The Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation, known for raising over $60 million in its 27-year history to support youth-focused nonprofits, proudly announces its role as the seed funder and primary financial supporter behind Merge Opportunities (MERGE) a California nonprofit workforce development organization serving foster youth, system-impacted individuals, and underserved young adults across Southern California.
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Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation provided the seed funding to launch MERGE in 2022, and its continued investment has powered the growth of MERGE into a high-impact organization. This support enabled the hiring of Executive Director Erin Earlywine and the development of robust training, mentorship, and job placement programs.
“These young adults don't just find work-they find purpose,” said Earlywine. “They're rebuilding their communities and proving they belong in the workforce.”
“Helping young people move from instability to opportunity has always been part of our mission,” said Dick Gebhard, Founder of the Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation. “With MERGE, we're helping complete the circle with all of our beneficiary partners that we support-including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the OC / IE, Orangewood Foundation, Miracles for Kids, Young Lives Redeemed, SBCS, and Casa Youth Shelter.”
MERGE has shown rapid and sustained growth since expanding its operations. In 2023, MERGE placed 79 young adults into jobs. That number increased to 101 in 2024 and is on track to exceed 250 in 2025 with the support of the Stars & Stripes corporate network.
MERGE's programs go beyond job readiness; they focus on real employment outcomes in fields with upward mobility like construction, logistics, and skilled trades. This was especially evident following the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, where the organization mobilized youth to assist in neighborhood cleanup and restoration. The initiative was supported by AMPCO, a corporate partner of Stars & Stripes, which has hired 70 MERGE participants for the effort to date.
This powerful partnership with AMPCO not only restored fire-damaged homes in Los Angeles, but also provided hands-on training in demolition, safety, and teamwork – giving MERGE participants both purpose and a pathway forward.
“This partnership represents the best of what's possible when business and community come together,” said Andrew Pennor, CEO of AMPCO Contracting “These young people bring energy, commitment, and talent to a challenging project-and they deliver.”
About Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation The mission of Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation is to deliver an experience that motivates charity partners andignites philanthropyto change the lives of young people by helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Stars & Stripes beneficiaries receive much needed financial assistance which they can use to expand their programs. Funds benefit nonprofits focused on youth and young adults across Southern California and Baja.
About Merge Opportunities Merge Opportunities is a nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to empowering underserved community members, system-impacted individuals, and transitioning foster youth aged 18-28. MERGE provides career training, employment placement, financial literacy education, and apprenticeship opportunities to build long-term economic stability and community transformation.
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SOURCE Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation
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