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A NEW DIRECTION FOR OUR STORIES WRITTEN, PAINTED, AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY YMCA COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF
A NEW DIRECTION FOR OUR STORIES WRITTEN, PAINTED, AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY YMCA COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF
IN RECOGNITION YMCA CSS CONTRIBUTORS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TO OUR WORKSHOP PARTNERS
Courtney Baltiyskyy
A.R.T.S: A Reason to Survive
Contributing Editor & Project
James Halliday
Design Lead
Hugo Fierro Nadia Nunez
Joangrace Espiritu Contributing Editor
AjA Project Rafael Rios-Mathioudakis
Luisa Montes
Alejandro Martinez
Contributing Author
Caitlyn Guarano
& Editor Greater Good Story Telling Victoria Carrillo
Nathan Young
Graphic Designer Arimaw Productions Josh Bariuan
Michael Ari Wulffhart
Photographer
Akayaa Kevin Gregg
Community Support
Deron Cohen
Services staff Authors and Artists
CONNECT WITH US
YMCA LEADERSHIP
www.ymca.org/yfs
YMCA Community Support Services Leadership
www.ymca.org/crs
Carolyn Woempner, PhD - Area Vice President Kim McDougal - Executive Director, Childcare Resource Service Steven Hensel - Executive Director, Expanded Learning Programs
Facebook:
Krysta Esquivel - Executive Director, Youth and Family Services
@YMCA.CRS @YMCAYouthandFamilyServices
YMCA of San Diego County Leadership Baron Herdelin-Doherty - President & Chief Executive Officer Charmaine Carter - Chief Operating Officer
Instagram: @ymcacss
LEGACY George Williams, YMCA Founder - In legacy for initiating a movement that has supported 175 years of service worldwide.
CONTENTS IV FOREWORD VII
PROJECT OVERVIEW
IX INTRODUCTION 13
QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
25
ACCESS TO QUALITY OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
39
INCREASED ACCESS TO MENTAL AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
45
SUPPORTING YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE
55
BREAKING VULNERABLE YOUTH OUT OF
SOCIAL AND EMOTION DEPRIVATION
75
INCREASING ECONOMIC STABILITY AND
MOBILITY FOR FAMILIES
87 AFTERWORD
© 2019 YMCA of San Diego County All Rights Reserved
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FOREWORD CAROLYN WOEMPNER, PhD Area Vice President, Community Support Services In the story that I contributed to this Chronicle I share an encounter I had with a young woman who was not in a safe place. This young woman appeared to be my son’s age, who was in high school at the time. My son was with me during this encounter and remarked to me as we were leaving her (to my deep sorrow), “Mom, she could be someone who goes to my school.” He was absolutely right. In his innocence and reflection on what he had just experienced, he hit on the fundamental truth of our work: we work with human beings just like / us. We are sharing this place and this time and are on the same journey but for luck or circumstance or a few different decisions, we could all have ended up on a different path. But we share a human experience, and when we also share our gifts we are all strengthened. The stories in this Chronicle are stories of shared humanity and shared gifts, which I believe in my core make this, our shared time and place, resonate with purpose, meaning and joy. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
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Childcare Resource Service
Expanded Learning Programs
At YMCA Childcare Resource Service (CRS) we provide a multi-dimensional approach to caring for children. Through multiple programs, we ensure parents can continue to work, provide for their families, and grow their earning potential. We give children a chance they deserve to thrive and prepare for a successful academic career while opening the doors to education, training, and technical assistance for child care professionals to improve the quality of their services.
YMCA Expanded Learning Programs (ELP) a division of the YMCA of San Diego County, provides state and federally funded beforeand-after school programs. We partner with local school districts, families, and communities to offer students safe and nurturing expanded learning programs that prepare them for college, career, and life. This is accomplished by creating a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that programs are student-focused and building relationships with our parents and community partners.
Youth & Family Services
Our expanded learning programs are designed collaboratively with district partners to provide students with fun, educational, and engaging environments during the hours most parents or guardians are working. Activities focus on academics, enrichment, social skills, and physical activity.
YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is a branch of the YMCA of San Diego County devoted to social services. Our unique programming has been addressing San Diego’s most pressing social issues since 1970, and we continue to expand our services to adapt to our community’s needs. We are focused on bringing about meaningful and lasting change in our youth and families by ensuring they have a safe place to live, by providing them with a reliable support system, by empowering them to pursue their goals, and by connecting them to resources needed to flourish.
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“US” IS A FOUNDATION. “US” IS A BOND. “US” IS A FUTURE. BUT RIGHT NOW, IT FEELS LIKE THAT BOND THAT UNITES “US” IS FR AYING. WE NEED A PL ACE THAT C AN MAKE US WHOLE- WHERE COMMON GROUND IS PLENT Y, DIFFERENCES ARE ASSETS AND OPPORTUNIT Y IS FOR ALL . THANKFULLY THAT PL ACE EXISTS, RIGHT HERE IN CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNT Y. THE Y FILLS THE GAPS THAT NEED FILLING. NOW MORE THAN EVER, THE Y NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT. BEC AUSE WHERE THERE’S A Y, THERE’S AN US. -YMC A OF THE USA
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THE CHRONICLE OF US PROJECT OVERVIEW The Community Support Services division of the YMCA of San Diego County implemented this Chronicle of Us project to empower staff by providing an opportunity to creatively express their stories related to work in social services and their relationship with the Y as a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Without our team of over 800 compassionate individuals who partner with community members each day, we would not be who we are. In serving over 126,000 individuals each year, we make an impact one...by one...by one. It is a shared commitment we work toward, understanding a critical need to support one another, to find common ground, and to create a better us. The stories that follow were drafted through staff participation in organized workshops contracted with local agencies and artists. We had received over 50 art pieces from our staff, partners, and families we serve. With this volume, we hope that you learn more about the issues that we advocate for, how we address them, and the impact we are making in the community. Join us in continuing the story by supporting our work with a donation online. www.ymca.org/chronicle-of-us
The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body.
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INTRODUCTION From the rolling waves of North County San Diego’s beaches to one of the busiest land border crossings in the world in San Ysidro, the YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and helping all people realize their fullest potential through the development of the spirit, mind, and body. Our region is home to more than 3 million residents that inhabit neighborhoods with unique identities and complex needs. We exist in every community to ensure everyone has a chance to thrive and, in their own special way, contribute to making San Diego “America’s Finest City.” But we know this isn’t always realistic when, according to San Diego’s Center on Policy Initiatives, nearly half of all households with children in the County struggle to make ends meet. i We also know that every family is different and many face more than economic challenges, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and involvement with the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice systems. In response, we seek to prevent adversity and intervene in times of crisis to lift up families so no one – regardless of their circumstances – suffers the consequences of poverty or inequality. Our programs and services are diverse and center on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. YMCA Community Support Services (YMCA CSS) brings all three focus areas to life for the most vulnerable families and youth in the following ways: • Youth Development: ensuring all youth learn and thrive in quality learning environments and acquire skills that set them on a path to a successful adolescence and adulthood. • Healthy Living: providing the skills and knowledge to sustain physical and mental health among youth and families. • Social Responsibility: combating large-scale social issues to foster long-term selfsufficiency and minimize reliance on public systems. Each touchpoint with YMCA Community Support Services contributes to a more prosperous society, breaking cycles of poverty to ensure individuals reach their full potential along a continuum of needs: Early Childhood Education, Out-of-School Time, Mental and Behavioral Health, Foster Care, Vulnerable Youth, Economic Mobility and Stability.
