Every child deserves the opportunity to draw their own future—one that is filled with hope, health and the magic of childhood. For more than three decades, the Swenson Family Foundation has been a pillar of philanthropy in Orange County, extending a helping hand to ensure that every child has the best chance to grow into a healthy, happy adult. As one of CHOC’s longest-standing major donors and with nearly $13 million in lifetime giving, they have helped transform pediatric care for children and their families.
In 1998, Jim and Sue Swenson created the Swenson Family Foundation Family Assistance Endowment for CHOC’s social services department. Since then, the endowment has helped tens of thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of CHOC’s most in-need patients and families. The endowment assists families facing financial hardship, food insecurity, challenges with getting to and from CHOC, burial and bereavement services and a host of other emergent needs such as securing medical devices—all during some of the most difficult and challenging times in their lives.
“The Swenson family’s decades of support have been immeasurable,” says Erika Jewell, CHOC’s social services manager. “Social workers frequently cite the Swenson Endowment Fund resources as being the most important tool they have to help families in need, not just financially but emotionally, as they cope with very trying circumstances.”
Seeing the growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents in the county and across the nation, the Swenson Family Foundation responded with a lifesaving investment in CHOC programs that provide robust and comprehensive mental health resources and care. They made possible the buildout of school- and classroom-based mental health spaces called WellSpaces and WellCorners—the first of their kind across elementary schools in Orange County. These are dedicated environments where students can unwind and connect with health and wellness resources, including school-based staff with foundational knowledge in mental health.
The Swenson Family Foundation also has given generously to establish a mental health navigation system to support children who are showing risk of suicidal ideation while being screened in CHOC’s primary and specialty care clinics. This system, along with the school-based programs, provides hope for our patients during their most vulnerable situations and helps them focus firmly on a future of possibilities.
What makes the Swenson Family Foundation particularly extraordinary is how its philanthropic spirit spans generations. Different members of the Swenson family have lovingly supported CHOC’s oncology programs, onsite mental and emotional support initiatives for patients and their families and more. And it’s that generous spirit that will pave the way for vibrant futures for countless children. In the Q&A below, the Swenson Family Foundation reflects on their legacy of giving.
Why does CHOC’s mission resonate and lead you to support CHOC?
Reflecting CHOC’s mission, the tagline “Long Live Childhood” says it all. Childhood, above so many other things, should always be nurtured, protected and preserved. What CHOC does—and what CHOC represents—is hope. For children. For parents. For caregivers. For communities.
With our family foundation’s current emphasis on pediatric mental wellness, we’re continually reminded that when you save a child, you don’t just save a life. You save them for a lifetime.
Each child has the potential to change the world as a preschool teacher or airline pilot or president. For that potential to be achieved, a healthy body and mind and spirit are required. And our foundation treasures every chance we get to pitch in and help.
What inspired you to get involved with CHOC?
Our foundation’s founders, Jim and Sue Swenson, had challenging starts in life. They knew firsthand the importance of compassion and a hand up, not a handout. Their legacy of gratitude and giving continues, especially to those who are most vulnerable in our society: children.
What impact do you hope to leave with your philanthropy toward CHOC?
We hope the resources we share with CHOC will enrich and embolden children to live full and abundant lives. And we hope our efforts inspire others to support CHOC today and in the future.
