This week marks the beginning of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This cause is very close to our hearts and our work here at Promises2Kids. In San Diego County alone, there is a weekly average of 400 investigations of alleged child abuse and neglect assigned.

Through awareness and prevention, we can unite as a community to break the cycle and put an end to child abuse.

Join us this month in our Pinwheels 4 Prevention campaign to show your support as we build towards April 23rd when we will plant San Diego’s Pinwheels 4 Prevention garden on the lawn at the County Administration Center and hold a press conference to take a stand against child abuse.

Together, let’s plant the seeds of hope.

t was an extra special meeting for the Guardian Scholars Black Group this month thanks to the support of @pncbank.

PNC Bank offered some hands-on care when a team of volunteers spent an afternoon toward the end of Black History Month assembling baskets full of self-care gifts like soft plush blankets, kitchen items, and baking mixes to make at-home treats.

The delight on the faces of these Guardian Scholars speaks for itself. Over the last few years, this group, the community it cultivates, and the mentors that make it possible has become a second home for black Guardian Scholars who too often grow up outside of their culture and without role models who look like them.

Thanks to the investment of PNC Bank and their support of this group, we are able to strengthen black youth through mentoring.

Camp Connect overnight trips are extra-special and are only possible a few times throughout the year, like our recent trip to the Discovery Cube LA.

On top of the excitement, memorable moments, and shared adventure of our monthly Camp Connect adventures, the added bonus of an overnight is the chance for your brother or sister to be the last person you see when you close your eyes to go to sleep, and one of the first when you wake up.
Before we loaded the bus and hit the road, siblings had lunch at the famous Corvette Diner with arcade games, cheesing in the photo booth, and burgers under the neon lights. Then it was on to LA, where campers had the entire museum to themselves for the night and explore what was a sneakily educational and fun museum, investigating various green technologies in the home or getting hands-on experience with ecofriendly and health-conscious grocery exhibit.

As the evening settled in, Discovery Cube demonstrators hosted two galaxy-themed activities for our campers. Firstly, brothers and sisters alike rolled up their sleeves to create their very own galaxy slime with glitter and goopy colors galore before settling in for a movie screening of Flubber.

The next day, campers woke up and enjoyed breakfast at the Discovery Cube. These are often the most special moments of an overnight as brothers and sisters have an extra moment to reflect and share their favorite highlights from the excitement they just shared together.

Promises2Kids’ Youth2Youth peer mentors are Guardian Scholars who work with the children at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center (PCC) and Casa De Amparo on a weekly basis. They offer support through the lens of lived experience and trauma-informed guidance, support, and compassion.

One initiative, the Grub & Grind is a group that started last year to expand opportunities for children at PCC. These bi-monthly events are part social and part mentoring and cover topics such as self-esteem, goal-setting, and cultivating community. The goal is to remind children in care that they are not alone, and can overcome their past to change their lives for the better, as well as to serve as mentors to the children.

Recently, Youth2Youth Aliyah, and Veronica, visited PCC with a delicious treat – everything you’d need to make chocolate-covered strawberries. The children at PCC enjoyed making a delicious treat, for many of them a first-time experience. That’s what this program is about, introducing new and positive experiences for children in care. 

Youth2Youth mentors have a unique perspective and experience to help make these children feel a little more comfortable and understood. We are proud of each and every one of them for giving back!

Men’s Leadership Network hit it out of the park at the batting cages this month!

The bases were loaded with mentors who offered pointers at the plate and many lessons that translate to daily life such as keeping your eye on the ball and following through with all that you do.

It’s been inspiring to witness this group develop its own personality and coherence. We are grateful to the leadership of mentors for creating this welcoming environment and meeting each Guardian Scholar where they are.