i https://www.cpisandiego.org/reports/making-ends-meet-2/
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Individuals from all walks of life coming together in waves to create meaningful connections. ​G.M.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION When children are able to spend the earliest years of their life in safe, supportive, and nurturing environments, they have a foundation for a lifetime of personal and professional success. Research has proven time and again that children who attend high quality preschool programs are less likely to repeat grades and become involved in the criminal justice system, and typically grow up to earn a $2,000 a month more than an adult that did not have the same early education opportunities. ii Because early care impacts multiple generations, the YMCA is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality early education. We educate parents on how to identify a quality setting for their child, operate subsidy programs that help families pay for child care when they don’t have the means to do so, and make sure child care providers have the training and education to improve the quality of their care. This combined approach of supporting families and providers ensures the youngest members of our community are surrounded by settings where they can thrive and embark on a path to prosperity.
ii https://leadingonopportunity.org/report/
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GREEN BROCCOLI TREES Jane, the program director of a preschool agency, has always been an advocate for our work to help families live healthier lives. One of her annual goals was to provide parents with resources to encourage children to eat a variety of healthy colorful foods; preschoolers tend to have a particular palate. I presented an interactive parent workshop that focused on strategies to encourage picky eaters to try to eat healthier. One strategy I shared was to put food in separate bowls with serving utensils and have children serve themselves. With this independence, kids tend to eat delicious foods that they typically would not touch. During the presentation, I could see Jane taking thorough notes in the back of the room. In a follow up meeting I learned about Jane’s struggles with Johnny, her preschool aged son, eating the broccoli and cauliflower mix that she lovingly prepared for dinner. When she plated the mix, he would eat the green broccoli trees and leave all of the cauliflower. After my presentation she decided to put the vegetable mix in a small bowl and allow Johnny to serve himself. Sure enough, Johnny served himself the mix and ate both the broccoli and the cauliflower. From that dinner on, she always allows her son to serve himself all of his vegetables. H.R.
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C.N., T.L, J.B Navigating complex systems is a collaborative effort. We work with families, child care providers, and partnering agencies to pave the way for all we serve. C.B.
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“The process of creation, from ideation to choices of pink was a labor of love. At times we were vulnerable in sharing motivations and challenges of our jobs, but as we walked away from the project we had new respect for one another, and joy for our work.” CRS & ELP Staff.
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SUPER POWERS NEEDED FOR CHANGE My super power is…. to simply believe. Believe that change is possible, and be a super optimist when naysayers tell you only seeing is believing. My super power is… believing in others. My super power is…my ability to connect. My super power is…being a different type of people person. My super power is…being a super mom who can bend time. My super power is…connecting to nature, and appreciating self-care. My super power is…having the right dose of enthusiasm, while bringing calm to chaos. My super power is…kindness. My super power is…being trauma informed, and focused on healing. CRS & ELP Staff.
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J.H. A child aged 0-5 needs many caring adults in their lives. Love from parents, teachers and community all help kids thrive. CSS Staff.
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A.V. The eyes of our smallest community members are watching us, hoping to see a more equitable future for all. CSS Staff.
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JOINT EFFORT I just want to update you on the progress of a student. As you may recall we were not successful at getting the parent to seek out support in the past, but she got on board a couple of months ago, and what a change we have seen in the student's overall development! He is crawling on four, going from a sitting to a standing position holding on to furniture and taking steps while we hold his hands. I had a mini conference with the parent last week and she shared that at home he is now allowed to have tummy time in a bigger area and as a result he "anda por todos lados gateando y tratando de pararse" (crawls all over the place and tries to stand up) and he is only put on his crib when is time to sleep and on the car seat for transportation purposes and nothing more. He has had therapy a couple of times and primary caregiver stated "las cosas van muy bien con el programa al que me refirieron, muchas gracias Ms. Miren" (things are going really good with the program you referred me to, thank you so much Ms.Miren). I mentioned to her that this is a joint effort; she is the one who made the call and reached out for support, Impact ASQ's program (YOU) provided the guidance and resources, the staff at the facility works with the child, observes him and offers feedback on the observations. This team work has helped him tremendously. My staff and myself have made sure that every day all day he has access and is encouraged to work on his fine and gross motor skills by having a soft padded area where he can move freely, an ample array of soft blocks, sensory toys, foam balls. We encourage reaching forward and down below for objects, bubbles and books. We use scaffolding to support his growth, we praise him for his efforts and last, but not least we are mindful of his needs and emotions and we make ourselves available to him and his mom at all times. I am extremely proud of the progress observed and overwhelmed with joy to see him reaching important milestones. J.B.
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C.R. As a building is established with brick and mortar, we serve as the foundation for our families at a complex time in their lives. CSS Staff.
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The YMCA is like a family tree. So many branches, but all come to one meaningful trunk that supports the community around us. J​ .M.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
ACCESS TO QUALITY OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME The YMCA was founded in London, England, in 1844 to give young men an alternative to street life and provide a sanctuary from the risks of the deteriorating social conditions at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Today, those roots have evolved into our after-school programs that offer a safe, supervised environment beyond the hours of the standard school day. Located directly on a child’s school campus and run in partnership with teachers, we provide academic support and hands-on enrichment experiences for approximately 8,000 students per day across 100 sites across San Diego County. Similar to our approach with early childhood education, we commit to quality before- and after-school programs that supervise children so working parents can maintain employment without interrupting their workday and larger career goals. Out-of-school programs set students on a path to successfully joining the workforce by improving school attendance and keeping students engaged to reduce the chances a student will dropout, use or abuse substances, or commit a crime. Spending time out of school in a supportive environment also helps students build social-emotional skills and improve their health and nutrition in a way that enriches what they learn throughout the school day. We ensure all families have access to our Expanded Learning Programs so all children, regardless of where they live, develop the academic and emotional intelligence that will help them reach their full potential.
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Our programs give each student a chance to grow together with new friends and as individuals. M.B.
