Banc of California Named Outstanding Community Partner

IRVINE, Calif. - Aug. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- IRVINE, CALIF — In commemoration of 50 years of community action in the Unites States, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC) is proud to present Gary Dunn and Banc of California with the “Outstanding Community Partner” award for their dedication to community partnerships in helping to promote economic opportunity and stability for many Southern California families struggling to make ends meet particularly in underserved ethnic minority communities.

As part of Community Action Month and to celebrate their partnerships with major donors and businesses, Community Action Partnership of Orange County gathered 200 local leaders to the launch of their 50 years of helping people and changing lives celebration of meeting basic needs, providing economic opportunities, building healthy communities, and creating pathways out of poverty.  Banc of California was chosen to receive “The Outstanding Community Partner” Award because they have demonstrated a lasting commitment to support community organizations and provide resources to help low-income and ethnic communities achieve the American dream.  Gary Dunn has led the way for Community Reinvestment Policies and Programs that engage financial institutions to  make investments in low-income and ethnic communities.   Mr. Dunn’s support comes in the way of affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy programs, and minority small business loans.   Through their financial support, organizations such as Clearinghouse CDFI have been able to provide more Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) lending than any other community development financial institution in Los Angeles benefiting low and moderate income communities.  “Banc of California has proven to me that they not only care about CRA, but are serious about making a real difference through the implementation of this regulation and through the hiring of Gary Dunn as their Community Development Officer to direct this effort,” said Douglas Bystry, President and CEO of Clearinghouse CDFI.

With more than 65% of the 900,000 clients served each year being comprised of Latinos and Asians, CAPOC has seen the drastic effects that the downturn in our economy has had on the growth of poverty in these communities that they serve.  Banc of California’s investment in ethnic communities has helped eliminate economic barriers and disparities and has empowered them to succeed and develop the communities in which they live.  “Gary and Banc of California understands that we need to reinvest in our struggling communities because they don’t have the resources to solve problem. They understand that Americans cannot grow and thrive if we have communities that are left behind.  They are providing hope and a hand up that will change people lives,” said Alan Woo, CAPOC Director of Planning and Development.

"We are dedicated to continue serving the needs of all households in the communities in which we operate, including a focus on meeting the needs of under banked, minority and low-to-moderate income households," said Gary Dunn, Senior Vice President and Community Development Officer for Banc of California.  Mr. Dunn also challenged the other corporations in attendance to not just give money but get to know our community and learn to become a strong, meaningful partner.  “Together we can create communities that are viable and strong,” said Mr. Dunn.  Other award recipients were Jeanne Moriarty  receiving the Legacy Award and Wells Fargo Bank, Southern California Edison, PIMCO, and St. Joseph Health receiving corporate partnership awards.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF ORANGE COUNTY

With leadership and results dating back to 1965, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC) has evolved into Orange County’s most comprehensive anti-hunger and poverty relief organization. CAPOC’s aim is to make a positive impact in people’s lives by helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their support system.  Our position within Orange County allows us to identify neighborhood concerns and find unique solutions.  We have a stake in the health of our community and have the ability to create real change in the lives of low-income children, families, seniors, and veterans.  By acting as a resource for ending hunger and poverty, our organization improves the health of our community.  We mobilize and direct resources to programs that assist, educate, and promote self-sufficiency.