Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley presented Jean Forbath, a longtime charity leader and advocate for Costa Mesa’s low-income communities, with the Mayor’s Award at the Tuesday March 21 City Council meeting.

“It’s caring people like Jean who are willing to sacrifice and share their selves that make our community so much stronger,” Mayor Foley said. “For your tireless dedication in service to others, and for the amazing impact you have had on the lives of so many here in Costa Mesa, it is my honor and privilege to present you with the Mayor’s Award.”

In 1970, Forbath and her husband Frank founded Share Our Selves to care for those living in poverty in Orange County. SOS has since grown to become a model nonprofit organization providing the highest quality safety net services to the homeless and low-income populations in Orange County.

Forbath was also a founding board member of Save our Youth, or SOY and served as executive director and treasurer during her 22 years on the board.

“The time I have spent with SOS and Costa Mesa has been very rewarding,” Forbath said. “Without the help of the city, it would be difficult to do what we do. I very thankful and honored to get this award.”