MISSION
HISTORY
Grateful Hearts was established as a community resource center by Blair Pietrini in December 1998 and was incorporated in 2000. While working in an accounting department of her local church for seven years, Blair continuously received many calls from people seeking assistance. She would hear stories of single mothers who could not provide food or other basic necessities for their children. Blair did not know of any program in place to help the many individuals that called for assistance; compelled by people’s situations and with a desire to help them, Blair began to search for ways to help. Grateful Hearts first started through Blair’s desire to help the community by hosting a canned food drive and it now serves up to 1,800 individuals per month through its Food Distribution Program.
Programs
Food
Clothes
Furniture
Hygiene
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
Our core program takes place four times a week.
Through this program, we serve vulnerable and marginalized populations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We provide other basic necessities such as clothing, hygiene products, furniture, appliances, etc.
Program Goal: It is our goal to ensure that people in our community and surrounding cities, who are in immediate need, are not food deprived.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Through this program, we provide volunteer opportunities for individuals that desire to give back to their community. Opportunities are available for:
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Individuals age 14+ seeking to serve the community
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Students seeking learning service hours.
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Court appointed community service hours.
Program Goal: It is our goal to provide an environment that promotes service & teamwork and enables people to give back to the community with a grateful heart.
SKY PROGRAM
Through this program, we provide a safe and positive learning environment for individuals with disabilities. Participants come and learn life, work, and social skills. As part of this program, we are an approved work-site for individuals enrolled in employment coaching programs.
Program Goal: It is our goal to support the efforts that ensure that individuals with disabilities are fully included and can actively participate in all aspects of society.
GLOBAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
In addition to addressing the needs in the United States, Grateful Hearts is a strong supporter of world missions. Through this program, we support organizations with missions abroad by sending donated goods such as medical supplies, tents, inflatable beds, emergency supplies, furniture, walkers, clothing, shoes, and other items to communities living in extreme poverty or in need of disaster relief. Grateful Hearts has served and continues to serve communities in places such as Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Uganda, Myanmar, Mexico, and many more.
SEASONAL PROGRAMS
Adopt a Family
Through this program, we provide Christmas presents for many families in our community that cannot afford to provide their children Christmas presents. With the help of businesses, hospitals, churches and our local community, we are able to provide children with brand new toys, clothing, shoes and more.
Holiday Food
Through this program we provide families with holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. With the help of community members and partnering organizations we provide meals of turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, casseroles and more!
MEET OUR TEAM
PROGRAMS & SERVICE DELIVERY
LIZBEH GARCIA
Storehouse Coordinator
JEFF PEREA
Acquisitions Manager
JEFFREY PEREA
Storehouse Driver
ADMINISTRATION
BLAIR PIETRINI
Director
AMY OVANDO
Operations Manager