Deployments, medical discharges, changes of duty stations, and retirement all represent significant changes in life and possibly to child support obligations as well. Too many young military families in San Diego are finding themselves trapped in mountains of debt, not knowing where to turn.

All branches of the United States Military call San Diego home.  Training, deployments, temporary assignments or emergencies often result in financial issues and emotional stress for the active duty personnel and their families.  The high cost of living and any unexpected situation can be an additional burden.  With this understanding, FOCUS assists military aid organizations regularly.

Armed Services YMCA

The Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASYMCA) is the leading non-profit in San Diego that makes military life easier for active duty service members and their families. Founded in 1920, its focus is to strengthen communities by providing support services and programs that promote individual and family bonding in ways that are relevant to the unique challenges of military life. ASYMCA services and programs are provided to active duty military and their dependents free of charge and includes – Military family programs and events – Youth development camps, programs, and events – Wounded warrior support and recreation programs – Free in home counseling for E7 and below families.

Projects:

• Annual Grant to provide for monthly emergency needs such as car seats and cribs.
• Toys to ensure gifts for children.

San Diego Military Outreach Mission (MOM)

Projects:  

San Diego Military Outreach serves junior enlisted families, using many volunteer helpers. They have continued throughout the pandemic, using socially distanced drop-offs to provide diapers, wipes, food, school supplies. They also provide baby furniture, car seats, etc. when needed.

• The Backpack Program purchased and assembled 50 backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students.
• Purchased 2 cribs with mattresses, 3 high chairs, 10 diaper bags and baby wipes.
• Purchased school supplies for ‘at home’ school.

Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)

Helps junior enlisted men and their families, including those who are newly discharged from the service, to build financial self-sufficiency through counseling, education and grants. In addition, they provide food, furniture, baby items, etc. during the time of financial crisis.  When needed, new mothers are supplied with a car seat and crib before they bring their babies home.

Projects:

• Chrome books to meet the needs of families.
• 3 cribs with mattresses and 2 car seats.

Foundation for Women Warriors

Their mission is to help transitioning military women achieve a stable foundation to meet their basic needs and those of their family while they establish their civilian career.  They support women veterans by providing them emergency financial assistance, child care assistance and resources and referrals, in addition to mentoring and scholarships.

Projects:  

• New baby items for their warehouse to be available as needed for women veterans.
• Cribs and mattresses, strollers, car seats and walkers.

United Through Reading

Supports the literary development and emotional wellness of military children by providing Story Stations on-board deployed ships, where recordings are made of the parent reading. This enables children to share storytime with their deployed parents. FOCUS has partnered with United Through Reading since 1993. The need is greater now as deployments are often longer.

Projects:

• For over 25 years we have supported their program by providing flash memory cards, video cameras and other items.