MISSION
Food
Clothes
Furniture
Hygiene
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 Distribution Program
Our core program is our Food Distribution Program which takes place four times a week. Through this program, we serve vulnerable and marginalized populations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties focusing on ensuring that people who are in immediate need are not food deprived.
SKY Program
Grateful Hearts is an approved work-site for individuals enrolled in employment coaching programs. Through our SKY program, we provide a safe and positive learning environment for individuals with disabilities. Students and adults with disabilities come and learn life, work, and social skills.
Volunteer Program
We provide volunteer opportunities for individuals that desire to give back to their community. Volunteer opportunities are available for :
- Individuals age 17+ seeking to serve the community through our Food Distribution Program
- Students seeking learning service hours
- Court appointed community service hours
- Non-paid internships (upon request-availability in: office operations & logistics management)
Global Assistance Program
In addition to addressing the needs in the United States, through this program, we support organizations with missions abroad. We accomplish this 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 in Nicaragua, up to five times a year.
Upon request, Grateful Hearts also supports other projects in other states and abroad by donating goods to organizations developing these projects. Examples include: Myanmar, Puerto Rico, Uganda, and many more.
MEET OUR TEAM
BLAIR PIETRINI
DIRECTOR
AMY OVANDO
OPERATIONS MANAGER
PROGRAMS & SERVICE DELIVERY
LIZBETH GARCIA
STOREHOUSE COORDINATOR
JEFF PEREA
ACQUISITIONS MANAGER
JEFFREY PEREA
STOREHOUSE DRIVER
SALES & RETAIL
ANNA CLEARY
ASSISTANT MANAGER - RETAIL STORE