SAN DIEGO — Homelessness leaves lasting trauma that often interferes with children becoming confident, successful adults. Without somewhere safe to lay their heads at the end of the day, children who are homeless often find themselves with fears no child should ever have to realize: fear of being hungry and cold, fear of being harmed, fear of being alone.
A healthy environment, nourishing food, and love and support are critical for a child’s brain development. Without those things, children are more likely to fall behind in their physical, emotional, and behavioral development.
That’s why Father Joe’s Villages, San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, offers comprehensive services for children and families in need.
Father Joe’s Villages’ licensed Therapeutic Childcare Center works to end the cycle of homelessness through caring support and integrated services that address behavioral, developmental, and academic needs of children and teens experiencing homelessness, all in one location.
Further, the Therapeutic Childcare Center is a key link in each parent’s journey to stable housing. While their children are in a safe, nurturing environment, parents are able to access services that help them end their homelessness for good.
Child Development Specialists at the Center help children like Mikey, who was enrolled in Therapeutic Childcare when he was a baby after his family became homeless. When his family was living on the streets, Mikey spent much of his time in a stroller where he was safest from the elements. For this reason, when he came to Therapeutic Childcare at 18 months old, Mikey was delayed in all areas of development. He did not walk and could only stand holding on to fixed objects – a significant delay for a child his age. Mikey also avoided eye contact and had no facial expressions—both essential skills in social development and attachment.
The Therapeutic Childcare Center’s highly trained staff worked with Mikey in the infant room until he could learn the skills needed to be with his peers in the toddler program. With the large, open classroom space, he strengthened his muscles and practiced moving. He was also given ample opportunity to interact with adults and children, encouraging him to socialize.
In just two months, Mikey surprised all the Therapeutic Childcare staff by walking into the lobby on his own with no hands for support. Not only was he walking, but he was making eye contact with adults, smiling and even laughing.
Therapeutic Childcare is specifically designed with the specialized needs of children like Mikey in mind. Last year alone, Therapeutic Childcare provided over 24,000 services to families and children of all ages experiencing homelessness. These critical services are essential in changing the course of a child’s life and giving them the skills they need to create a bright future.
Father Joe’s Villages’ Children’s Champions Fund helps to protect these critical children and family programs, primarily made possible by your donations. Contributions to the Children’s Champions Fund strengthen the range of unique and proven interventions Father Joe’s Villages Therapeutic Childcare Center, funded primarily by private philanthropy, offers a range of unique and proven interventions to families in need.
Every child deserves a happy and healthy life. A gift to Father Joe’s Villages provides families and children in need with a second chance at a successful start.