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FINDING ME As a child, I had many insecurities and always had the feeling of not belonging. I was practically my mother’s shadow because where ever my mother was, I was right behind her. My elementary school years were all spent in the library, doing extra work during recess breaks. Sure I had buddies, but I wouldn’t allow myself to get close to them due to my own fears and insecurities. Happy to announce that I survived my elementary years but was about to take a step into my worst nightmare, Middle School. I dreaded the first day of school as I knew that along with all my current classmates, there where another set of schools joining which also meant that it was a whole new crowd that I didn’t know and they didn’t know me. I stayed close to my group of friends that I had created in my elementary school as they became my safe zone. My teacher, Mr.P, invited me to join an after school program that he was taking the lead on called M.T.D., which focused on the arts. Of course I declined the invitation, there was no way that I was going to sing, act nor dance in front of anyone. My days were simply going to school in the mornings, walking home to get my work done and wait for my mom to get off from work. A few weeks into the school year, my friends joined M.T.D. and encouraged me to join. After giving it some thought and having Mr.P talk to me to invite me again, I decided to join simply to spend time with my friends. Time went by and I seemed to be ok with not going home to simply wait for my mom and just spend time with my friends that made me feel like I had a place. Not a day went by that Mr.P didn’t follow up with all the students in the program to see how he could support us in improvements. I found a passion in dance and that was Mr.P’s forte so he was proud to see that I had broken out of my shell and he could be helpful. Aside from my group of friends and their encouragement, Mr.P’s dedication to helping all of the students including myself truly helped me accept me for who I am and to be ok with allowing people to get to know me. Mr.P was not paid to run this after school program and the fact that he was so dedicated to it and was the reason why many people in that program found a home away from home made that program much more special for me. To go back and think that if it wasn’t for M.T.D. and Mr.P, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Here I am now, with a career in Expanded Learning Programs and giving back to the community makes me feel complete. Being able to take a step in Mr.P’s shoes makes me feel that much more thankful to him. Giving today’s youth opportunities to find themselves, their passions, or simply get curious about what the future could become for them is an exciting feeling and there is no bigger reward than knowing that I can also make a difference just like Mr. P made on me. A.E.
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A six-year-old student and I started our day amazed by how nice the sky looked that morning. At the end of the day she was the last one to be picked up, and we also watched the sunset together. Like the sun, I feel that through my work with ASES programs I offer her consistency, and our program offers hope. E.L.R.
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BEING AND BELONGING Rodrigo was new to Harborside Elementary school. He had moved several times in the last year, attending multiple schools, and often leaving mid-semester when his family got evicted, or his mom found a new job. As a fifth grader what he wanted most of all was to be accepted by a group of friends who stayed in his life. He was outgoing, used humor as a copping mechanism, and was liked by his after-school team at the ASES right away. Many of the fifth graders were talking about joining the Spelling Showcase at the end of the month, and he decided this would be a good opportunity to stand out. The Spelling Showcase was a way to connect kids from across ASES schools to network, and share in the camaraderie of sports or academic friendly competitions. At the start of the program, reminders about respect and caring for all were shared, and call-and-repeat chants sounded to show support for all students. I met Rodrigo as he hopped onto stage as the fifth graders were called for their round of the Spelling Showcase. The auditorium was full of families, Rodrigo’s in the front row. His mom had taken off work early, and his siblings crowded into the chairs next to her. He squirmed in his seat in his oversized hooded sweatshirt. Thumbs tucked into his sleeves, and ankles crossed under the chair he nervously waiting for his turn. Later as he nervously stood at the microphone I announced his word, “community”. He took a breath and repeated, ‘Community. C-O-M-U-N-I-T-Y.” He could tell by my facial expression that the word was incorrect, but was immediately distracted by the positive roar of the audience that shouted, “That’s OK!” He shrugged, beamed down at his family, and clambered off the stage to sit with them. Throughout the rest of the competition he cheered the loudest for all the other participants, and jumped out of his seat with excitement when a new friend of his won the fifth grade round. Thereafter we knew Rodrigo’s incredible, true character. He was an asset to our program, and fortunately was able to stay at Harborside the rest of the year. He made a positive impact across campus, and we saw him access the power of his potential. CSS Staff.
For me this captures the children and families in our community that need the Y. The center section encompasses the services I am able to offer everyday and the relief we are able to connect them with. As they leave the Y they leave with love, happiness and a positive outlook for a great future. V.C.
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SUPPORT TO BECOME I was a cuddly, happy kid. I had friends, a Nana that made me scones, and a mum that worked really hard. At the beginning of Grade 6, my final year in elementary school, my mum decided to send me to a new school. The school I would go to for middle and high school. I instantly went from being a happy kid with friends to a sad, lonely, kid who was picked on daily. After about a month of dreading school, something changed. One morning, my Grade 6 teacher, Mrs. Cribb, sent me to deliver a note to another teacher. I left the room and as slowly as possible walked to the Grade 1 classroom. I stayed there and helped the teacher for a while. I played with the kids and helped them do their work. The Grade 1 teacher, Mrs. Collins, then sent me back to my classroom with a note. I waked even slower this time. I wanted to stay in the Grade 1 classroom forever. I remember entering my classroom, head down and sad, and handing Mrs. Cribb the note. I sat in my chair and looked up at the board. I could feel other kids looking at me so I slowly peered around the room. Some of them were slightly smiling at me, others had tears in their eyes, and none of them were making faces or picking on me. Then at lunchtime kids asked me to join them. They talked with me, played, and were nice. Something had changed and I wasn’t about to jinx it by asking any questions. It was over. I stayed at that school surrounded by friends until I graduated year 12. Throughout my high school years, I would see Mrs. Cribb who always smiled and said hi. After leaving Grade 6 I had the same homeroom teacher, Mrs. Smith, for 6 years. Just like Mrs. Cribb she was always by our side. She stood up for us, cared for us, and put our wellbeing above our studies. These two teachers focused on Inclusiveness and as a result I knew I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to have the opportunity to lift kids up and be a barrier form others bringing them down. I hadn’t thought much about this time in my life until recently. I was at a Family night at one of our Character Builder after school programs watching dance performance. There were a group of kids dancing, their Y leader in front smiling and reminding them of the moves. When it ended a “cuddly” kid, just like me, ran over to her parents who hugged and congratulated her on her dance. I walked over and congratulated her. She said “thanks” and ran off to join her friends. Her dad asked me if I worked at the Y and this prompted him sharing their story. They had moved their daughter to a new school at the start of the school year, about 8 months before, and she went from being a bubbly bright kid to a reserved quiet one. She was finding it hard to make friends and went from enjoying school to dreading it. Sound familiar?
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They met with the teacher and principle and together thought that sending her to the Y program might help. The Y, he was told, focused on friendships as much as academics, including everyone as much as individual success. He told me, with his wife nodding and smiling, that within weeks they had their happy kid back. Since starting at the Y she had friends, confidence, and loved going to school. I felt so proud! I don’t work at the school, and I had never met that child, but I love that I work for an organization that is doing what I always wanted to do; make a positive difference in the lives of youth! That’s why I work for the Y! N.C.
For me this represents support the Y community has given me through Soccer, love and passion. Acceptance is a huge part of what has helped me strive in my job. A.O.
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Our programs give each student a chance to grow together with new friends and as individuals. M.B.
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When kids don’t have after school programs. An empty pantry, watching siblings, and hours of TV. T.L.
