“I learned that family isn’t always defined by blood. It’s built by people who show up for you, care, and never give up on you.” Fourteen-year-old Marissa’s life has been full of twists she never asked for. When she was just five years old, she was removed from her mother’s care and sent to live […]
Have you ever raised a paddle for Sponsor A Child at a Casa Pacifica fundraising event and wondered exactly what your generosity supports? Every donation makes a meaningful difference, helping children, youth and young adults overcome barriers, seize opportunities and move toward independence. From covering practical needs to supporting important milestones, Sponsor A Child helps […]
“I didn’t know how to survive on my own. I thought I was ready—but I wasn’t. I was scared and completely alone.” Kristina had always dreamed of independence. Bright, determined, and full of quiet resilience, she spent her childhood moving between foster families and group homes. Despite the instability, she carried hope: hope for a […]
For many families, the holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but for families facing mental health challenges, it can be especially stressful. Between managing daily care and meeting the usual holiday expectations, the season can feel overwhelming. Casa Pacifica’s Adopt a Family program is working to ease that burden, […]
Every November, Casa Pacifica comes together to provide Thanksgiving meals for families receiving our therapeutic services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. This annual tradition is our way of supporting at-risk children, young adults, and families, ensuring they feel cared for, connected, and able to celebrate the season despite the mental health challenges they are […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
