Quick look: In the third episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, Sue Parks of Orange County United Way reflects on her path to service and the importance of connecting families to resources that support student success.
FutureCurrent returns this week with a conversation featuring Sue Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way, focused on service, financial stability and community partnership.
Hosted by County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell, the episode explores how schools and nonprofit organizations can work together to support families before crises escalate.
A personal path to service
Parks traces her journey with United Way back to her corporate career, when she received an unexpected call asking if she would help launch a women’s giving circle.
“I really fell in love with the strategic aspect, but also that personal aspect where I helped people every day,” Parks said.
Over time, she joined the organization’s board and later stepped into her current leadership role.
Her commitment to giving, she said, began at home.
“My giving story started with my dad,” Parks said. “Give where you can and support your local community because they’re the ones that are going to come through for you.”
Connecting families to support
During the conversation, Parks discussed resources that many residents may not realize are available, including 2-1-1 Orange County, a free information and referral service that connects individuals and families to health and human services.
Rowell noted that some of the resources mentioned were new to her, highlighting how awareness can affect access.
“Most of the people we work with, they’re hardworking,” Parks said. “They want to do what’s right for their family, but maybe they have a setback or something happened in their life.”
She also discussed United Way’s SparkPoint OC program, which partners with Title I schools to provide financial literacy and wellness centers for families experiencing housing instability. Schools help identify families who may be at risk of homelessness so support can reach them early.
“We know that if a family goes homeless, the child gets yanked from school and then it starts a spiral,” Parks said.
Produced by the Orange County Department of Education, FutureCurrent features unscripted, story-driven conversations with leaders from across Orange County who are working to strengthen communities and improve outcomes for students.
New episodes are available in both audio and video formats on major podcast platforms and YouTube.