond the gratification of partnering with HELP of Ojai, you will also receive discounts and other offers from participating businesses in the Ojai Valley, and your membership gives you a voice in selecting open seats on our Board of Directors each fall. Whether you are a returning member or a new member, please be a member in 2010. It is an exciting and busy year for HELP, and we are asking you to be our partner as we work to make a contribution to increasing the quality of life for all in the Ojai Valley.

Thank you, and we look forward to your continued support.

Terri Wolfe, Executive Director