Child Abuse Prevention Foundation of San Diego County

Programs: A. B. And jessie polinsky childrens center previously the foundation raised $12 million to build the a. B. And jessie polinsky childrens center (the polinsky center), the countys emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. In october 1994, the foundation deeded the facility to the county of san diego. The polinsky center offers a full range of assessment and care programs to more than 1,000 children every year. The foundation continues to support the polinsky center by raising funds for the urgent and long-term needs of the young residents during their stay. The following are just a few examples of the programs and projects at the polinsky center supported by the foundation during the period ended june 30, 2013: developmental screening and enhancement program (dsep)youth2youth advocatesdevelopmental preschoolpet therapy programhealth, recreation and wellness program guardian scholars guardian scholars is a scholarship and support program that is established to assist current and former foster youth to further their education and become successful, independent adults. The program is much more than just financial aid - it is an investment in the future of each individual recipient. A unique component to guardian scholars is the junior guardian scholars which reaches foster youth while they are in high school intervening at a critical time in their lives preparing them for graduation, a higher education, and beyond. Junior guardian scholars provides multifaceted support through mentoring, sat preparation, college planning, financial aid and college application workshops, and ste[+a]m programs at the university of california, san diego (ucsd). Camp connect the foundation partners with the health and human services agency of san diego county in order to provide foster children with the opportunity to reconnect with their siblings who live apart through a four-day summer camp and structured recreational and educational day camps throughout the year. This program allows children to build further on sibling interaction and enhance a sense of belonging. Foster funds promises2kids understands that foster children often feel alone and isolated. They may go without simple pleasures of childhood such as birthday gifts, cap and gown for graduation, a sports uniform or a musical instrument. We ensure foster children know that they too are heard, special and deserving. Promises2kids has special funds set up to support these needs not met through typical funding, which include something special fund, birthday club, community drives and driver education. Additional community programs in addition to the above major programs, the foundation also has community programs including marys house and law enforcement. Marys house is a female transitional housing program operated by the ymca youth family services for former foster youth. Law enforcement was developed to teach agencies how to work together in identifying, investigating and prosecuting child abuse. Promises2kids with the help of its community partners, continues to provide support to this important community collaboration by hosting advanced trainings.