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our story
On January 7th, 2025, wildfires threatened Topanga Canyon, sparking a grassroots effort to support first responders. What began as an informal donation hub in a Starbucks parking lot quickly grew with the support of local businesses, community members, and the Hollywood Teamsters. In response to the escalating crisis, Topanga REACH (Relief, Emergency-Aid, & Community Help) was founded by three dedicated women and community volunteers determined to provide immediate disaster relief and build long-term resilience within the community.
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As a newly formed organization, Topanga REACH operates as a project initiative supported through the Foundation for Human Potential, a fully compliant 501(c)(3) nonprofit, whose parent organization is platinum-rated by Guidestar - while we organize and apply for our tax-exempt status. Currently powered entirely by volunteers, Topanga REACH is dedicated to providing immediate disaster relief and ongoing support to the Topanga community. By collaborating with first responders, local residents, and organizations, we aim to address urgent needs, support displaced individuals and businesses, and strengthen our community’s ability to recover and rebuild in the face of future emergencies.
"The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering."
- Ben Okri
meet our founders
Candice Belton
Director of Operations
As a Topanga resident and devoted community volunteer, Candice brings over a decade of experience in managing large-scale production and operations for both live events and community-focused organizations. Her expertise in logistics and strategic coordination has made her an invaluable asset in mobilizing resources and people during times of need. Candice co-founded Topanga REACH in response to the outpouring of support the community showed during the Palisades Wildfire. Witnessing the incredible collective spirit of Topanga's residents, she saw an urgent need to organize and amplify local relief efforts, ensuring immediate and long-term support for residents, first responders, and vulnerable populations. What began as an informal group of neighbors has since evolved into a highly effective and proactive operation, recognized and endorsed by local officials and surrounding organizations. With a deep commitment to service and sustainability, Candice has helped shape Topanga REACH into an organization that prioritizes integrity, community, and resilience. Her passion for fostering lasting positive change is the driving force behind the organization's mission to rebuild, empower, and strengthen Topanga in the face of adversity—and to ensure that the community thrives long after the crisis has passed.
Ashley DeLuis
Director of Development and Events
Ashley DeLuis is a dynamic professional in brand development and optics consulting for both the legal and creative worlds. With a keen eye for large-scale operations, projects, and events, she brings boundless vision and strategic insight to everything she does. As a dedicated mother of two and an active member of the Topanga community, Ashley is deeply invested in the future and well-being of her neighbors. She serves as the Secretary for the Topanga Enrichment Program (TEP) at Topanga Elementary Charter School, where she works to enhance educational opportunities for local youth. Ashley co-founded Topanga REACH during the Palisades Wildfire Disaster, recognizing the immediate need for organized systems to support local firefighters and assist vulnerable populations, including the elderly and at-risk residents of Topanga. Motivated by a passion for community and humanitarian service, she continues to play a central role in helping Topanga not only recover, but thrive. Whether as a compassionate advocate or a key facilitator, Ashley is committed to ensuring the long-term resilience and vitality of the town she loves.
Emily Bachman
Director of Manifestation & Magic
Emily is a seasoned marketing and events professional with a strong commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about supporting local businesses, building strategic partnerships, and creating impactful campaigns. Her work emphasizes: - Collaborating with local businesses and nonprofits to strengthen community ties and achieve shared goals. - Developing and executing marketing campaigns that merge creativity with data-driven insights. - Building partnerships that amplify brand impact and foster community well-being. Rooted in Quaker values, Emily approaches her work with integrity, mindfulness, and a dedication to creating positive change. Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Anthropology and Sustainable Food Systems, she is guided by the belief that human health, social/cultural health, and environmental health are deeply interconnected—and that achieving true sustainability requires balance across these spheres.
