Waymakers

Mission Statement

Waymakers builds safer communities as we help individuals and communities experiencing conflict and crisis make their way to a place of strength and stability, fostering lasting change and positive impact throughout Orange County.

Background Statement

In 1972, a University of California, Irvine professor, a few of his students and a Costa Mesa Police Department captain were among a small, dedicated group who recognized the need to provide diversion counseling for delinquent youth and their families. Their efforts created what would become the nonprofit Community Service Programs. Over its 45-year growth, CSP evolved to serve youth, adults and families living in Orange County involved or at-risk of involvement with the justice system by designing and implementing some of the most respected prevention and intervention programs in Southern California. Although the sheer size and scope of CSP’s growth eclipsed its humble beginnings and grew to include sheltering children, supporting victims, resolving conflicts and educating communities, the people of CSP never lost sight of the importance of counseling youth and families. Their vision always focused on helping people find their way, and in 2017, CSP adopted a name fitting its purpose, promise and potential: Waymakers.

Impact Statement

Waymakers provides comprehensive services annually to more than 7,000 vulnerable children who are at risk for homelessness, running away, institutionalization and/or hospitalization.  We have found that statistically, if these children are left to the streets, they are more likely to become a victim of a crime or commit one in order to survive.  Every year, Waymakers Youth Shelter and Children's Crisis Residential Program provides safe shelter, meals, individual and group counseling, academic tutoring, prevention education and life skills development to over 300 children and 500 of their family members.   Through Waymakers' Victim Assistance Program, more than 72,000 victims and witnesses of violent crimes have received much needed counsel and support services as they navigate through the justice system and cope with the emotional trauma of their experiences.

Needs Statement

Waymakers has developed a positive public and private partnership with the local, state and federal justice system and their complimentary agencies to provide life-changing services to Orange County children and victims.  With the changes in public funding, Waymakers relies now more than ever on the philanthropic support from the private community to continue to be a catalyst of change.     

Geographic Areas Served

All residents of Orange County, California. County-wide, all cities. 

Top Three Populations Served

Latinos
Households with limited English proficiency
Homeless Individuals

Statement from the CEO/Executive Director

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Statement from the Board Chair/President

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CEO/Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer Ronnetta Johnson

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Ms. Johnson joined Waymakers in 1995. Within the agency she has held the positions of Program Director for Victim Assistance Programs (1995 – 2001), Director of Human Resources (2001 – 2004), Director of Victim Assistance Programs (2004 – 2015), and Chief Executive Officer (2015 – Present). During her tenure with Waymakers, Ms. Johnson has developed and implemented a variety of trainings and seminars and has been instrumental in the creation of service components which have gain recognition as best practice models. Ms. Johnson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Utah and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, with a Certificate in Servant Leadership.