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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING I grew up a Y kid. Every summer I would go to camp, make my endless crafts, sing my heart out, make one too many tie dye shirts, go on excursions, ask the camp counselor too many questions and just have way too much fun. At the same time I got to experience Y camp, I also got to experience what it was to be an adult at a very young age. My mother was bedridden from Multiple Sclerosis and at a young age became one of her many caretakers (takes a village!). While learning how to make a lanyard, I also learned how to empty a catheter and while perfecting the perfect tie dye shirt, I also learned how to perfect the medication regime for my mother (3 pills in the A.M., 2 at lunch... unless she is in pain then 3 again..) This way of life is all I knew growing up. It’s one I wouldn’t change and has made me the strong, resilient, independent woman I am today. I am also just one of the millions of stories out there of children who had to grow up fast due to their circumstances. But stories like mine, are the ones I share on a daily basis as a fundraiser. Stories about children at our YMCAs that get to be kids and get to leave their worries at the door. They get to have fun and be a normal kid. A sense of normalcy in a chaotic world can be life changing and the Y gave this precious gift to me. C.C.
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A.K.
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Every student has such a different personality . This is why I love how they focus on being their own individuals. G.E.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES Mental and behavioral health challenges do not discriminate across socio-economic or ethnic boundaries, and any family is susceptible to the instability that comes from having a loved one with mental illness. However, when individuals suffer from poverty, the lack of financial means to properly address mental and behavioral health issues threatens their ability to perform well in school, maintain employment, and properly develop beneficial relationships. In response, we work to ensure that all children and young adults can access behavioral health, psychiatric support, and mental health treatment regardless of the severity of their symptoms and any health insurance restrictions. Furthermore, we promote easing the financial and logistical burdens that make it difficult for low-income families to fully utilize all available services that meet their mental and behavioral health needs. We give families the tools they need to address mental health issues so they can develop and maintain their ability to function through crises. There is little families can do to influence an actual mental health diagnosis, but their ability to respond to these challenges with resilience will positively impact their ability to thrive and engage in activities that contribute to their economic and overall well-being.
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PUMPKINS My dad turned 64 this week. It’s weird because you think your parents are ageless, then they’re real people, then they’re real people who need your support. My dad is not someone who had the luxury of considering his legacy. He worked multiple jobs to sustain a mortgage, extracurricular activities for my brother and I, and our sense of normalcy in a nuclear family. He had these pleasures. But within the last eight years he has faced his life’s greatest challenge- my brother’s drug addiction, and the inner conflict between loving his child and setting boundaries to survive his now turbulent life filled with crises. My brother’s first rehab experience brought him to an old ranch outside of Jamul, CA. It was quiet, and you could sense how awkward family members felt embracing their loved ones on visitor days. We walked on eggshells, and had lumps in our throats, but my dad quietly insisted that we go each week. One of these days fell right before Halloween. My dad bought four pumpkins for us to carve at the ranch. Being so close to Halloween, these were the pumpkins that would normally be left at the patch. Various sizes, bruised, and one missing a stem. My dad found a carving kit in the garage with tiny serrated knives and orange seed scoopers from happier Halloweens past. We packed these and the pumpkins into the trunk, forcing room among the items my brother had requested for his stay. When we got to the ranch, we found an old picnic bench to carve the pumpkins at. My dad proudly took out the kit. As we started cutting into the first pumpkin, we realized we didn’t have a trash bag for the goopy insides and seeds. In a heartbeat of shared disappointment my brother had a solution. Being an artist, he always carries a set of permanent markers in his pockets. He took out a thick black option and started drawing on a pumpkin. Words, phrases, funny faces; we all took turns. Though our pumpkins did not resemble jack-o-lanterns of our past, they were a testament to our commitment to each other, and our efforts to work towards normalcy. Now with a brother fiercely committed to sobriety, our pumpkins symbolize my commitment to advocacy for mental health services, my push for societal understanding of the issue, and why I choose to work for Community Support Services. C.B.
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Sometimes we feel good on the outside but on the inside we don’t feel the same. Taking care of your mental health is essential to ensuring your overall health. M.B.
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No one really knows what lies beneath the surface, all you need to do is ask. B.G.
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Inspired by the youth in care, a multicolored sunflower, always finding the light. J.N.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
SUPPORTING YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE The Child Welfare System is intended to protect children from a harmful home environment, however becoming involved with that system has consequences that impact educational, personal, and professional development. Children in foster care already struggle with the circumstances that led to being separated from their parents, and the instability that comes from constantly changing placements among group or foster homes adds to the stress these children face. By the time a child enters the system, he or she has likely already experienced significant trauma that will impact his or her ability to form relationships and performance in school or at work. Youth who have been involved with the child welfare system are over-represented among populations of young adults experiencing homelessness as they never received the proper supports to prepare for independence after turning 18. Most programs, particularly those that are publicly funded, focus on treatment for families who are already system-involved, instead of prioritizing prevention and addressing the root causes that led to removing the child from their parents’ care. However, prevention has the potential for the broadest impact as it reaches families and children before entering the system and prevents maltreatment from occurring.
We prevent or limit contact with the Child Welfare System by strengthening parenting skills for new parents and parents in crisis. Whether new parents are adjusting to a newborn or longtime parents are navigating the difficulties of adolescence, they rely on the YMCA to provide practical parenting skills and therapeutic support. Our programs help parents and their children form bonds that foster safety, trust, and permanency. For those already involved with Child Welfare, our family preservation activities heal families through challenges such as substance abuse, conflict, and mental health issues to reduce the time children remain involved with the system. This combination of prevention and treatment can decrease the number of children entering the system, instances of child abuse or neglect, and improve a child’s experience moving through the system for a successful transition to adulthood.
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I am an 82-year-old grandfather raising my 13-year-old granddaughter. My wife and I started raising her when she was just a few months old due to he parents’ substance abuse issues. When she first came to us, we struggled with affording a crib, car seat, diapers, formula, and other supplies, but somehow managed to make ends meet. We had our ups and downs over the years and are now grieving the loss of my wife. Raising a teenage girl is difficult, but we are making it through day by day.
I AM AN EVERYDAY HERO WHEN IT MATTERED THE MOST.
I am a 47-year-old woman who raised four children of my own and have been caring for my chronically ill husband for the past decade. We live in a small two bedroom condo but took in my five nieces and nephews ranging from ages 4 to 16 years of age because my sister was going to give them up. I often feel overwhelmed and feel like I have nothing left to give, but I persist because I ask myself “If not me, who?”
I AM AN EVERYDAY HERO WHEN IT MATTERED THE MOST.
I am a 23-year-old caregiver looking after my 16-year-old sister after our parents passed away. I have to help my sister cope with this loss, while dealing with my own grief, and attempting to start a brand new career. I will forever miss my parents but now it is my sister and me against the world.
I AM AN EVERYDAY HERO WHEN IT MATTERED THE MOST.
Personas written by Kinship Program staff in advocating support for their families.
