The health and well-being of children is associated with numerous outcomes on their physical, mental, social, and economic development.   Promoting well-being involves understanding and addressing child, youth, and caregiver functioning in physical, behavioural, social, and cognitive areas. A focus on well-being should be integrated into all aspects of child welfare services. Particularly in the field of child abuse prevention, addressing child and family needs related to well-being is a critical part of reducing risks and increasing safety and protective factors.

Because children’s lives are impacted by their overall health and wellbeing, FOCUS aids public and privately funded agencies.   Access to professional care for mental, emotional or physical health through counseling, educational programs, camps and outdoor activities are supported.

ABC Youth Foundation

The Any Body Can Youth Foundation aims to provide an all-in-one after school program in a safe, inviting environment for youth in underserved areas of San Diego. Their unique concept includes both academic and athletic components.  The ABC Youth Foundation is equipped with a learning center and a gym where youth can take advantage of academic resources and boxing lessons.  Their goal is to establish more facilities and share the ABC concept throughout areas across the nation to prevent drug and gang violence among youth.

Projects:

• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 35 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students.

CCSA

For 45 years, the Community Christian Service Agency has been serving those in the San Diego community who lack the basic necessities of life. CCSA strives to deliver quality services to its clients at the lowest possible cost. A large volunteer workforce and substantial donations of food, clothing and supplies enable CCSA to keep CCSA to keep overhead low. These donations come from member churches, community groups, and businesses. More than 90% of the money donated to CCSA is spent on programs directly benefiting CCSA clients.

Projects:   

• Purchased a cargo van for CCSA Clairemont Center to enable them to collect crates of food donated by grocery stores, restaurants, churches and other groups in San Diego.
• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 80 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students.
• Fulfilled emergency food needs (for example 250 boxes of family sized cereal) and basic baby items when requested.

Camp I Can

Camp for autistic children and teens, ages 6 to 17. This will be the 20th year of the week long day camp, offering 5 sessions this year. They offer specially trained staff and a low camper to staff ratio to assure safety and support to help the campers gain the most from the experience.

Casa Cornelia Law Center

Casa Cornelia Law Center, a 501(c)(3) public interest law firm, provides quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Our primary commitment is to indigent persons within the immigrant community in greater San Diego County. We also seek to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the community and the public good.

Projects:

• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 70 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students.

Christie’s Place

A nonprofit social service organization in San Diego County that provides HIV/AIDS education, support and advocacy. Their mission is to empower women, children, families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS to take charge of their health and wellness. They are the only organization in San Diego County whose mission is dedicated to serving women, children and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Projects:

• Purchased 100 pairs of new Vans shoes for Back to School Drive By Party
• Purchased a year’s supply of  hygiene and baby items  
• Food Drive to restock the ‘Food Pantry’.

Coronado SAFE

This local program offers programs and counseling to help youth prevent or overcome challenges, such as bullying, divorce, drug use, suicide, grief, and behavioural problems. They also work with parents, offering a weekly Parent to Parent Empowerment class.

Projects:

• Purchased multiple small items to be used in their counseling program; office supplies, stress balls, aromatherapy dough, fidget toys, hula hoops, breathing balls.

International Rescue Committee

Projects:

• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 50 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students.

Kids Turn San Diego

Created in 1996 to bring peace to families who could no longer communicate without conflict. With a mission of “promoting support and securing the well-being of children who are experiencing family separation”, our programs empower children to talk with their parents about thoughts/feelings, build resiliency and create a brighter future for children experiencing family separations, divorces and military transitions.

Projects:  

• Purchased craft materials, paper supplies and books to support their ongoing counseling sessions.

Refugee Network

Provides programs to equip refugees, from preschool to adulthood, to become self-reliant, engaged, and contributing citizens of the United States.

Projects:

• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 15 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students
• Provided 50 headphones and optical mouse devices to assist students to concentrate on distance learning.

San Diego Center for Children

Provides services to children and families struggling with mental, emotional and behavioural problems. They are offering a “virtual “ shopping experience to provide Holiday gifts for the children in their programs.

Projects:  

• Purchased toys from their Christmas Wish List.

Vista Hill TLC Mission

ParentCare Family Recovery Center, helping chemically dependent women and their families, is one of Vista Hill’s longest running programs. An important part of ParentCare is the on-site specialized preschool and childcare services in their Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC). These services are provided for parents involved in the ParentCare program that could otherwise not afford childcare to attend sessions. Educational and motor-skill development is provided. TLC staff is specially trained in trauma-informed methods and are able to provide additional emotional and behavioural support to children that may have experienced traumatic events.

Projects:  

• FOCUS Linda Dorn Grant purchased 2 rocker/gliders for the infant classroom for mothers while they are at the center. 
• To assist in setting up the 2nd Therapeutic Learning Center FOCUS purchased diapers, wipes, creams, foam play mats, crib sheets, yoga mats as well as specific motor skills equipment and educational items.