House of Hope Foundation Honors Melanie Poturica with 2026 Spirit of Service Award

Recognizing two decades of steadfast leadership, transformative advocacy, and quiet dedication to women’s recovery across the South Bay.

SAN PEDRO, CA, UNITED STATES, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — When Melanie Poturica reflects on her multi-decade career in labor law and community advocacy, she summarizes her core personal philosophy with characteristic humility: “One of my purposes in life is to learn to be one among many, not the star, not the person who needs brownie points, but a dedicated contributor.”

Yet on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the South Bay community will gather at the James R. Armstrong Theater to ensure Poturica’s extraordinary contributions receive the spotlight they deserve. The House of Hope Foundation will present Poturica with its prestigious Spirit of Service Award during its annual 2026 Talent Show Fundraiser. Sponsored this year by the Ron Florance Charitable Fund, the award celebrates individuals whose unwavering dedication has profoundly impacted the House of Hope community and the broader region.

A Personal Connection & Lifelong Mission

For Poturica, the mission of House of Hope is deeply personal. Having grown up in a family profoundly impacted by alcoholism, including her parents, Noel and John McCarthy, and her siblings, she witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of substance use disorders, as well as the transformative power of intervention and recovery when her father received guidance through intervention pioneer Ed Storti. Her daughter, Mari Poturica, emphasizes how this history shaped her mother’s passion for women’s recovery.

“My mom presses herself to be her best self every single day, not for credit or recognition, but simply to serve. Whether leading a board or writing a daily card to an acquaintance, that is how she walks through the world.”
— Mari Poturica, Daughter

Poturica’s journey broke barriers early on. As a true renaissance woman, she rose to become managing partner for 15 years at the labor and employment law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore during an era when few women held executive legal leadership. Throughout her career and extensive volunteer service, Poturica has remained grounded in family, often emphasizing that her contributions are only possible through the steady support of her husband, her children Mari and Vincent, her grandchildren Avery and River, and her extended family.

A Legacy of Leadership and Board Governance

Poturica’s connection to the House of Hope Foundation spans nearly twenty years, including serving six critical years as Board President from 2019 to 2025. Her presidency coincided with a pivotal era of growth for the 71-year-old non-profit organization, guiding the board through executive leadership shifts, expanding real estate holdings, and navigating Drug Medi-Cal expansion.

Her executive governance extends across major Southern California institutions. Poturica currently serves as Board Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Archer School for Girls in Brentwood and has been a cornerstone lay leader at The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates for over two decades, serving twice as Moderator and heading pastoral search committees.

“Anyone who has worked with Melanie would want her as a trustee. She understands what it means to serve and is unafraid to use her voice. She possesses a strong moral core and holds incredible discernment about mission and integrity. The loudest voice in the room is often not a woman in our world, which is why someone with Melanie’s commitment and bravery matters so profoundly.”
— Elizabeth English, Head of School & Board Co-Chair, The Archer School for Girls

“Melanie is a tireless leader and worker whose faith is followed by her many deeds. It is wonderful to see that she has brought those same talents to The House of Hope and that she is being so appropriately recognized.”
— George Romine, Former Neighborhood Church Moderator and Board Chair

Under Poturica’s stewardship alongside board and clinical leadership, House of Hope achieved national distinction. Newsweek magazine recently ranked House of Hope Foundation #29 among the top 440 addiction treatment centers in the United States.

“House of Hope is stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to serve our community because of Melanie Poturica. Her unwavering commitment to our growth and her deep compassion for women in recovery have shaped our foundation for decades. We are deeply honored to celebrate her legacy of service.”
— Maricela Gray, Executive Director, House of Hope Foundation

Event Details & Program Highlights
The Spirit of Service Award will be presented to Poturica during the House of Hope 2026 Talent Show.
• Date & Time: Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Courtyard opens at 1:00 PM; Theater doors, concessions, & photo booth open at 1:30 PM)
• Location: James R. Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503
• Parking: Ample free parking in the adjacent theater lot with front pull-around drop-off
• Attire: Sunday afternoon social / business casual / theater attire
• Tickets & Information: Available online at houseofhopesp.org.

About House of Hope Foundation
Located in San Pedro, California, House of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing residential substance abuse treatment and recovery services designed specifically for women. Grounded in a mission to help women regain their dignity and build healthy lives free from alcohol and drugs, House of Hope offers a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. Through comprehensive evidence-based care, educational tools, peer support, and family reunification assistance, the foundation empowers women to achieve lasting self-awareness, financial responsibility, and healing. For more information, visit houseofhopesp.org.

Kristin Witzenburg
House of Hope Foundation
kristin@houseofhopesp.org

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Written By: EIN Presswire