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I AM GRATEFUL I always tell people that my job as a Social Worker allows me to pay my bills but often does not cover much beyond that. Which is why right now I’m working two side jobs so that I can save money and handle the unexpected things that life inevitably throws at us. And this isn’t abnormal for Social Workers at nonprofits, I have coworkers who drive for Lyft and tend bar and do whatever is needed to care for their families. This month I got saddled with an $800 dental bill and was overwhelmed with sadness and frustration that my hard earned savings were now going to pay this bill. I was feeling defeated and questioning my choice to work in a field that is not necessarily known for its big paydays. But then I woke up the next morning. I woke up to the sweetest gal sending me some money to help with the dental costs. I woke up to an email from a client securing a photo shoot for the next Sunday that will go a long way with paying the bill. I woke up in my own apartment with running water and electricity and annoying neighbors. I am safe and healthy and generally happy. As I walked into my office that morning the entire street was lined with lovely yellow blooms. And I was reminded once again how grateful I am to live this life and have these problems. How grateful I am to work at a job I love, to show up each day and spend my time doing something that fills me with passion. I am grateful to sit shoulder to shoulder with others who often sacrifice financially so that they can make a difference in the city of San Diego. And they truly are making a difference, they are conduits of justice and compassion and empowerment on a daily basis. I am reminded in these moments how easy it is to lose focus on what really matters. It is easy to forget that this work is hard and holy. It is wonderful and bittersweet. But even in the hardest of times, it is work worth doing. It is work worth sacrificing for and worth fighting for. So I will say it again, I am grateful. Grateful to play a part in healing communities and empowering people. Grateful even when the bills pile up. Grateful a thousand times over. C.D.
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This represents family, growth, love, and peace. Our services really play a big role in the strengthening, growth and support in the families we serve. C ​ SS Staff.
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WE ALL MATTER The day I first met Sammy her foster mom opened the door for me and the dogs were everywhere. Three of them to be exact. Barking and nipping at my heels. And Sammy, with her out of control blonde hair (that I am certain she cuts herself), chasing them around the living room. You see, I work with youth in foster care who are extremely disconnected from their families and social supports and Sammy is the latest kiddo to be added to my case load. I will come to learn that Sammy has a 13 year old sister she hasn’t seen in four years. They grew up together, sleeping under the same roof, fighting and playing and dancing and loving the things little girls love. And now, due to substance abuse and messy court cases and foster care, they haven’t seen one another in years. Unfortunately, this kind of injustice is common for youth who grow up in foster care. They lose touch with loved ones, they get separated from their friends and family and the people they call home. I spent months working with Sammy. Months of tracking down her family. Making phone calls and writing letters and showing up on doorsteps until finally, I found her. She had the same blonde hair and slightly different eyes, but there is no denying they are sisters. As fast I could make it happen we began to reunify these sweet sisters. I helped them begin to write letters back and forth and exchange videos as they got to know one another again. Then, on a Saturday in August I held back tears as I watched Sammy run across a park and embrace her sister for the first time in four years. I watched her regain her family, her childhood, her home. The lighting speed at which her feet carried her across the park is the only proof I need to know how deeply this work matters. Every phone call, every email, every hard conversation, every long day matters. It matters because Sammy matters. This 9 year old ball of energy and whimsy and joy matters. And she deserves a family to call home. C.D.
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BUILDING A BRIDGE When Ruby turned 60 this year, she looked forward to retiring soon, volunteering, traveling, and getting back into the habit of knitting. However, her daughter’s struggle with an addiction to prescription medication reached a tipping point where her daughter could no longer care for her newborn son, Adrian. Suddenly, Ruby found herself on a high school teacher’s income and unexpectedly caring for an infant – something she hadn’t done in more than 20 years. Becoming a caregiver in this unique, but increasingly common, family structure introduced Ruby to a world of paperwork, processes, and social service agencies. She immediately applied for funds from the State of California to cover the cost of raising her grandson, but until she heard from them, Ruby was stuck. She had new responsibilities as a caregiver and struggled to balance caring for Adrian with her work schedule. Until the Department of Social Services approved her application and started issuing checks, she was forced to pay for child care on her already limited funds. Six months after assuming care of her grandson, Ruby had exhausted her savings paying for child care. In the nick of time, she was able to connect with the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children, run by YMCA Childcare Resource Services (YMCA CRS) since July 2018. YMCA CRS is the only Resource & Referral agency in San Diego County, meaning its reach and expertise in the field links families to quality child care in a timely manner while also teaching child care providers how to care for children who have experienced trauma. Under the program, Ruby is eligible for child care vouchers for up to 6 months until she can find a long-term child care solution. This level of temporary support maintains a stable environment for kids like Adrian while helping caregivers like Ruby balance their work and home lives. Connecting with the child care bridge program also introduced Ruby to YMCA Kinship Support Services, a program that helps relative caregivers navigate the complexities of the Child Welfare System and access critical supports that make it easier for caregivers to provide for their kids. The program gave her a Kinship Navigator that helps with the technical aspects of being a non-traditional foster parent so she has access to all the resources that ensure Adrian is well-supported in her care. Hearing about YMCA Kinship was also a blessing since Ruby couldn’t imagine putting Adrian in anyone else’s care but also found the experience frustrating and alienating. While her peers were busy planning for retirement, Ruby was meeting with Adrian’s case worker. Her friends could no longer relate to her life, and she struggled to keep up with the new technologies and expectations of modern parenting.
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Now, she attends the program’s weekly educational workshops and support groups where she learns from other grandparents raising grandchildren and is able to share her struggles with others who can relate to her circumstances. She has access to a Kinship Navigator, Michelle, who helps her decode all the intricacies of the Child Welfare System and makes sure she gets connected to resources she never even knew existed. To be honest, Ruby still struggles. Her daughter’s addiction is a constant source of stress, and taking care of an infant with limited financial resources is exhausting. But without the YMCA to help her, Ruby would have had to send Adrian to a foster home where he would be separated from his family and vulnerable to situations that would impact his development. Now, Ruby has enough resources and support to make sure her grandson grows up in a safe, caring environment while her family works on getting back to a place of stability and resilience. L.M.
A.R.
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I don’t think about what the Y can do for me, I think about how I can serve the Y. M.W.
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PART OF A FAMILY harlie is a client of the Family Group Conferencing Project with the YMCA. He grew up C in the foster care system since he was 3 years old and is now19. During that time he’s experienced over 15 “home” placements. He asked for our help to find his biological mother, father and sister that he hasn’t spoken to in over 10 years. He’s not sure how they’re going react but hoped he could learn more about his childhood and possibly reconnect. In the course of our services, Charlie spoke about a foster family that he only lived with for a short time, saying they were “nice.” In our discovery research we found the foster family that he spoke about when he was 5 years old. With Charlie’s permission, I reached out to the foster family and spoke to his former foster mother. She was obviously skeptical at first but then quickly believed in the legitimacy of our program. I shared with her about Charlie’s few but fond memories living with her family. The foster mother’s voice began to crack as she shared that her and her son had recently been praying in hopes to find out how Charlie has been doing and even reconnect with him. She explained that he only lived with them for about a year before he was removed to live with biological family members in another state. She informed Child Welfare Services that if things didn’t work out to please have Charlie return with them. They would be happy to raise him. Unfortunately, once Charlie was removed from their home they never heard about him again until I called. Charlie only lived with those biological family members for 3-4 months before he returned to San Diego and Child Welfare Services where he continued his journey of home placements. Fortunately, Charlie was able to find a “permanent home” when he was 12 years old and stayed there for the next 6 year until he moved out to transitional housing when turned 18. After making arrangements and facilitating a meeting between Charlie and his former foster mother and brother, Charlie and I processed seeing them again after 15 years. Charlie remembered more now about his time there, and more importantly Charlie remembers that it was the only place that felt like home. He felt like he was a part of a family, not just care for out of obligation. Although challenges persist with reconnecting with his biological family members I’m happy to share that Charlie speaks with that foster mother on a weekly basis and had a wonderful Thanksgiving with her and their extended family. P.M.
