OCJ Kids

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

OCJ Kids, an Arizona-based nonprofit, helps children and teenagers in the foster care system find their purpose by equipping and connecting the youth with the resources they need to succeed. Their mission is to provide Opportunity, create Community, and fight for Justice for foster and at-risk kids.

Desert Mountain’s mission statement is to integrate our core values of Integrity, Inspire, Teamwork, Thrive, Care, Creativity and Wellbeing into every aspect we do. Our goal was to help the community we live in and continue living by the values we set every day. We have since created an invaluable partnership with OCJ Kids and forged lifelong friendships amongst each other.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

On October 25, 2024, Desert Mountain Members and Teammates joined together for the first time in a volunteer event at OCJ Kids’ warehouse in north Phoenix. Together, they helped create Welcome and Transitional Kits, each one being the start to a brighter future for each child who receives it. These kits assist the foster youth in any situation of displacement and include clothing, toiletries, hygienic and/or grooming products and teddy bears. 

Our combined efforts allowed OCJ Kids to create a month’s worth of kits in a single day and contributed greatly to the success of OCJ Kids’ mission. Our Members and teammates alike were so supportive of this initiative and grateful for our combined efforts to give back and build community amongst ourselves, as well. With this success, we will create additional volunteer opportunities for Members and Teammates to partner together again.