Six of the seven winning grantee representatives are pictured left to right: Dan Parziale, Co-founder and Executive Director of Mesa; Ali Sadreameli, Director of Development for Livingston Memorial; Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County; Grace Bueti Mallory, Co-Director of Poco Farms; Susan Kapadia, Executive Director of OjaiCARES, and Vince Serrano of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura.
The Annual Grantee Awards Celebration from the Ojai Women’s Fund(OWF) was announced on November 7 at a memorable evening filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude. The historic Ojai Woman’s Club was brimming with OWF members, this year’s grant recipients, and new friends, enjoying the delicious food and wine presented by the talented Events Committee co-chairs Gayle Whitaker and Jenny Taft. As everyone mingled, the air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt connections.
This year, OWF awarded a remarkable $91,155 to seven nonprofits, each dedicated to uplifting the community. The awards were accepted by nonprofit executives and included:
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura – $15,000
- Interface Children & Family Services – $11,995
- Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association – $10,000
- Mesa – $14,160
- OjaiCARES – $10,000
- Poco Farm – $15,000
- The Arc of Ventura County – $15,000
A heartwarming moment unfolded during the final acceptance speech. Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County, shared a story that illustrated the incredible, often unseen impact of OWF’s support. At the Grantee Presentations in September, she described how three nonprofits with no prior connections collaborated after learning of each other’s missions.
Dan Parziale, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Mesa, mentioned a young man seeking work. Esther stepped in to help, and after completing the necessary requirements, he joined Arc’s Ojai office, now contributing meaningfully to the Ojai community. Dan recalled, “He thought he’d end up as a cashier at Chevron, but he found a fulfilling role helping others, thanks to the connections fostered by OWF.”
Poco Farms also reached out to Esther at the September event, seeking assistance to secure an off-road wheelchair so individuals with physical limitations could fully participate at the farm. With Arc’s help, they achieved this goal.
Reflecting on these connections, Esther remarked, “None of this would have happened had we not been invited to speak at that September OWF meeting. We had never met, and our paths likely wouldn’t have crossed otherwise. OWF made it possible for us to collaborate and extend our missions. I can’t express how grateful we are.”
Entering its tenth year, the Ojai Women’s Fund has given almost $800,000 in grants to nonprofits serving the Ojai Valley. Anyone interested in joining this giving circle of over 360 women can learn more at OjaiWomensFund.org.