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J.B. The YMCA is a place where the unique and beautiful aspects of all identities, invisible or not, are welcomed, respected and loved. B.P.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE YOUTH We recognize that growing up can look different for all children and that the transition to adulthood is fraught with speed bumps and detours on the way to independence. This is particularly true for youth who have experienced poverty, homelessness, or other adverse experiences and are disconnected from educational or social networks to help them transition to adulthood. As a result, they are at-risk for continued poverty and dependence on public support systems instead of becoming thriving members of our community. Our programs focus on helping youth break this cycle and explore meaningful career prospects aligned with their interests and abilities. We teach practical skills needed to find a job while building on a sophisticated understanding of brain development to ensure young people also receive the emotional support needed to navigate the complexities of a workplace. Our staff have a unique understanding of the complex needs of vulnerable youth and families in San Diego, and we encourage other members of our community to adopt a similar trauma-informed lens to empower the most vulnerable members of our community to combat their barriers to stability. At the end of their time at the Y, vulnerable youth are able to confront their past traumas, implement the tools and skills gained to acquire employment and education, and maintain financial stability throughout life, and grow their networks of healthy connections with others.
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CAMP TRAILBLAZERS We had the incredible opportunity to provide the first LGBTQ youth camp at the YMCA. The idea for the camp weekend came directly from youth who said they never had the opportunity to attend camp at a younger age, and that the LGBTQ youth camps that are available, are too expensive. In working with the YMCA’s resident camp, Camp Marston, we were able to provide the three day, two-night experience free of charge for the twenty-four young adults who attended. During our opening camp fire, we participated in a candle ceremony focused on the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Each person chose a value as their mantra or guiding principle for the weekend. Other activities included leadership development and traditional camp activities, with a twist. Everyone was crazy about the adaptation to the popular game Ga-Ga Ball, blasting Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” as a soundtrack that reverberated across the valley. The camp also provided many “firsts” for the participants. For one youth it was their first time meeting other LGBTQ people their age. For another, it was his first camping experience, ever. Swimming was also a liberating experience. Previously, some of the youth had been uncomfortable with their bodies, or had recently undergone gender affirming surgery. Due to the nurturing environment and encouragement from staff and peers they comfortably swam together in a public pool. Saturday night was filled with charades and a sing-along that included many Disney, Broadway, and disco hits. One youth even brought a guitar and wrote his own song to commemorate the weekend. Sunday afternoon we developed a timeline that shared milestones in larger LGBTQ history and integrated the participant’s personal experiences. It became very clear that as legislation and cultural norms progressively changed there was increased activity at local and personal levels. For example, when Marriage Equality was passed many of the young people reported they went to their first Pride, met their first trans youth, attended a group for the first time, or came out to their families. It gave social permission for the community to embrace their identities. As a concluding activity the group was able to officially name the camp, and was inducted as official mentors for next year’s 2019 Camp Trailblazers. N.S.
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The YMCA is an organization open to all people. We welcome and value individuals of all age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, ability, sexual orientation and financial circumstance. We are committed to having programs and services that embrace diversity, reflecting the people and needs of our community. A.S.
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BEATING THE ODDS Picture your first day of college. The feeling of walking up to campus and finding your dorm room. I have the pleasure of connecting young people to this experience every August at Cal State San Marcos. Three years ago I had the pleasure of working with an amazing and driven young woman. Due to barriers often too steep to overcome, many foster youth do not attend four year universities. She was. I saw her from a far as she blended in with the student body, wearing leggings, a hooded college sweatshirt and full make up. She had two big bags, and a backpack slung over her shoulder. I remember her huge smile, and was impressed because the lingering feeling from my first day of college is overwhelming nerves. As I approached her I said, “Welcome to your new home!” and we mounted the stairs. As we stood at the door to her room and I handed her the key her smile wavered. Tears streamed down her checks as she turned the handle. On the kitchenette table was a vase of flowers, and perfectly organized furniture in the shared common room. She entered her bedroom, sat on the mattress, and breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up at me and proudly said, “I made it.” Now nearing the completion of her degree she is living independently in the community, working towards a career in social services. She beat the odds. L.M.
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No matter how difficult a person’s situation is, together we can find hope. L.S.
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Being overwhelmed. I know this is how my participants feel. Music, and other images here represent healthy, or unhealthy copping skills they use to survive. A.R.​
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People coming to the United States and having to adapt to life. As a South Bay Case Manager I serve many people who commute from TJ, are learning English, and are doing their best to adapt. Some are repeating high school in the United States. Supporting them by being a friendly face, empathizing with them as someone from Mexico who speaks Spanish, making sure they have bilingual resources, and helping them navigate systems makes a huge difference in their lives and mine. A.R.
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COUCH TO COUCH Last year, when my son was a senior in high school, I took him with me and other Y staff on a walk around a local community to connect with young people on the streets to offer snacks and basic supplies, and offer to connect them with the Y’s services and resources. These outreach activities are effective at reaching young people who are homeless or are drifting from couch to couch, essentially homeless. At the Y, we are very good at offering supportive services such as transitional housing, mental and behavioral support, workforce development skills, counseling and therapy, and basic security and safety to young people. These young people are most often homeless because they have fled unsafe home situations or have been rejected by their families because of some developmental expression that the families do not welcome or do not understand. In San Diego, there are few safe places for them to go – they are not safe at shelters designed for adults, they do not know how to access the systems of care available, and they are often victimized and are distrustful as a survival tactic. When we were walking and speaking with people, we came upon a young woman alone. She was dressed in clothing that was not warm enough and was standing near a corner of a park where adults congregated. When we approached her she was friendly and welcomed the offer of a snack. We asked her if she had a safe place to stay that night and she replied yes, yes she did. She was engaging and bubbly, and slightly distracted by a man with a large dog who was sitting on a low wall a few yards away from us, watching our interaction. As we talked the man moved closer, and then closer; the closer he got, the more agitated and distracted the girl became until it was clear that she was uncomfortable talking with us. We gave her a Ziploc bag with some more snacks and supplies, and a contact card for the Y and for other aid resources. We asked her again if she was safe and if she wanted to come with us and she said, more hesitantly, yes yes she was fine. And so we left and she stayed. And every week we go back. C.W.
E.M. Complex societal conditions require an intersection of services, and compassion for all involved. C.B.
