IN THE BEGINNING Back in 1975, when the Fullerton Interfaith Ministerial Association organized Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Services (FIES), Barbara Johnson and her husband Bruce were among the first volunteers to respond. In those days Barbara - the organization's executive director until she retired last year - and others in the group would arrange to meet a needy family at the local market's parking lot where they would give them a bag of food and a kind word of encouragement. Back then there was no center for operations. Thirty years ago there were just a band of brothers filling their backseats with rations so that hungry and homeless families might have it a bit easier, at least for that day. As the need grew it became clear that bags of groceries and motel rooms for a night or two were doing nothing toward restoring these folks back to self-sufficiency. Armed with a plan and willing hearts FIES got busy. In a relatively short period of time the group raised funds and purchased property in Fullerton where after only one year, they not only had a base of operations they also had safe clean beds for those that needed them. Parking lot food distributions became anecdotal history and the New Vista campus was born. A PARNTERHSIP IS FORMED Fast-forward to 1989. Charged with the mission of building and renovating shelters - newly-formed HomeAid Orange County, the Building Industry Association's charitable outreach was on the look out for viable projects. As part of that process HomeAid contacted the Orange County Board of Supervisors asking each supervisor to nominate a worthy project in his or her respective district. In response to that outreach, the 3rd District nominated Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Services - a recommendation that resulted in FIES' New Vista shelter ultimately becoming one of HomeAid's first three endeavors. The project- a two-family addition built by Standard Pacific Homes consisted of three new garages with a 2-bedroom apartment on the upper level - and was the beginning of a long-term relationship viable to this day. PARTICIPATION IS KEY TO SUCCESS Since its beginning 19 years ago, New Vista has served over 800 families! The success of this program is due in large part to the provisions placed on the residents requiring that each person be part of the solution. To that end, New Vista offers a life-skills program-teaching residents about such matters as money management, nutrition, parenting, and how to find and keep jobs. Each unemployed adult at the shelter must spend at least 30 hours a week in school, in a training program, or looking for work. During their typical stay of 90-120 days, families are expected to save 80% of their income to give them seed money for permanent housing once they leave. STILL GOING STRONG IN 2006 Fifteen years after this initial collaboration, HomeAid and FIES reunited, this time with Brookfield Homes the Builder Captain for the latest New Visa installment, a 1900 square foot two-story four bedroom home capable of housing up to four families. As the project leader of this newly dedicated shelter development, Brookfield Homes was successful in recruiting trades, suppliers and consultants who either donated or provided discounted products and services amounting to over $550,000 in in-kind and cash donations! The recent dedication heralding that accomplishment drew more than 200 interested neighbors and local dignitaries, many of these attendees had actually contributed to the success of the project. Among the dignitaries, Fullerton Mayor Leland Wilson commended FIES and the Brookfield team for their community contribution' while Primitivo Castro representing State assemblyman, Tom Umberg presented principals with certificates of recognition. AT THE CORE Once again, we are reminded that it often takes a village to bring about change. From Brookfield Homes, HomeAid Orange County and the participating trades and suppliers, to the representatives of the many churches that comprise Fullerton Interfaith, an idea that began 31 years ago has become a reality. Thanks to those participants - and to Barbara and Bruce Johnson and a handful of other caring individuals willing to push the envelope - men women and children have been given the opportunity to live a life of dignity. Well done! Barbara Johnson (2nd from left) at recent New Vista Shelter ribbon cutting ceremony. Joining Barbara are (from left) Judy Bambas, current Fullerton Interfaith executive director; Barbara Jennings, Fullerton Interfaith board president; Dean Barnes, new homes manager for Brookfield Homes; and Richard Hunsaker (center), HomeAid Orange County board president. Barbara Johnson, recently retired executive director for Fullerton Interfaith's New Vista Shelter, was a key speaker at the shelter's groundbreaking ceremony. Brian Geis, vice president Brookfield Homes, joins coworkers at Brookfield volunteer day at New Vista Shelter InterCal providing trenching at New Vista Shelter