South Bay Community Services (SBCS) was one of seven agencies receiving commendations for excellent service in the County by a San Diego County Grand Jury. The dedicated individuals I met at SBCS dealt with daily emergencies - struggles I never knew actually existed in our communities - violence, hunger, homelessness. The face of those families in need changed in the years I was there - it was anyone.
There are too many stories to share - all impacted me deeply. Spending just a few hours with SBCS families - especially the kids - was very emotional - deepening the awe I had for service providers, social workers and therapist. How they could do it every day?
What struck me most incredibly was the amount of homeless youth - right here in our City. I was told many of these kids should have been in foster care long ago - now too old as they would probably just run away. They couch surfed. Drifted to shelters closer to the beach in summers. They could be as young as 12 years old - my daughter's age.
At the shelter, they have rules and all take part in chores. When we worked on the re-beautification project with many local partners and supporters - the one special request from these kids - A table large enough for them to all sit and eat together.
SBCS runs the only youth emergency shelter in the South County: Casa Nuestra. Specialist there - 24 hours a day - focus on reuniting families and if that fails - finding a stable living environment - sometimes tracking down families in other states. Some have been able to transition to the agency's affordable housing development for former foster youth or homeless youth: Trolley Trestle.
Congrats to SBCS and all the agencies and their dedicated employees. For more information visit SignOnSanDiego for an in-depth article and the full report.
PC
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