About Us
Mission
Leading Purpose is committed to empowering underserved communities by providing holistic support, fostering community collaboration, and advocating for equitable policies that promote self-sufficiency.
Vision
Our vision is to cultivate an environment where individuals have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support to thrive in the world autonomously
Brand Values
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Acceptance
Leading Purpose's services are structured as low-barrier programs, ensuring accessibility to diverse individuals - especially those from historically marginalized communities - and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
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Commitment
Our commitment to successfully leading individuals and communities to long-term self-sufficiency is illustrated through our day-to-day work, offering in-depth support that addresses barriers and meets the needs of the people we serve.
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Transparency
We uphold transparency by openly communicating our processes, program requirements, and outcomes to our stakeholders and community, ensuring accountability and trust.
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Wellness
Our holistic approach promotes complete well-being by providing comprehensive supportive services, addressing key areas such as housing needs, financial stability, and independent living skills.
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Purpose
Purpose is what fuels our passion, guides our actions, and ensures that every effort we make contributes to building a more equitable future for all. It empowers us to address the needs of those we serve and help them discover and pursue their own purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change and self-sufficiency.
Founding Story
Five years ago, Elizabeth Urenda founded Leading Purpose with a heartfelt mission to support historically marginalized youth across Orange County. Elizabeth is a dedicated advocate for youth welfare with over 19 years of social service professional experience, including roles as Program Executive Director, HR & Organizational Development Consultant, and Transition Specialist for federal programs. From a young age, she harbored a deep-seated passion for community service and uplifting her community. Elizabeth went on to earn her Master of Social Work & Business in Global Society from the University of Southern California further advancing her ability to be an agent of change. As a first-generation Mexican American and mother, she’s developed a profound understanding of the social vulnerabilities children navigate as they become young adults. Determined to make a difference, she established Leading Purpose to amplify the voices of overlooked youth, providing them with the tools to build self-sustaining and autonomous lives.
Since its inception, Leading Purpose has left a lasting impact on the lives of those it has served, offering holistic support services through partnerships with the County of Orange Social Services Agency and the OC Probation Department. With exceptional leadership and a dedicated team who share a collective purpose and passion, Leading Purpose has expanded its commitment to serving transitional-age youth. Our upcoming partnership with Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc. will allow us to bring our vital services to Riverside County. Additionally, we have had the opportunity to introduce a new supportive services program for other vulnerable communities by partnering with CalOptima Health through the CalAIM initiative, ensuring our compassionate care touches even more families and individuals in need.
Being a mother of young children, Elizabeth recognizes the crucial need to foster a better community for future generations. Much of what she does is driven by her desire to ensure that current and future generations grow up in a supportive and empowering environment. She values the support of her family—her husband and two young kids—who walk alongside her on this path of service, sharing her vision and dedication.