“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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
