April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month – a time to work together, to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

Did you know that there are over 3,000 current and former foster youth in San Diego on any given day? Or that 5 children die every day in the United States because of child abuse or neglect? These are innocent youth who have experienced the unimaginable.

In 1994, the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center opened, and it was founded as an emergency shelter to better care for youth who have been subjected to abuse and neglect, and to provide a safe and loving place out of harm’s way. Now, it is a national model of protection and care for vulnerable populations. Since its opening, the center has served over 60,000 youth. This would not have been possible without our many supporters. 

Guardian Scholar, Jasmine, recently took part in the inaugural SoCal Lady Barber Expo. At first, she was unsure about entering a contest, but with Promises2Kids’ support and encouragement, along with assistance covering the registration fee, she decided to compete.

This contest was a big step in her young career, and while she didn’t place in the competition, she left feeling fulfilled and motivated in her plan to open her own salon one day. She shared how thankful she was for the opportunity, and knowing that our supporters believe in her and her craft.

We are so proud of Jasmine and can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next!

Promises2Kids, Lennar, and HomeAid San Diego recently wrapped up a 45-hour intensive construction training program for a group of Guardian Scholars.

Students gained on-site instruction and education, as well as hands-on training and expertise from dedicated staff. Graduates of the program were presented with a toolbelt and a laptop to help them along as they construct their futures.

Thanks to this pilot program, this group of students now have the skillset, insight, and confidence to apply to jobs in the construction industry that previously might have been inaccessible to them.

We are grateful for this opportunity with Lennar and HomeAid San Diego and we are looking forward to continuing this partnership.

This past weekend, Promises2Kids brought together an intimate group of Partners who have generously sponsored a Guardian Scholar for the academic year.  These sponsors help provide the resources for the wrap-around services that contribute to an 85% graduation rate among the foster youth that Promises2Kids support.  Thank you to all our Partners!