2025 End-of-Year Report
Strengthening Families. Advancing Equity. Restoring Hope.
Message to Our Partners and Stakeholders
Dear Partners,
On behalf of the Board, leadership, and volunteers of the Center for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our mission in 2025. Your partnership, trust, and commitment made it possible for CFHI to deliver meaningful, measurable, and compassionate services to families and communities across Southern California.
The Center for Family Health Initiative is a respected public charity dedicated to advancing the mental, physical, and nutritional health of Black/African American families, other minority populations, and vulnerable communities. Through culturally responsive education, advocacy, research, and direct community-based services, CFHI addresses felt family health needs, social drivers of health, and persistent health inequities.
In 2025, CFHI remained steadfast in its commitment to a people-first, community-driven approach, protecting, promoting, and restoring family health through collaboration, innovation, and service. This report highlights key milestones, programs, and partnerships that defined our work throughout the year.
2025 at a Glance
Primary Funding Support:
African American Alliance Fund (AAAF)
Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF)
Program Focus Areas:
- Family and community support
- Mental health awareness and education
- Food security and basic needs assistance
- Immigrant and vulnerable population support
- Research dissemination and advocacy
Programmatic Highlights
1. Lift2Live Program – “Our Brother’s Keeper”
In response to growing social, economic, and emotional challenges facing Black/African American families, CFHI launched Lift2Live, a flagship initiative dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Orange County, California, experiencing emotional, social, physical, or financial hardship.
Lift2Live embodied solidarity, compassion, and action. Through this program, CFHI provided:
- Food and groceries to single parents and low-income households
- Temporary accommodation and essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness
- Transportation assistance for underprivileged community members
- Direct support to new immigrants navigating resettlement challenges
Impact (2025):
- Number of outreach events: 10
- Number of individuals reached: 145
Together, we rose. Together, we healed.
2. Community Outreach and Food Security Initiatives
In July 2025, CFHI actively engaged in community-wide outreach initiatives aimed at education, food security, and empowerment.
- Disney on the Yard (Orange County):
CFHI joined community partners to promote awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and advocate for educational advancement among Black/African American youth. - SonRise Community Church Partnership:
CFHI supported food distribution efforts for underserved populations and led food education discussions, emphasizing safe food consumption and clarifying misconceptions around “best by” versus expiration dates. This was designed to empower families to reduce food waste and maintain nutrition security.
Impact:
- Number of outreach events: 2
- Estimated individuals reached: 2,000+
3.Southern California Igbo Day Celebration
In August 2025, CFHI participated in the Southern California Igbo Day Celebration, a vibrant cultural gathering representing Igbo communities from Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, and Delta States.
Over 1,500 attendees gathered in a joyful, family-friendly environment that promoted cultural pride, stress relief, and community bonding. CFHI used this platform to advance its mission by:
- Sharing practical guidance on healthy living and mental wellness
- Promoting family strengthening and responsible adulthood
- Encouraging community service and volunteerism
CFHI directly engaged over 150 participants, with 75 individuals registering for follow-up services. Educational materials, branded water bottles, folders, and children’s items were distributed to enhance engagement.
This success was made possible by the exceptional leadership of CFHI’s Board and officers, as well as dedicated volunteers and the Igbo Community Association (ICA).
4.Support to Motherless and Underprivileged Homes
In November 2025, CFHI partnered with the Imo State Men Association (ISMA) during its Annual Outreach to support two homes in Los Angeles serving underprivileged populations.
Donations included:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Groceries
- Essential household supplies
This partnership reinforced CFHI’s commitment to dignity, compassion, and collective responsibility.
5.Direct Family Support Services
In September 2025, CFHI provided comprehensive support to a newly immigrated family of seven from Nigeria. Assistance included:
- Clothing and household items
- Kitchen utensils and cookware
- CFHI-branded educational materials
- Grocery support through a guided shopping visit
This intervention addressed immediate needs while offering reassurance and stability during a critical transition period. We are also helping them to get good jobs and explore relevant opportunities towards a sustainable stay in the United States.
Research, Advocacy, and Knowledge Dissemination
6.APHA Annual Meeting & Expo (Washington, DC)
CFHI presented original research at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo, held November 2–5, 2025.
Presentation Title:
Identifying Leading Mental Health Issues among Black/African Americans in Orange County, California: Key Issues, Risk Factors, and Strategies for Change
Key Findings:
- Depression, stress, and anxiety were the most prevalent conditions
- Higher burden observed among women and young adults
- Family history and discrimination emerged as significant risk factors
- Health literacy, stigma reduction, and policy change identified as critical strategies
Impact:
- Number of presentations: 1
- Direct audience reached: 47
7.Engagement with Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Throughout 2025, CFHI strengthened partnerships with trusted community institutions:
- Igbo Community Association (ICA) Annual Dinner & Awards Night:
CFHI leadership was formally recognized for outstanding community service and volunteerism. - Udoka Women’s Organization Outreach:
CFHI delivered family health education, mental wellness support, Narcan training, and health consultations at St. Eugene Catholic Church. - Saddleback Church Anaheim:
CFHI supported foster families and biological parents during a family reunification event, serving 45 families and fostering healing, connection, and hope. - GREEN Foundation “You Give, We Give” Initiative:
CFHI participated in a collaborative, trust-based resource-sharing model that amplified non-profit impact.
8.Statewide and National Collaborations
- California Black Health Network (CBHN):
Participation in advocacy visits, equity conferences, behavioral health planning, and preparation for the 2026 Los Angeles conference. Dr Oleribe was also profiled on the CBHN monthly newsletter in November 2025 https://bhn.cablackhealthnetwork.org/blog/13572559 - HISTORI Conference (Los Angeles):
CFHI presented on Advancing HIV Care in the Age of Generative AI, calling for ethical, equitable, and culturally grounded AI applications in HIV prevention and treatment.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
CFHI’s impact in 2025 was made possible by our funders, Board members, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who worked tirelessly to uplift families, restore dignity, and build healthier futures.
As we enter 2026, we remain committed to expanding our reach, deepening partnerships, and multiplying our impact.
Together, we will continue to lift others to live.
With gratitude and resolve,
Obinna Oleribe
Chief Operating Officer
Center for Family Health Initiative (CFHI)