For many families, the holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but for families facing mental health challenges, it can be especially stressful. Between managing daily care and meeting the usual holiday expectations, the season can feel overwhelming. Casa Pacifica’s Adopt a Family program is working to ease that burden, ensuring that every child and youth can experience the joy of a holiday surprise.
Kara is a mother of two. One of her daughters receives therapeutic support through Casa Pacifica’s community-based services. “Right now, it’s hard for us to purchase everything the girls want for Christmas. That adds to the stress our family is already feeling,” Kara explains. “With everything going on, even small things can feel overwhelming. Every little bit of help makes such a difference.”
The Adopt a Family program connects generous donors with families who are receiving Casa Pacifica’s services and need extra support with gifts, clothing, and household items during the holidays. Last year, hundreds of families were “adopted” through the program.
“Our Adopt a Family program provides for basic needs but also goes a little farther to bring holiday cheer,” explains Carrie Hughes, Casa Pacifica Chief Development Officer. “Every year, our friends and supporters truly demonstrate the joy of giving. It is so heartwarming to see their generosity and commitment to making sure our youth and families have a happy holiday.”
Items on families’ holiday wish lists include toys and clothing for children of all ages, grocery, gas, and restaurant gift cards, and items that encourage hobbies and creativity.
Kaylee is a 15-year-old whose family is receiving services from Casa Pacifica. Last Christmas, she received clothes, an art supply kit, and a sketchbook.
“It came at a time when things were really hard for my family,” Kaylee shares. “Getting those gifts made me feel cared for — like someone out there was lifting us up. The art supplies helped me express myself when I really needed it, and it brightened our whole holiday.”
In Ventura County, thousands of families are affected by youth mental health challenges each year, and the holidays can intensify the pressure on caregivers and children alike. Programs like Adopt a Family provide not just gifts, but a moment of relief, joy, and connection for families navigating difficult circumstances.
There’s still time to support a deserving family! Visit our Holiday Giving Program and help us fill their holidays with laughter, love, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
About Casa Pacifica
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, Casa Pacifica is the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Our nationally accredited programs include residential treatment, therapeutic behavioral services, wraparound care, transitional youth services, school-based mental health services and foster care support, along with a fully certified, diploma-granting Non-Public School serving grades K–12. Casa Pacifica specializes in treating youth facing complex mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Since 1994, Casa Pacifica has helped transform the lives of nearly 54,600 at-risk children and youth.
For more information or to get involved, email info@casapacifica.org or call 805-366-4040.