El Cajon Nonprofits and Charities

Updated in 2025<br>Much has changed at ECTLC since the original CEO, Harold Brown, passed way and Julie Hayden took over and I fear it's not for the better. It appears as if the Lord is removing his Spirit from this place as all of the leadership who loved the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind were pushed out by the new CEO and her husband to "cut costs" and high paid consultants (who don't put God first) were brought in from the CEO's personal for profit business. Since ECTLC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, this doesn't seem ethical. ECTLC was once known as a place where Jesus healed people, other Christian organizations were encouraged to volunteer, and no one was turned away due to a lack of funds. Now, it's all about making money with psychology as the main solution and Christianity being used as a tool to try to keep current donors happy. Christian organizations are even discouraged from volunteering and are being asked to give money instead. Julie has started taking government money which means that it can no longer be a faith-based nonprofit. Many board members have left and I'm not even sure they have a legal number of board members now. ECTLC hasn't even had an audit since Julie took over so there's no transparency regarding funding. I pray that I'm wrong about the Lord removing his Spirit from ECTLC, but time will tell and the truth shall come to light. If you're looking for a solidly faith based Christian nonprofit organization, you might want to pray hard about whether or not this place actually fits that bill. God bless you in your search for assistance!

A male patient in his 50s came to the clinic with acute abdominal pain. After careful history and<br>examination, Dr. Polster diagnosed Acute Diverticulitis. The patient was prescribed antibiotics, blood work and a follow up visit. Patient was instructed to go to ED if the pain increased or he developed other issues. If this patient had gone to the ED initially rather than VIM, he would have received thousand of dollars in diagnostic tests, a similar diagnosis and treatment. When the patient was seen on the follow up visit, his symptoms had resolved and he was appreciative of the care. This situation saved money and resources, a big ED bill and provided the patient with excellent care. 

When my sister was diagnosed with BPAN, we felt alone and powerless. <br>As we looked for answers, we came across Jennifer Sanchez’s beautiful family, and that encouraged me to look further. That's how we found the NBIA Disorders Association (NBIA DA). Jennifer, is a board member of this amazing association. <br>We entered their Facebook BPAN group, where we found great insight from other parents and family members of BPAN, through their website, we came across their newsletter and other resources that were not only helpful but enriching and worth sending my sister’s doctors. Our first connection was through their virtual international family meetups, where Amber Denton the current NBIA president was kind, empathetic and supportive, as well as Jennifer, they allowed us to share our stories, heard us and comforted us through our pain, and gave us some needed answers and knowledge, but most importantly, made us realize we were now part of something, a community that they have built from the ground up and where everyone is welcomed. <br>We heard about the family conference that they organize every 2 years, and as much as we wanted to be there because of the medical expenses we have with my sister, we simply weren’t able to. <br>Until Patricia Wood the founder of the NBIA DA, like a real-life fairy godmother, granted us a scholarship. <br>Being at that conference changed our lives and it truly felt like a dream come true. We felt sheltered during the hardest, cruelest storm and welcomed with open arms into the <br>community. We met the most amazing people. <br>I remember my mom coming out of the first session, and as soon as she saw Jennifer Sanchez approaching her, they hugged, and my mom fell apart, crying in her arms. I felt like I was witnessing two sisters talking in their own language since my mom didn't need to say a word, and I knew Jennifer understood it and held her tight. <br>Seeing my mother find this comfort and these connections, as well as seeing the love and passion that the association has, along with their commitment to the community, and meeting researchers, parents, siblings and NBIA individuals, gave me hope. <br>We were not alone anymore; we were home and that is the beauty and the power of this amazing association. The NBIA DA changed our lives for the better and I am so grateful for their efforts and support.

Every last penny of donations are spent wisely and thoughtfully. I worked through Sonshine Haven at Sonshine Club after school program for several years until I became ill. The programs are magnificent and the volunteers are gifted. Showing their pure hearts to lift the kids up emotionally, physically and mentally. <br>They learn the wonder of Jesus filled lives. And all else aside, they have a blast and have the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen!!!

