“If it wasn’t for SBCS, I don’t know where I’d be. To have a home. To feel safe. There are no words to describe it. Everyone who inspired me and helped me to do better, they all have a piece of my heart.”
– vanessa, 15 years old.
Did you know:
- The Regional Task Force on Homelessness in San Diego County estimates there are between 359 to 395 homeless youth on the streets at any given time. SBCS’s Casa Nuestra is the only haven for these youth in the South County.
Youth Services
The Youth Services Department provides youth with a full spectrum of services designed to offer youth the resources and skills they need to reach their full potential and give their best to
themselves and their community.
Our programs include housing and support for homeless and runaway youth and youth aging out of the foster care system, as well as counseling, tutoring and job skill training. We work to keep them in school; reduce criminal activity and violence; address substance abuse and mental health issues; assist in their academic achievement; and provide social skill classes.
From youth in need to youth who serve as peer mentors, all youth in the South Bay benefit from our services. Our programs reach more than 7,000 youth annually.
Housing
- Casa Nuestra - Casa Nuestra is the only safe house for run-away and homeless youth in South San Diego County. Designed as a short-term homelike residence, Casa Nuestra provides a safe and youth friendly environment. A team of specialized staff are available on site every day, 24 hours a day, to help youth work toward family reunification when possible or to help them locate a long-term living situation. Youth continue to go to school. Click here for Casa Nuestra's Re-beautification Event! Download an informational PDF.
Trolley Trestle - Trolley Trestle offers affordable, transitional housing for former foster youth and/or homeless youth while they finish school or complete job training. We welcome emancipated youth ages 16-24 and parenting youth. Download an informational PDF.
Our programs and services include:
- EXCEL - The EXCEL program prepares youth and adults to achieve academic and employment success. Funded by the San Diego Workforce Partnership, EXCEL provides work readiness training, paid and unpaid internships, life skills classes, housing assistance, financial literacy and more. Download an informational PDF.
- Independent Living Skills (ILS) - ILS classes offer a unique series of educational classes and services designed to support current and former foster youth. Download an informational PDF.
- Teen Recovery Center (TRC) - The TRC is a day facility providing services to teens who are experiencing difficulties in their lives as a result of substance abuse. Download an informational PDF.
- Community Assessment Team (CAT) -The CAT Team works to keep kids in school and out of the Juvenile Justice System by providing early intervention to youth and families. The CAT program also includes a gender-specific component for adolescent females who are involved in the juvenile justice system and their families. Download an informational PDF.
Juvenile Diversion - a program providing an array of support services for first time youth offenders, run-aways, youth on Probation, and non-offenders and their families- Vision Achievement Mentoring - This program works with teens encouraging healthy decision making and assists youth in developing a positive vision of themselves through individual and group mentoring, and family education.
- Peer Educators and Street Outreach - Teens are trained to positively influence other youth who are in need of support. Peer educators provide outreach to youth and community members regarding issues such as homelessness, gang prevention and other at-risk behaviors.
- Children's Mental Health Services provides school and community based services to children, teens, and their families.
Outcomes
Every year we are able to serve more children, youth and families. And we do so while also increasing outcomes. As a friend, donor, sponsor, volunteer or funder, you have given us the ability to continue providing high-quality services and new innovative programs for the communities of San Diego's South County. Review our Outcomes.