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 When Caleb arrived at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS), he was withdrawn and hurting.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, […]
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.” […]
The new Dean of Students at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School, Randy Osuna, shares his journey of building a supportive, family-oriented environment for youth in need. While working as the Teen Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club, I had a college friend reach out to me, encouraging me to apply at Casa Pacifica. It was […]
Stepping Stones’ supportive housing program for Transitional Age Youth provides essential resources to help young adults transition to independence and a brighter future. When Luke joined Casa Pacifica’s Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program in the spring of 2024, he was on the cusp of adulthood but faced significant challenges. Struggling with his mental health and […]