The Earth Discovery Institute (EDI) is a little secret that can be found if one choses to venture into the stewardship of nature. Upon submission of a request to join the Tuesday troop, a team leader will respond with a welcome e-mail. Further correspondence reveals meetups which can be attended with a much appreciated RSVP. This ensures the the arrangement is fulfilled. There are select locations that the party has access and meetups occur regularly. Sometimes, we miss a Tuesday. The locations include a milkweed farm in Lakeside, the National Refuge system in Jamul, the ecological reserve down Campo Road, El Monte reserve in Lakeside, and Crestridge Reserve in Lakeside. Each site offers a different opportunity to explore conservation and ecological niche. The milkweed farm is for harvesting seed and supportive of the monarch population. The monarchs need milkweed as a food source for their young and specifically feast on the plant as caterpillars. EDI supports habitat needs by growing new plants in a wintering zone in Lakeside. The ecological refuge is maintained by weeding invasive species and grooming overgrown plants. The site has been used previously to clean seed for the milkweed farm. The national wildlife refuge is the site which is most often attuned to. It hosts the Anza Elementary knoll that is milkweed watered and weeded regularly as a habitual activity per month. It houses some pretty interesting species which are representative of the Refuge as a whole. I remember sowing seeds in a basket that came from the Mount Miguel trail, and I recall the amazement when the tar plant sprung to life after the rain. The Yellow flowers were stunning. Crestridge holds the annual plant sale. Here, volunteers have the chance to speak about the plants that they engage with and boost native plant sales. This is a great chance to advocate California natives as opposed to decorative plants on the Home Depot market. El Monte Reserve features local wildlife that is under supervision and actively being accessed by organizations concerned with conservation. Two species of interest include the cactus wren and a ragweed species. Planting and monitoring at the site are positively impacting the two species in a way that reinforces the ecosystems integrity. Outside of the stewardship, there are opportunities to socially engage such as the Astronomy meetup that happens later this month. But each session offers a communal atmosphere that can be enjoyed by anyone who intends to connect with the outdoors. Special events aside, each week has a taste of adventure that can break a monotonous week. 5 stars!

After retiring in 2012 I volunteered at Friends of Cats for about six years. I met so many nice people and wonderful cats and kittens there and adopted my sweet O'Malley, who sadly passed in June of this year at age 15. They have several cat rooms where the kitties can wander out to an enclosed catio and snooze in the sunshine and fresh air or just hang out inside in one of their comfy cat beds. They're always happy to see visitors and love the attention . If you're looking for a cat to adopt or just want to volunteer, I highly recommend Friends of Cats!

I found CTSN through my community college counseling office. I am extremely grateful to the staff at CTSN for comforting me during the transfer process. <br> <br>I was anxious to submit my UC applications for transfer, especially because my resume lacked professionalism. Nonetheless, I could send my resume in, and after a quick consultation, CTSN gave me some recommendations and edits to spruce up my resume. <br> <br>I hope these improvements will reflect favorably during the admission process. <br> <br>Thank you, CTSN!

PLEASE READ<br><br>I spent less than a year working at St. Madeleines as a Case Manager for the Adult Development Center Program (ADC). My experience with management was terrible. They will over work and underpay you. They are also very rude and will wrongfully terminate you if you speak up. I worked 2 jobs at once not including my mornings helping at transportation, covering other programs and working at the garden.<br><br>I can only speak on the program I worked at, but your loved ones who are mentally and physically disabled who attend the program are NOT safe. This program is supposed to have a ratio of 1:4, meaning 1 staff to 4 people. I have seen them extend up to 1:8 and even more. These are adults who need a lot of extra support (hand over hand, toileting, feeding,etc). They are completely understaffed because they do not support their employees at all and will brush off any concerns that are brought up. I worried every day about the safety of the disabled adults because of the unsafe ratio. ALSO they do NOT work on any of the clients objectives or goals appropriately. I have sat in meetings where I have witnessed managers lie to families saying that they are working on their goals when they do not at all. They do not data collect accurately or practice consistently for the adults to learn these basic skills. Trust me when I say they will put your loved one in front of a tv and leave them there all day. They are so understaffed that your loved one will be sitting in their soiled diapers for an extended amount of time.<br><br>PLEASE DO NOT ENROLL YOUR LOVED ONES HERE.<br>This place is a facade, a big lie. They truly DO NOT CARE about your loved ones. I am talking about management. I truly enjoyed the relationships I made with the adults. They deserve so much more. Please do not enroll your disabled adults here. Please.

I asked an apologist a question. Either they completely could not comprehend my question, or they did not read it. Canned answers. Not very Impressive. No wonder Catholics don’t know their faith. The Church doesn’t teach it. Pray, pay, obey. Don’t ask questions. They don’t have answers.

So happy to see theatre for young kids. It is really encouraging.

