Bright and creative, 15-year-old Kim always loved expressing herself whether through drawing, journaling or exploring new hobbies. But when her parents divorced, the world that once felt full of color began to fade. Tensions at home and relentless bullying from peers left Kim feeling isolated and unsure of how to cope. The stress became overwhelming, […]
Evan, 12, loves baseball—but at home, life often felt like a series of strikes. Struggling with severe ADHD and intense anger, he lived in a home where strict rules and frequent outbursts created tension and division. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Evan’s self-esteem and relationships with his parents suffered. “It always felt like we were all […]
At just 16, Layla Fausset, Miss Gold Coast Teen Volunteer, is proving that one person can make a big difference. As Casa Pacifica’s Youth Ambassador, she’s raising awareness about the youth mental health crisis and advocating for at-risk children and families. She’s already organized two donation drives to bring comfort and joy to Casa Pacifica’s […]
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among adolescents. With academic pressure, social media, and access to substances, many parents worry about their child’s mental health. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dr. Kimberly Bennett, Chief Clinical Officer of Casa Pacifica which includes the Camino a Casa program, shares practical advice for parents navigating […]
At 17, Claire’s world was close to collapsing. Years of emotional neglect and instability in her mother’s home had taken a devastating toll. Her mother’s absence and substance use left Claire feeling abandoned and alone. The pain became unbearable, eventually leading to a suicide attempt that brought her to the care of Child Welfare Services […]
“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 […]
