“I want to stay. I feel safe here.” For 14-year-old Isabella, those words marked a turning point. Isabella’s early years were marked by profound loss and instability. After losing her mother in a car accident at the tender age of four, she and her younger brother were placed in the care of their grandmother. But […]
The power of play with purpose helped Kylie connect, grow, and rediscover joy—one quiet moment, and one small victory, at a time. Kylie arrived at Casa Pacifica in the middle of the night with nothing but a trash bag of her belongings. She had no immediate family. At 15, she had already endured a lifetime’s […]
Discover hope and resilience through Tyler’s inspiring Casa Pacifica graduation story. Eighteen-year-old Tyler adjusts the graduation cap on his head, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The deep red gown feels heavier than expected—not just fabric, but everything it represents. “If you ask kids like me who’ve struggled with their mental health, most of […]
Why Pride Month matters for LGBTQ youth mental health is clear: support and visibility can be life-saving for young people facing stigma and isolation. Pride Month is more than just a celebration of identity and community—it’s a crucial time to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth. Studies […]
In a quiet corner of Casa Pacifica, therapeutic gardening for youth mental health takes root. When Caleb arrived at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS), he was withdrawn and hurting. Shy and reserved, he had difficulty connecting with peers and was falling behind academically. In the classroom, he was easily overwhelmed and often coped by running […]
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the growing mental health challenges facing children and youth across the country – and the power we all have to make a difference. At Casa Pacifica, the leading nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, […]
Region’s Foremost Wine and Culinary Event Returns on Sunday, June 1st CAMARILLO, Calif., April 8, 2025 – The award-winning Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival is back, bringing together an unparalleled showcase of fine wines, gourmet cuisine and community spirit. This premier event, benefitting Casa Pacifica, will take place on Sunday, June 1, […]
In honor of National Volunteer Month, we proudly celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have had on Casa Pacifica since our founding thirty years ago. Volunteers have been the driving force behind much of our success, providing the time, energy, and heart that make our work possible. From the very beginning, volunteers have played a vital […]
Helping at-risk youth succeed with Wraparound means offering teens like Cassidy the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles and build a better future. At just 15 years old, Cassidy was at a crossroads. Struggling to process the untimely death of her father, she had fallen in with the wrong crowd, making choices that […]
Casa Pacifica cottage renovation offers healing for vulnerable youth by creating safe, supportive spaces. Robert Van Gundy, Maintenance Manager for Casa Pacifica, pauses as he walks through the renovation site. Amid the dust and debris, a small group of painted bricks stands out. He points to a hand-painted message in the center: “There’s beauty within.” […]
