When Rana, a Family Support Specialist in our First 5 First Steps Program, first met Angel, she had just arrived in California from another state. Angel was pregnant, caring for two toddlers, supporting a husband with disabilities, and starting over in a place where she knew no one. No family. No friends. No support system. […]
She Built a New Life From Scratch — and You Helped Make It Possible. Read More »
When Allen, one of our dedicated Family Visitation Specialists, first met the Johnson family, everything felt fragile… Their two boys, ages 9 and 12, had not been able to spend meaningful time with their parents in quite some time. Court-ordered supervised visitation brought the family to Home Start, seeking help to rebuild those vital connections. Even
A Family Finds Its Way Back Together — Thanks to You Read More »
When Oyuki first connected with Home Start and Light, her Housing Navigator, this young woman carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. She grew up without stable housing, often unsure where she and her family might sleep next. Still, Oyuki worked tirelessly, often holding down two jobs to support herself and her loved
Oyuki’s Path to Stability: Finding Hope, Home, and Her Beloved Dog Read More »
When a father newly arrived in San Diego found his daughters resisting the traditions and language he cherished, he worried they were drifting too far from their roots. His efforts to keep them connected—strict study routines, limited activities, and rising expectations—only deepened the tension at home. What began as love slowly grew into frustration, leaving
Finding Common Ground: A Father’s Journey Back to Connection Read More »
After years of enduring domestic violence, battling addiction, and experiencing homelessness, Macie found herself separated from her two children—a baby girl and a school-aged boy—who were placed in foster care. When Home Start staff member Yvette first contacted Macie for visitation services, she declined, overwhelmed by the weight of court-ordered programs and existing county visits.
Family Visitation: A Mother’s Journey to Reunification and Renewal Read More »
