The Flora May Foundation

At Tuesday’s #SuccessWithPurpose event, we listened to 3 non profits that were on the front lines for the LA fires. It was a pleasure to meet and hear Erin Alexander (Newport Beach Fire Department) share their experience during the chaos. I had to add this picture of Monica Olmos of Forhman & Forhman, she’s such a wonderful person! I see her at almost every event attend ??.

Tuesday evening was #SuccessWithPurpose’s quarterly grant giving event at Park Club. Presenting were #ThomasHouseFamillyShelter, #NewportBeachFireDepartmentFoundation and #Bracken’sKitchen. Congratulations to the Thomas House Family Shelter for winning the bulk of the grant! Bracken’s Kitchen and NBFDF also won grants, way to go! Each non profit gave insightful presentations, making it difficult to vote for one winner. ??

Congratulations Debbie and The Flora May Foundation! Today #AssemblywomanLaurieDavies awarded 27 leaders for Orange County’s “Women of the Year” event, held at Los Rios Tea House in San Juan Capistrano. What a fabulous way to spend the day!

Honoring Two Remarkable Women This Women’s History Month This month, I want to honor two extraordinary women who shaped my life and embodied the true meaning of service, kindness, and quiet generosity—my mother, Flora May Hansen, and my nana, Celia Custard. Both were lifelong hospital volunteers, giving their time and energy well into their 70s. My Nana dedication was legendary—so much so that newspapers covered her thousands of volunteer hours each year. But the story that will always stay with me is one of unwavering resilience: She took the bus daily from Norwalk to El Segundo to volunteer. One day, while waiting at the bus stop, a car lost control and hit her. She was given her last rites, and doctors said she wouldn’t survive. But Nana proved them all wrong. Even after breaking her back and having a rod inserted, she got right back on that bus and returned to volunteering. Her motto? “We all have something to give, even if it’s not money.” My mother, Flora, had her own quiet way of giving. I didn’t even learn about it until my daughters told me years later. Every Wednesday, she’d take them to the 99 Cent Store and McDonald’s, but the real lesson happened on the drive through town. She kept 50 care packages in her backseat—each containing a roll of quarters, peanut butter crackers, bottled water, a toothbrush, a comb, and a prayer card. Whenever she saw someone in need at a freeway off-ramp, she’d hand them a bag, ensuring they had food, hygiene essentials, and even laundry money. She never sought recognition—just dignity for those less fortunate. These two women taught me that giving isn’t always about money—it’s about heart, time, and action. All this after raising 9 children! Their legacy continues to inspire me every day. This Women’s History Month, I celebrate Flora May and Celia—two women who lived to serve. May we all carry their spirit forward. #WomensHistoryMonth #LegacyOfGiving #FloraMayFoundation #HonoringWomen #ServiceAboveSelf

Honoring Two Remarkable Women This Women’s History Month This month, I want to honor two extraordinary women who shaped my life and embodied the true meaning of service, kindness, and quiet generosity—my mother, Flora May Hansen, and my nana, Celia Custard. Both were lifelong hospital volunteers, giving their time and energy well into their 70s. My Nana dedication was legendary—so much so that newspapers covered her thousands of volunteer hours each year. But the story that will always stay with me is one of unwavering resilience: She took the bus daily from Norwalk to El Segundo to volunteer. One day, while waiting at the bus stop, a car lost control and hit her. She was given her last rites, and doctors said she wouldn’t survive. But Nana proved them all wrong. Even after breaking her back and having a rod inserted, she got right back on that bus and returned to volunteering. Her motto? “We all have something to give, even if it’s not money.” My mother, Flora, had her own quiet way of giving. I didn’t even learn about it until my daughters told me years later. Every Wednesday, she’d take them to the 99 Cent Store and McDonald’s, but the real lesson happened on the drive through town. She kept 50 care packages in her backseat—each containing a roll of quarters, peanut butter crackers, bottled water, a toothbrush, a comb, and a prayer card. Whenever she saw someone in need at a freeway off-ramp, she’d hand them a bag, ensuring they had food, hygiene essentials, and even laundry money. She never sought recognition—just dignity for those less fortunate. These two women taught me that giving isn’t always about money—it’s about heart, time, and action. All this after raising 9 children! Their legacy continues to inspire me every day. This Women’s History Month, I celebrate Flora May and Celia—two women who lived to serve. May we all carry their spirit forward. #WomensHistoryMonth #LegacyOfGiving #FloraMayFoundation #HonoringWomen #ServiceAboveSelf

Collaborating for Change at Passkeys Foundation This morning, The Flora May Foundation’s CEO joined Passkeys Foundation for a follow-up presentation alongside Project Kinship and NAMI Orange County. One shocking revelation—NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has been completely cut off from county funding, with support ending in June 2025. We brainstormed ways to help sustain their critical services and were inspired by the audience’s innovative funding ideas. Meanwhile, Project Kinship highlighted challenges in building a social enterprise for formerly incarcerated individuals, sparking deep discussions on sustainable impact. It was an eye-opening morning—proof that when nonprofits unite, solutions emerge. Grateful for the chance to support and uplift our peers in this vital work! #PasskeysFoundation #FloraMayFoundation #NAMIOrangeCounty #ProjectKinship #StrongerTogether #CommunityImpact

Yesterday, the Arts for All Board of Directors met in beautiful Dana Point to strategize for the future! Our discussions focused on expanding our reach, increasing donor retention, and planning impactful fundraisers. With so much momentum, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for Arts for All—in every form! Stay tuned for exciting initiatives that will bring more access, MUSIC, creativity, and inspiration to our communities. #ArtsForAll #ExpandingTheArts #CreativeFuture #CommunityImpact

Exciting News! We are thrilled to share that Debbie Hansen-Bosse, CEO of The Flora May Foundation, was nominated by the Orange County Business Council for the 2025 Leadership in Public Service Award! The prestigious gala, held last Thursday at The Disneyland Hotel, brought together 700 leaders from across California to celebrate those making a lasting impact in our communities. Debbie’s dedication to supporting families in crisis continues to change lives, and this nomination is a testament to her leadership and passion for service. Pictured below are Debbie, Supervisor Katrina Foley and Bryce Hansen #ArtsForAll.

We’re proud to announce that Debbie Hansen-Bosse, CEO of The Flora May Foundation, has been named Champion Innovator of the Year (2025) by #EnterprisingWomenMagazine! Under Debbie’s leadership, The Flora May Foundation has been a lifeline for parents of struggling or at-risk adolescents, offering critical support, resources, and counseling to help families navigate mental health and substance abuse challenges. Additionally, our Working Women Winning (WWW) program provides an 8-week workforce development program, equipping women with technical skills, mentorship, and career opportunities to achieve financial independence. This award recognizes Debbie’s innovative approach to empowering families and communities, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate her impact!

This #GivingTuesday, let’s come together to support those in crisis. The Flora May Foundation is dedicated to improving children’s mental healthcare and preventing teen substance abuse. Your generosity makes a direct impact on underserved parents and teens navigating these challenging times. Please join us in creating brighter futures. Every single gift counts! Thank you for making an actionable difference in our community. *** Your much-needed donations can be made from our website: https://lnkd.in/gKpi6Kka (Please indicate size on your receipt - Small, Medium or Large Sandals)