The Y’s mission is our reason for being, and the Y’s cause is our mission in action — a promise to do everything in our movement’s considerable power to enrich the common good and make life better for individuals, families, and communities. The following blog posts are testimonials from all YMCA Community Support Service's (CSS) programs. To learn more about CSS, click here. If you'd like to receive the latest YMCA Community Support Services news, click here.
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH: PERMANENT CONNECTIONS FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE | May 29, 2019
What if Sherlock Holmes worked in social service? The idea isn’t too far-fetched – in fact, it’s happening right here in San Diego.
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH: TRANSITION AGE YOUTH AND HOST HOUSING | May 13, 2019
Through host housing, youth experience stability, live in an environment that mirrors an intact family, increase their well-being, and avoid the possibility of housing disruptions or a homeless experience.
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH: A ‘BRIDGE’ TO STABILITY | May 6, 2019
By accessing our services, resource families, formerly known as foster families, can increase their ability to create a safe, stable environment for the children in their care.
DEAR RESPITE WORKER, | April 11, 2019
You have no idea of the impact you have on the family you serve.
MY VISIT TO SACRAMENTO | February 28, 2019
At a very young age, we’re told we have a voice that can be used to change the world around us, but we don’t always know when or how that’s supposed to be done.
IMPACTS OF BEHAVIOR SERVICES | February 27, 2019
I would like to tell you about a former child who attended my daycare and his story. C started with us in May 2017 at the age of seventeen months.
MEET TAYLOR** | February 5, 2019
Taylor entered foster care at the age of four. He lost his parents, normalcy, and security. What followed for Taylor were a series of failed foster homes, schools, group homes, psychiatric care, lost friends, therapy sessions, and meetings with professionals gathered to determine his progress and needs.
MEET IVAN** | September 5, 2018
Ivan** was 10 years old when he was abandoned at the US/Mexico Border by his biological mother.
AN OPEN LETTER ON THE IMPORTANCE OF A LGBTQ+ YOUTH CAMP | July 3, 2019
NOTE: This letter was written by a participant in the Y’s Our Safe Place (OSP) program - a certified outpatient behavioral health program that provides a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ youth ages 12-21, and their families. They chose to share their story to advocate for a youth camp for LGBTQ+ youth.
UNDERSTANDING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR | October 4, 2016
Here is one mom's story of how her experience with our Behavior Support Services helped her family. Sara and her three-year-old son Brian worked with one of our specialists to help him gain better self-control and regulation.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THOSE WHO GIVE | March 24, 2016
Five years ago, our annual fundraising campaign began with a need for buses for our Teens In Motion students to go on field trips, but the bus has since represented so much more with the expansion of our campaign.
WHAT IS FAMILY CHOICE? | January 26, 2016
Finding child care is a task that can seem overwhelming at times. Centers vs. homes. Licensed vs. exempt. This is a lot to take in!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: RICHARD RICHISON | December 11, 2015
This month we are especially appreciative of Richard Richison and his involvement on our Board of Management and support of YFS.
KINSHIP DAY AT THE RANCH | November 18, 2015
Kinship Support Services was honored to partner with Horse of the Sun Ranch to hold their second Family Day at the Ranch on November 7th.
CELEBRATING OUR ANGELS | October 21, 2015
YMCA Youth & Family Services raised over $50,000 at our seventh annual fundraising gala, Angels in October.
TRANSFORMING STUDENTS INTO TEACHERS | April 13, 2015
It's that time of year when college hopefuls are anxiously awaiting acceptance letters from their top choice universities.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT | January 6, 2015
YMCA Youth & Family Services is lucky to have a multi-talented team of Board Members and Dr. Kathy Jones is no exception.
THE SEASON OF GIVING | December 1, 2014
This Holiday Season, YMCA of San Diego County is giving back to our community. The Y has organized a Giving Tree to benefit those in need within our own YFS family.
MAKING STRIDES IN KINSHIP CARE | July 29, 2015
Relative caregivers are the backbone of California's foster care system. Statewide, 36% of California's 60,000 foster children live with a family member.