The MolinaCares Accord Celebrates Four Los Angeles County Champions
Each Honoree Received $5,000 to Donate to Nonprofit Organization of Choice
Media Contact: Justine dela Rosa, Justine.delaRosa1@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-528-5090
LONG BEACH, Calif., June 3, 2021 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in
collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”), recognized four Los Angeles
County residents for their commitment to serving their community and advancing health
equity through the MolinaCares Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000
grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
“These four men have gone above and beyond to help address the most pressing needs
of their neighbors throughout Los Angeles County, where Molina has proudly served
members and communities since 1980,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina
Healthcare of California. “We are proud to recognize our MolinaCares Champions, and
we are pleased to provide a total of $20,000 in grants to their chosen community-based
organizations.”
This year’s Los Angeles County MolinaCares Champions include:
Eric Burroughs of Long Beach: Eric Burroughs has helped over 4,000 Black men with
health care education and resources. He has initiated partnerships with various nonprofits
and institutions, resulting in successful events that greatly improve people’s well-being.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burroughs partnered with the Long Beach
NAACP branch to provide face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other essential
items in underserved Black communities. This effort has resulted in over 200,000 items
distributed from since March 2020. He is a national committee member of 100 Black Men
of America and a member of the 100 Black Men of America COVID-19 task force.
Burrough’s grant will be donated to 100 Black Men of Long Beach, Inc.
Hector Ochoa of Los Angeles: Facing widespread shortages of essential items, Hector
Ochoa distributed over 1,500 care packages containing food, personal hygiene and
sanitation supplies, and other resources to people with disabilities. When students
transitioned to virtual learning, Ochoa acted swiftly to provide resources. In partnership
with businesses and organizations, he provided students with Chromebooks, backpacks,
and school supplies to help students succeed. When vaccines became available, Ochoa
advocated for accessible and equitable distribution. Hector’s grant will be donated to
Southern California Resource Center for Independent Living (SCRS-IL).
Orlance Shirley of Compton: Project EDUCATE, an organization that works to eradicate
homelessness, would not be as successful as it is today if it weren’t for the work of
Orlance Shirley. He is a member of the board and an avid volunteer, all while studying as
a full-time student. Shirley helped name the organization and laid the foundation for its
five flagship programs. He writes content for the website and serves as the unofficial
photographer. Shirley is currently finishing his final semester of undergraduate studies at
Cornell University, and he has been accepted into an AmeriCorps post-graduation program.
Louis Lewis of Los Angeles: Whether he is preaching at his church, removing barriers
to employment, or expanding access to drug treatment programs, Louis Lewis has been
serving his community for over 30 years. At West Adams Work Source Center (WAWSC),
he specializes in the implementation of job resource programs. He supports populations
who commonly face hurdles to employment, such as veterans, women, people with
language barriers, those experiencing homelessness, and low-income families. Lewis
was instrumental in the success of an entirely new construction training program,
WORKS, for individuals at risk for and experiencing homelessness. For decades, he has
also helped the south Los Angeles community battle drug addiction, homelessness, and
recidivism. Lewis’ grant will be donated to HomeAid Los Angeles.
About The MolinaCares Accord:
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community
investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged
populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions
that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds
such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3)
established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for 40 years.
The Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals)
and Covered California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los
Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Imperial counties.
Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500
company, served approximately 4.6 million members as of March 31, 2021. For more
information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.