Yucaipa/Calimesa Family Assistance got its start in 1949 in the garage of Yucaipa resident, Ethel Hitchcock. As an involved community member, she saw a family in need and stepped up to help them. With the support of friends and neighbors she gathered food and supplies for that family, such began the commitment to reaching out to those in need. That commitment was the beginning of Yucaipa Valley Welfare, formally established in 1952, complete with a Board of Directors.
Over the past 76 years, Yucaipa Valley Welfare evolved into Family Assistance and is now recognized as Yucaipa/Calimesa Family Assistance. This name speaks to the original intent to serve the communities of Yucaipa and Calimesa and the citizens of the Yucaipa Valley within the school district boundaries. Y/CFA continues to be a non profit 501c3, operating through the generous donations of individuals and the proceeds of our small thrift store. No federal or state funds are received to cover the services so community support is crucial to keeping our volunteer run organization open, providing free food and low-cost clothing and household items to our clientele.
Our current location on Avenue B established in 1966, is staffed by our dedicated volunteers and services over 1500 individuals through the food pantry and thrift store on a monthly basis. We accept donations of food, gently used clothing and household items. We rely on the generosity of our financial donors and community organizations for their support to keep our mission to help those in need continuing for the next 76 years.