The Stars & Stripes Children’s Foundation, with a legacy of raising over $60 million to support youth nonprofits, is proud to be the seed funder and primary financial supporter of Merge Opportunities (MERGE), a California nonprofit dedicated to workforce development for foster youth, system-impacted individuals, and underserved young adults across Southern California.
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Foundation’s Support and MERGE’s Launch:
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Seed funding provided in 2022 catalyzed MERGE’s creation and growth.
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Funding enabled hiring Executive Director Erin Earlywine and building training, mentorship, and job placement programs.
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Mission and Impact:
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MERGE empowers youth to find meaningful employment and purpose.
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Executive Director Earlywine emphasizes youth rebuilding communities and workforce inclusion.
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Foundation’s Broader Mission:
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Stars & Stripes Founder Dick Gebhard highlights commitment to moving youth from instability to opportunity.
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MERGE complements other supported nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters OC/IE, Orangewood Foundation, Miracles for Kids, and more.
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Growth and Job Placement Success:
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79 youth placed in 2023, 101 in 2024, projected over 250 placements in 2025 with corporate network support.
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Focus on Sustainable Employment:
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Programs target fields with career growth: construction, logistics, skilled trades.
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Post-2025 LA wildfires, MERGE mobilized youth for cleanup and restoration.
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Partnership with AMPCO:
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AMPCO has hired 70 MERGE participants to support wildfire recovery efforts.
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Youth gain practical skills in demolition, safety, teamwork, and more.
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Andrew Pennor, CEO of AMPCO, praises the collaboration as a model for business-community partnership.
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The partnership between Stars & Stripes Children’s Foundation, MERGE, and corporate partners like AMPCO exemplifies how collaborative efforts can provide foster and underserved youth with meaningful career pathways and community rebuilding opportunities. This initiative not only transforms lives but strengthens Southern California communities.
