Sacramento, CA — Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris recognized Share Ourselves as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District. Each year, CalNonprofits invites California Assemblymembers and State Senators to honor a Nonprofit of the Year during a celebration at the State Capitol.
Share Ourselves was founded in 1970 by a group of advocates, volunteers, and supporters who saw the great need in Orange County for comprehensive support services. For 56 years, Share Ourselves has provided critical health and support services to underserved individuals and families across Orange County. Through comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services, the organization helps ensure access to quality care regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
“Share Ourselves embodies the idea that health is about more than medical care—it’s about dignity, stability, and ensuring every person has the support they need to thrive,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “From providing comprehensive healthcare to addressing food insecurity and financial hardship, their whole-person approach is breaking down barriers and changing lives across Orange County. I am proud to recognize their extraordinary impact and unwavering commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to serve our community each day,” said Christy Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Share Ourselves. “For more than five decades, Share Ourselves has been rooted in dignity, compassion, and a deep commitment to service. This honor reinforces our commitment to continue evolving and expanding access to care for those who need it most.”
In May 2025, Share Ourselves expanded its impact with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art health center in Costa Mesa, increasing access to care for thousands of residents. Designed to provide whole-person care, the health center includes 12 medical exam rooms, six dental chairs, two optometry stations, a behavioral health office, and an on-site pharmacy.
This year, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris received numerous nominations from constituents for nonprofit organizations serving the 73rd Assembly District and all of Orange County. Past Nonprofit of the Year honorees include Pretend City Children’s Museum (2025), Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County (2024), Trellis (2023), Alzheimer’s Orange County (2022), Pacific Marine Mammal Center (2021), Families Forward (2020), and Save Our Youth (2019).
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee, and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie), and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).