Our History
HISTORY
Founded in 2003 as a community-based organization Hearts & Lives emerged, in response to the devastating CA wildfires and recognition by the community, as a one-stop Community Family Resource Center. Through our structured case management system and the ability to identify gaps in services, Hearts & Lives was able to provide a bridge from crisis to stability.
TODAY
Our Case Management Program allows Hearts & Lives to respond to the unmet needs of all sectors of the community and to develop special projects and initiatives to fill the gaps identified in the services provided. Hearts & Lives has strengthened family life and personal growth throughout the development and implementation of its Case Management Program and those programs that have diverged to meet the requirements of a specific group, such as, First 5 San Bernardino. A strength shown by Hearts & Lives has been the ability to see a problem, create a solution and implement and execute a plan. Hearts & Lives has increased access to social and health services, providing outreach, resource and referral and direct service identified through case management. Hearts & Lives has the capacity to coordinate and collaborate with resource providers to increase knowledge and systems change, improve access to information and guide those needing to navigate multiple health and social systems.
2007 WILDFIRES
An impressive record of real accomplishment as a result of the work done following the 2003 Old Fire, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors named Hearts & Lives as “Lead Agency” to coordinate rebuilding efforts following the Grass Valley and Slide Fires.To better serve the Rim Community, a Running Springs satellite office was opened immediately after residents were allowed to return to the mountain. This new office was funded 100% by donations and remained open from November 2007 through January 2009 to better serve the mountain residents in the following areas: As with the ’03 Old Fire resources (food, clothing, furniture, household items and emergency financial assistance) distributed for emergency needs as well as informational seminars on debris removal, insurance issues, building codes, and rebuilding needs were made available at no cost.Using a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation to distribute gift cards for food and clothing. Hearts & Lives partnered with Rim Of The World Realtors Association to create a listing of 1,100 rental homes available for families who needed housing prior to rebuilding their homes over 4,800 hours of volunteer services were donated for Immediate and Intermediate needs by community members the first year following the 07 fires.Case management conducted with 461 families helping over 1,500 residents. Helped with emergency financial assistance to pay utilities, provided Christmas toys, gift cards and food to 44 families. Conducted multiple clothing and toy drives for distribution to fire survivors. For “Long Term Recovery” over $800,000 was collected allowing 10 fire victims, who were under insured, the opportunity to rebuild. Facilitated “resource puzzle” for those impacted by the fire through coordination and working closely with and FEMA, SBA, American Red Cross, United Way and Salvation Army and other governmental agencies at the County, State and Federal levels.