Willow spent much of her childhood in foster care, separated from her two younger brothers. The pain of being apart from them left a lasting ache, one that shaped her earliest understanding of family and trust. After aging out of foster care, Willow tried to build her own sense of stability, but life continued to […]
“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 […]
“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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
