Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris Names Share Ourselves 2026 Nonprofit of the Year

Recognition Celebrates More Than Five Decades of Community Impact Across Orange County

Costa Mesa, CA — 5/21/26 — Share Ourselves has been named the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for California’s 73rd Assembly District by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. The recognition was presented during California Nonprofits Day at the State Capitol, where legislators from across the state honor organizations making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Founded in 1970, Share Ourselves has spent more than 55 years providing comprehensive healthcare and support services to Orange County residents facing barriers to care. Through integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, food assistance, and social services programs, the organization serves thousands of individuals and families each year regardless of their inability or ability to pay.

“Share Ourselves embodies the idea that health is about more than medical care—it’s about dignity, stability, and ensuring every person has the support they need to thrive. From providing comprehensive healthcare to addressing food insecurity and financial hardship, their whole-person approach is breaking down barriers and changing lives across Orange County. I am proud to recognize their extraordinary impact and unwavering commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris

The recognition comes during a period of continued growth and impact for Share Ourselves. In 2025, the organization opened its new state-of-the-art Costa Mesa Health Center, expanding access to whole-person care for thousands of Orange County residents. The state-of-the-art facility features 12 medical exam rooms, six dental chairs, two optometry stations, a behavioral health office, and an on-site pharmacy—bringing comprehensive, whole-person healthcare services together under one roof.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris,” said Christy Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Share Ourselves. “This award reflects the dedication of our team members, volunteers, donors, and community partners who work every day to ensure our neighbors have access to quality healthcare, support services, and the opportunity to live healthier lives. Together, we are building a stronger and more equitable Orange County.”

Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris selected Share Ourselves from among 84 nonprofit organizations nominated by constituents throughout the 73rd Assembly District and Orange County. Previous honorees have included organizations serving children, families, seniors, and vulnerable populations across the region.

For more than five decades, Share Ourselves has remained committed to addressing both immediate needs and the underlying factors that impact health and well-being. By integrating healthcare with food assistance, housing support, financial resources, and community programs, the organization continues to advance its mission of improving lives through compassionate care and service.

About Share Ourselves

Share Ourselves is a community health center committed to providing comprehensive health and support services to all, regardless of income or insurance status. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare — and our work extends beyond medical care. As the home of community healthcare, we address the full spectrum of needs that influence health, including food insecurity, financial instability, mental health, and social determinants of health, because we recognize that health is far more than a medical condition. We are servants who provide care and assistance to those in need and act as advocates for systemic change.

Rooted in a legacy of volunteerism and compassion, we lead with dignity, champion justice, strive for excellence, and serve with heart. Our work focuses on ensuring that every individual can access health and well-being. Learn more at shareourselves.org.