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TEENS IN MOTION I had been looking forward to visiting YMCA Raintree Ranch with our after-school program for teens with disabilities for weeks and found myself excited and uncertain about how the teens would react to the horses. When I finally arrived to the Ranch after a long and twisty drive through the mountains I was greeted with the smell of trees, fresh air, and horses. The rustic Ranch surrounded by pine trees and camper cabins was quiet, peaceful and still. I headed over to the horse arena to find the teens, not sure what to expect, and found them calmly leading the horses around the arena, brushing and feeding horse, and riding horses, most for the first time. The sense of calm, peace and happiness, was overwhelming. Trenton who is traditionally in an automated wheel chair was in a manual chair with big wheels that could maneuver the dirt of the horse arena. He was leading a horse on a walk with his mom, dad, and a teen participating in Leadership Camp at Raintree. After a couple of loops Trenton’s mom and dad shared with camp staff that when Trenton was younger and smaller riding horses was a special activity for their family and they would love to figure out a way to get Trenton back on a horse. Trenton, now is his early 20’s, is wheel chair bound 100% of the time he is awake. A few staff pulled together to try and figure out how to get Trenton up on a horse. They were presented with challenges around Trenton’s size, the height of the horse, Trenton’s limited ability to stand/move or hold up his body, and a lack of adaptive equipment to hold him on the horse. After a bit of puzzling the team came up with an idea to stack hay bales, pull a horse up next to the hay bales, use a team to lift Trenton up onto the horse, and then surround him with staff that could hold him up while he walked. After a bit of struggling on the part of Trenton’s dad and the team they were able to lift Trenton onto the horse. At first he struggled a bit with relaxing his body into the new position out of his wheelchair and on top of the horse so the team coached him to relax his body. Once he was able to do so he began to smile and wave his arms with excitement. With a group of Y staff supporting him from every angle Trenton made his way around the arena. Trenton, stuck in his hard metal chair 100% of his day, always seated lower than those around him, was way up high on top of a large, warm, moving animal with loving arms supporting him to keep him safe. The moment was overwhelming. Trenton’s mom and dad were crying, staff was crying, videos were being taken, and Trenton was having an experience of his lifetime. I am 100% sure Trenton, his family, and everyone there will never forget this experience. I know I won’t. K.M.
This represents the different services the YMCA offers that many people do not know about. A.G.
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215 BARNES STREET 215 Barnes Street. You read the number on the house and look back at the crumpled flyer in your hand; this must be the place. You exhale and slowly climb the few wooden stairs to the front door. A young man – Jason, his YMCA name tag reads – opens the door wide and smiles even wider. “Welcome home,” he says. You scoff a little. Home? You haven’t called a place “home” in 4 months. Not the apartment where you lived with your mom and her new husband who couldn’t adjust to living with a 19-year-old. Not the shelter where you were supposedly lucky enough to get a bed for the night, even though you were the youngest person there by at least 15 years. Not the futon in your friend’s living room where you spent a sleepless 2 months. But something about this house – the giant couch in the living room, plants in every corner, or even Jason’s bright smile – makes you think this just could be home after all. Jason takes you on a quick tour of the TAY Housing program at the YMCA of San Diego County’s Oceanside Complex, a transitional housing facility that gives homeless young adults like you a safe place to stay for 6 months and supportive services to transition to independence. You weave your way through the newly renovated house, taking in the common areas, kitchen and refrigerator full of food, and multiple bathrooms as Jason leads you upstairs to one of the rooms. On one bed, there’s a laundry basket with fresh sheets, towels, and other move-in supplies. “Here you are,” Jason says, “I’ll let you get settled, then we can meet in the dining room to review our program.” As the door gently shuts, you sit on the bed and take it all in. You join Jason in the dining room where he briefly reviews the information you heard at orientation and dives into the specifics of living at the house. You’re admittedly a little confused. “Doesn’t the YMCA just run gyms?” “We’re another side of the YMCA,” Jason explains. “The YMCA actually started in London, 175 years ago this year, giving young boys a safe place to spend their time instead of being exposed to dangerous street life or other risky behaviors. We like to think we’re carrying on that legacy here on the other side of the world almost 200 years later.”
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While you’re chatting, another Y employee joins you and introduces herself as April, your case manager. “Jason and I are here to make sure you have what you need and are doing what you need to get back to stable. First, we provide housing so you know you always have a safe place to come back to. Once you’re safe and your basic needs are met, we’ll focus on setting and achieving the goals you have in mind, including developing a support network.” Jason and April explain that you have access to a whole menu of services on-site: therapy, referrals and connections to other community resources, employment support and career exploration, educational workshops, and activities that help you build the skills to build and maintain healthy relationships. They even mention an opportunity to take part in activities that shine on a light on what it’s like to be a young adult experiencing homelessness. People who have been through the program before you have gone to the White House, Sacramento and other important meetings to educate people about the importance of supporting youth experiencing homelessness so they break cycles of poverty and become thriving members of our communities. You feel butterflies in your stomach, this feels different than anything else you’ve experienced. For the first time in a while, you no longer feel hopeless or like things are out of your control. You feel empowered. Your mind swirls with ideas for the Transition Plan you and April will create together to make sure you move into stable housing. You think about the incredible way your life has changed in just the course of a week when Jason called you about an opening in the house. You think about unpacking your things, being able to do your laundry and putting the few clothes you do have into your own dresser and climbing into your own bed at night, thankful for a good night’s rest to propel you into each day. You think about Jason and April and everyone else at the YMCA who supports you and wants to see you succeed. You look around and think, “I’m home.” L.M.
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TEACHING THROUGH ART My grandfather loved photography for years. We bonded over it and were fascinated with it. Being able to capture images or moments that you can’t see as they occur was a testament that there is so much in life that we miss. Emotions. Joy. Love. So many things we can capture in a snapshot. It wasn’t until later in life when I needed a creative outlet that I made a new commitment to the art. It was, and is important for me to be to show an alternative to popular culture. Even with my family photo shoots I apply an artist edge, or spin to exemplify more than meets the eye. Through working with Youth & Family Services I have the opportunity to meet young adults who also share an interest and talent in photography. It means so much to me to work with Josh. I wish I had the opportunity earlier in life to work with someone who may have told me how powerful this art can be. I am able to tell him that there is so much more than taking pictures. It gives a different perspective of life. It’s something to put yourself into in order to cope. There is hope that this can be so much more for him and those he gets a chance to meet through his creative passion. C.U.
C.U.
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C.U.
“I was given a look into what a professional photo shoot looks like. This helped because I know what I need to get started on my own, and to know my potential to grow from there.” J.A. Youth Participant
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L.P.
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THE Y HEARS YOU The following word cloud is composed of the key words and phrases that Our Safe Place (OSP) Campers included in surveys they completed after attending Camp OSP. The list of words and phrases include: Empowerment, Connected, Queer Community, Included, Fun, Freedom, LGBTQ Friendship, and Future. This camp dedicated to Queer young adults, created a safe space and environment where these campers felted and experience each of these words and phrases. This word cloud is meant to demonstrate that the Y hears you and will continue to provide safe spaces for you. K.S.
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CSS is a beacon of change, changing the lives of children, youth, families, and providers- one community. These triangles are symbols for the many types of change created at One Y and my role in helping measure and share that change.​A.S.
