Sweet Celebrations: For Goodness Cakes Delivers Birthday Joy to Casa Pacifica Students

Volunteer bakers ensure Casa Pacifica students are celebrated on their special day

At Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS)—which serves students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs— milestones like birthdays can carry special meaning. Some students are in foster care or have experienced adversity, and traditional celebrations like birthdays are not always guaranteed.

Thanks to a partnership with For Goodness Cakes, that’s changing. The nonprofit organization, which is completely powered by volunteer bakers—both seasoned pros and first-time cake makers—ensures that Casa Pacifica students receive a special birthday cake made just for them. Local volunteers personally bake, decorate, and deliver each creation, creating celebrations as unique as the children they serve.

Since 2022, the Ventura County chapter has created an estimated 215 cakes for students. Chocolate and Funfetti are the most popular flavors, while themes inspired by Pokémon and Spider‑Man top the list of most-requested designs.

For Goodness Cakes was founded in 2016 by Jaime Lehman after learning that a friend who had spent time in foster care had never had a birthday celebration. Inspired to change that for others, she created a network of devoted volunteer bakers who today deliver cakes to children in foster care across the United States. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a thriving organization with 27 chapters serving thousands of children each year.

“For Goodness Cakes is such a simple idea but it really makes a big difference,” says Lee Coogan, Agency Steward for the Central Coast chapter. “Some of our students have never had the chance to celebrate a birthday, so being able to enjoy a cake with their favorite theme is meaningful, not just for them, but for everyone who gets to share in the moment.”

When it comes to birthday cakes, Spider-Man saves the day every time. The famed superhero is one of our students’ most popular picks!

Annie Ellberg, NPS school liaison, sees that impact firsthand. “Many of our kids don’t get much celebration for their birthdays, but they know they will always receive a beautiful and delicious cake here!” she explains. “It gives them something to look forward to and creates a special moment that’s all about them.”

At any given time, approximately 1,000 children are in foster care in Ventura County, many of whom face frequent moves, disrupted routines, and missed milestones along the way. For these youth, small but meaningful traditions—like a personalized birthday cake—can provide a sense of stability and belonging.

Thanks to partners like For Goodness Cakes, students at Casa Pacifica are reminded that their birthdays—and their stories—matter. On their special day, they receive a cake baked with love, in the flavor and theme they choose, giving them a chance to feel seen and celebrated.

It’s proof that a little sweetness goes a long way.