I have been a weekly volunteer with this dog rescue for the last 5 years. I first became interested in this rescue because I would see The Barking Lot pulling (rescuing) the last minute euthanasia cases at various shelters throughout Southern California and rescuing the dogs that no one else would take. This included "rescue only" bully breeds, sick, old, dog's with behavior issues and ALL breeds and sizes. Another thing that set this dog rescue apart from the other dog rescues for me, was the amount of adoptions this rescue did per month as well as the amount of dogs they rescued from shelters each month. There was anywhere between 50-70 adoptions and rescues a month and now that I have been part of the adoption process, I know each adoption was fully vetted by a long application, a home check by one of our many volunteers (including me) and an in person play date at the facility with the dog and the whole family. <br><br>In the course of the last 5 years I have been privileged to be trusted with caring for the more hard to place dogs, many of them dog selective pit bulls. It has helped me and my husband learn so much about dog behaviour, dog training techniques as well as the awesome feeling of being part of a cause that is helping change the lives of these dogs and the overpopulation problem in California. Each week my husband and I take two of the harder to adopt dogs out for hikes around San Diego, to restaurants or bring them home for short weekend stay over. I have been overjoyed the last few years to see some of the hardest dogs find forever homes and I now have hope that each of these dogs will find a great family. <br><br>I am happy to be a volunteer at this rescue and to feel part of the solution. With teamwork we can make a difference!

I have two children who have ridden at Challenge Ranch for two years. It has been a huge blessing to them. They have learned riding and horsemanship skills. They are pushed to overcome obstacles in a supportive manner. They are given the opportunity to ride multiple days a week, after school and on Saturdays. Our whole family is involved in Ranch events and volunteer days. We love it at the ranch!

It is one of the greatest of non profit Organizations ever i deal with.Excellent service to needy people .Volunteers working from bottom of there heart to help others. within a short period of time ,great progress have been made to reach their goals . <br>God Bless them all . <br>Mark Goro

Senior Saviors mission is to "improve the quality of life for low income Seniors living in San Diego County." <br>We have partnered with Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Feeding America. With this partnership Senior Saviors is able to distribute fresh produce and other perishable food items to low income Seniors. <br>We currently distribute approximately 1000 pounds of food items every Wednesday at 9:30AM at Starlight Senior MHP parking lot, whose address is as follows: <br>351 E. Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92021. <br>If your a Senior, over age 55 and find your budget for food is not making it. Please, come visit our distribution location. We always have free food to give to those who need it.

I was taught, if you cant say anything nice don't say nothing at all.

this club is a lifesaver for me. I can come here and share my recovery with friends and a lot of them have become my family. It is a positive place where I can maintain my serenity, stay grateful and help others by sharing and listening to their stories.

"We have always listened to a variety of music in our home, but it wasn't until our daughter started playing with East County Youth Symphony that she began seeking out classical music on her own. Now Tchaikovsky and Mozart share space with Switchfoot and Taylor Swift on her iPod. "

I grew up with JJ and Laura in Alpine, CA. They lived across the creek from me. They were both excellent soccer players and good friends. I miss them dearly. I was equally saddened to see that their parents have also passed away....it's hard to believe that entire family is gone from this earth. God bless you Herron's. The Piners miss you and think about you a lot. <br> <br>R/ <br> <br>Donn Shackelfurd

The outstanding 11 year old one-of-a-kind Water Conservation Garden transitioned from a public Joint Powers Authority to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as of January 1, 2011. Friends of the Water Conservation Garden - a new 10 member volunteer board - now serves as the governing authority for the Garden, supported by an experienced, dedicated professional staff. The Garden has over 50,000 visitors per year, and impacts tens of thousands more via its award-winning educational outreach programs. Recognized by Sunset Magazine as "one of the 10 best gardens in the West", research has shown that 60% of those visiting the Garden make changes in their landscaping behavior in order to reduce water consumption while retaining attractive, sustainable, enjoyable landscaping. Keys to continued growth and success of the Garden will be: (1) on-going enlistment of committed, effective volunteer board and committee members; (2) on-going development of a broad range of new public and private members and funding sources, while retaining significant existing support from regional water agencies; (3) clearly establishing recognition that the Garden is a uniquely important and valuable asset for all of Southern California not just San Diego's East County; (4) expanded educational and administrative facilities. A successful, prospering Garden translates directly to successfully helping to sustain our region's water-dependent quality of life.