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ABOUT OUR FOCUS ON:
ECONOMIC STABILITY & MOBILITY Insufficient income to cover shelter, food, reliable transportation, child care, and other basic needs has a profound impact on a family’s ability to function and thrive in school or work settings. The ongoing stress of struggling to meet the multiple demands on a family’s time and money has the potential to negatively impact family functioning and the development of their children. We help families avoid or break cycles of poverty by empowering parents to continue working without sacrificing the safety of their children or long-term earning potential, increasing access to quality child care settings, and guiding vulnerable youth to meaningful career paths. Economic stability is important in times of crisis, but also throughout the lifespan to ensure everyone can invest in resources that nurture a child’s development, maintain family functioning, and help us reach our fullest potential as a community.
Lack of opportunity and access inhibits too many from reaching their fullest potential. We work to relieve barriers so everyone has the ability to set and achieve goals. C.B
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I AM AN ADVOCATE Like thousands of youth around the nation I was born into a life without stable housing due to generational homelessness. My mother was born into a life of homelessness and the same for her mother. Escaping the cycle of chronic homelessness is extremely challenging and often the reason that youth are left unaccompanied. My pursuit of a safe place continuously left me exhausted and empty-handed. I completed multiple homeless vulnerability assessments, but solutions never followed. I soon found that this is a common struggle amongst youth in San Diego. This understanding came from witnessing scores of my peers lining up for access to the free showers before classes started on campus. Seeing so much homeless youth led me to question if society had a solution for such a common issue. I would soon discover that organizations like The YMCA of San Diego County’s Turning Point Transitional Living Program, that provide youth with a safe place to live, are the answer. I attended one of Turning Point’s bi-weekly orientations where every seat was taken and there were people standing in the back. I recognized the struggle around me and knew that an opportunity for stable housing was valuable and not to be wasted. Turning Point gave me a safe place to sleep and I began to receive individualized case management that helped guide my transition into self-sufficiency. I spent my time in the program developing a reliable support network and increasing my connection to resources. For the very first time in my life I felt like I had a foundation from which I could build a brighter future. I spent over a year doing everything I could to prepare myself emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually for the uphill battle that comes with living independently in San Diego. Towards the end of my time in Turning Point I had truly hit my stride and successfully transitioned out of the program and into a life of self-reliance. During my final months with Turning Point I applied for a position within the YMCA of San Diego County as a Support Specialist inside one of the youth development programs. I was hired for the role and currently spend my days helping underserved youth. I perform a variety of services including gathering resources that will help youth successfully transition into adulthood. Most of the time I refer participants to the very same resources that I used to end my own homelessness. I am also an advocate for runaway/homeless youth on a local and national level. Organizations like the National Youth Advocacy Council provide me a direct connection with policymakers to introduce perspective in matters that affect runaway/homeless youth. I am an example of what a safe place can do for someone and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and support that the YMCA of San Diego County has given me. D.B.
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CRS offers many services to support families. This represents a home full of love with the hope of positive change. M.J.
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What we do VS what we support. ​A .M.
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A bench can bea relief for the tired at the end of a day, a landing pad for the patient who wait for a ride, or a threat to those who are unsheltered looking for a home. A.S.
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A PLACE TO BELONG As families gather, and blessings are counted, many we work with lack the networks of support needed to have something to look forward to during the holidays. As an element to our housing programs, and to demonstrate the compassion that we lead with daily, we often host holiday celebrations for our participants. Last Thanksgiving our participants looked forward to hosting a meal at one of our complexes. Days before the party a lengthy text message to participants and staff started. Messages and emojies popped up throughout the week, expressing excitement, but also questions about what to expect. What should we wear? What should we bring? It donned on me that for many of these young adults, this may be the first ritual Thanksgiving experienced outside of movies and films. As we started the party in a tight common room everyone brought a different chair from their apartment, and table settings that they had in their kitchens. The array of seating came together, and appetizers were opened in the kitchen area. A quiet young man was one of the first to spoon portions of veggies with Ranch dressing, olives, and crackers with cheese onto his plate. He chatted with everyone, but had his attention immediately diverted as main courses crowded the small table. His eyes lit up as the scents of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce flooded the room. Slightly embarrassed, but mostly excited he said something to the effect of, “Wow! All this too?!� as he thought the appetizers were the entirety of the meal. Towards the end of the meal the participants all surprised me by delivering rehearsed toasts to the group. With plastic champagne glasses and sparkling cider each shared what the Y, and program, and each other meant to them. One by one they took deep breaths, and shared with sincerity that this was one of the first times they were able to celebrate with family. A.M.
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Access to safe and reliable transportation, as well as options for healthy living help our families stay strong together. C ​ SS Staff.
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Our facilities and Community Support Service teams work together to provide a holistic approach to healthy bodies and minds so all individuals may establish goals and access the power of their potential. CSS Staff.
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EMKA When I got a job with the YMCA I was so excited to tell my dad. My dad is awesome, and has been through a lot to provide for our family. He’s one of the reasons I have such a big heart, and lead with caring. He didn’t know what the YMCA was, but after explaining a bit about the Y, I saw his eyes light up. “EMKA!” he said, “That’s the place with hot water.” When my dad came to the United States from Oaxaca, Mexico he was undocumented. He lived in a community in Encinitas with makeshift homes and took jobs in landscaping or labor when they were available. The local YMCA would allow people to come and shower, embracing all in the community, no matter their ability to pay. As he connected my work at the Y to the service he received years ago, he beamed with pride. N.A.
We support our families to get from one point of their lives to another, increasing their mobility, no matter the challenge. CSS Staff.
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AFTERWORD Every family can come to Community Support Services at any point in their journey, starting with infants and toddlers in need of child care, all the way to grandparents raising their grandchildren, and every age in between. We approach our role in their lives with great responsibility and use evidence-based approaches and a rigorous commitment to evaluation and continuous quality improvement so we’re sure their time with us is well-spent. This commitment to combining science with heart results in the best possible impact on the families we serve. Though our programs are diverse in their approaches and populations served, the common thread running through each is a focus on building and maintaining relationships. This idea of building connection to the community around us gives individuals access to people who can uncover information, resources, and opportunities. The right connections can impact a person’s career trajectory and, in turn, their economic and family stability. The emphasis on social connections is important for building trust between staff and families and critical to helping families maintain stability once their involvement with our programs ends. However for those who have experienced extreme poverty or other circumstances that result in trauma, a history of unhealthy relationships affects the brain in ways that make it difficult to form trusting, healthy connections. The YMCA applies this understanding of brain development and the impact of trauma to its programs, ensuring that youth and families develop the skills to connect them to the people, opportunities, information, and resources that combat barriers to stability and help them navigate unexpected crises. We give families the tools to envision and achieve their goals, empowering them to understand that their contribution is vital to the success of our community. Many of the families we serve come to us in the midst of stressful situations and with a degree of mistrust for the systems that have failed them in the past. For this reason, it is crucial that we serve them with the YMCA core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. For us, the youth and families we serve are more than a case file, and the positions we occupy are more than a job. This level of connection affords us a perspective rarely seen in social services and is the inspiration for this volume. In telling our stories and the stories of the families in our care, we hope to shine a light on the threads that tie our community together and the role we all play in making San Diego a place where everyone can thrive.
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WWW.YMCA.ORG/CHRONICLE-OF-US The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body.