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Foundation of Laguna Woods Village honored as Assembly District nonprofit of the year
Summary
The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village received a California State Assembly resolution recognizing it as the 2025 nonprofit of the year for Assembly District 72; the foundation says it has funded more than $1.2 million in assistance to residents over the past five years and the board is entirely volunteer run.
Laguna Woods, Calif. — The Laguna Woods City Council honored the Foundation of Laguna Woods Village on May 28 after Assemblymember Diane Dixon recognized the foundation as the Assembly District nonprofit of the year. Janelle Atienza delivered the recognition on Dixon’s behalf and presented a California State Assembly resolution to foundation leaders.
The recognition highlights local philanthropic support for residents who face financial hardship. "The foundation has funded more than $1,200,000 to support members in the last five years alone," Atienza told the council. She said the foundation supports services including financial assistance, transportation to a local food pantry, earthquake disaster kits, Meals on Wheels and scholarships for Alzheimer’s‑care programs.
Foundation President Marcy Shinewald said the foundation is volunteer run and mostly funded inside the community. "Ninety‑nine percent of the funds that we distribute are raised right here in the village," she said, and added that the organization has no paid staff.
Vice President Joel Goldstein (vice president of general services and information systems) and other foundation board members joined Shinewald at the dais. Several council members praised the foundation’s work in public comments; one council member noted the foundation has been distributing nearly $20,000 per month this year and that assistance peaked recently at about $34,000 in a month.
The council approved the recognition by voice vote. After the motion and vote, council members and foundation leaders posed for a presentation photo with the assembly resolution.
What this does and does not do: The recognition is ceremonial. No city policy change or funding action was taken at the meeting. The council’s approval was recorded by voice vote with the transcript noting "All in favor? Aye."
