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<br />Ibarra, Evelyn <br />From:Christine Sanchez <Christine.Sanchez@delhicenter.org> <br />Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 3:12 PM <br />To:eComment <br />Cc:Patrisia Gonzalez; Miguel Torres <br />Subject:Comments on Item #29 on today's City Council agenda <br /> Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. <br />Dear esteemed Mayor and City Council, <br />The Delhi Center serves over 1300 individuals weekly who rely on us for critical basic needs such as food and diapers. <br />Yet, “over the next few months, the OC Hunger Alliance (comprised of Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Action <br />Partnership, and Abound Food Care) expects a significant and serious decrease in food and nutritional security due to <br />factors including the end of pandemic related food allotments, double and triple home heating bulks, increasing food <br />prices, and continuing supply chain challenges”1. In addition, as the 2024 – 2025 state budget looms, the pivotal <br />resource of diapers may also be at-risk 2. These are but two reasons why the Delhi Center’s TELL (Teens Engaged in <br />Leadership and Learning) Program is instrumental. Let me explain. <br />The success of the TELL program is based on a transformative approach that empowers teens to navigate complex <br />issues. Through the program’s innovative design, it goes beyond prescribing solutions, but also encourages teens to <br />engage in critical thinking and exploration. Teens, equipped with newfound skills and resources, become advocates for <br />change, fostering a safer and more compassionate Santa Ana. The program's unique blend of education, leadership, and <br />self-advocacy empowers participants to be active contributors to their community's well-being, exemplifying the <br />potential for positive change. WE ARE NOW TAKING THIS PROVEN MODEL AND APPLYING IT TO THE ADULTS IN <br />OUR COMMUNTY. We call this Empower360 – empowering individuals and transforming their well-being. <br />Like TELL, Empower360 centers on collective impact initiatives and strategic community partnerships. Program <br />execution is based on a collaborative framework that promotes educational and health equity through targeted <br />strategies with local schools, nonprofits, and the City Library. By engaging key stakeholders and collectively addressing <br />community needs, the Delhi Center seeks to change the trajectory of vulnerable lives. Thus, we are convinced we will <br />begin the process of ending poverty in at least 100 families by December 2026. <br />Continued funding for the TELL program will ensure that empowerment and transformation begin at a young age for <br />residents of the Delhi community. Thank you for your continued support. <br />1 OC Hunger Alliance - OC Hunger Alliance <br />2 Community Action Partnership <br /> <br />Christine Sanchez <br />Chief Executive Officer <br />Direct 714.481.9601 <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />