Stories and updates from Casa Pacifica, our partners and supporters.
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Therapeutic Gardening for Youth Mental Health
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 When Caleb arrived at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS), he was withdrawn and hurting.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…
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Make a Difference for Youth Mental Health
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,…
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Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Our Mission
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…
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Wraparound Support for At-Risk Youth: Cassidy’s Story
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…
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Casa Pacifica Cottage Renovation Offers Healing for Vulnerable Youth
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.”…
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New Dean of Students Finds Purpose at Casa Pacifica
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…
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Supportive Housing Program for Transitional Age Youth
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…
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5 Black Mental Health Pioneers Who Transformed the Field
Explore the incredible contributions of Black Mental Health Pioneers who have shaped and advanced mental health care, particularly for Black communities. February is Black History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of Black individuals across all fields. At Casa Pacifica, we are shining a light on pioneering Black Americans whose contributions to mental…
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SAFTY Program Shines on KEYT News
We are thrilled to share that Casa Pacifica was recently featured on KEYT, highlighting the incredible impact of the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara’s generous grant. This funding has allowed our SAFTY (Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth) program to expand in Santa Barbara County, enabling us to better support youth under 20 who are facing…
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Therapeutic Behavioral Services for ADHD: Brandon’s Story
Brandon’s journey highlights the transformative power of Therapeutic Behavioral Services for ADHD, helping children manage challenges and build lasting skills. When Brandon first joined Casa Pacifica’s Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) program, he faced significant challenges. The polite and artistic ten-year-old struggled with ADHD, making it difficult to regulate his emotions while navigating a complex living…
