Stories and updates from Casa Pacifica, our partners and supporters.
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How Miss Gold Coast Teen Volunteer Is Raising Awareness for Youth Mental Health With Casa Pacifica
At just 16, Layla Fausset, Miss Gold Coast Teen Volunteer, is proving that one person can make a big difference. As Casa Pacifica’s Youth Ambassador, she’s raising awareness about the youth mental health crisis and advocating for at-risk children and families. She’s already organized two donation drives to bring comfort and joy to Casa Pacifica’s…
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Talking About Suicide: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Children and Teens
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among adolescents. With academic pressure, social media, and access to substances, many parents worry about their child’s mental health. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dr. Kimberly Bennett, Chief Clinical Officer of Casa Pacifica which includes the Camino a Casa program, shares practical advice for parents navigating…
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One Brave Teen. One Powerful Transformation
At 17, Claire’s world was close to collapsing. Years of emotional neglect and instability in her mother’s home had taken a devastating toll. Her mother’s absence and substance use left Claire feeling abandoned and alone. The pain became unbearable, eventually leading to a suicide attempt that brought her to the care of Child Welfare Services…
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I Want To Stay. I Feel Safe Here.
“I want to stay. I feel safe here.” For 14-year-old Isabella, those words marked a turning point. Isabella’s early years were marked by profound loss and instability. After losing her mother in a car accident at the tender age of four, she and her younger brother were placed in the care of their grandmother. But…
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The Power of Play with Purpose: Kylie’s Story
The power of play with purpose helped Kylie connect, grow, and rediscover joy—one quiet moment, and one small victory, at a time. Kylie arrived at Casa Pacifica in the middle of the night with nothing but a trash bag of her belongings. She had no immediate family. At 15, she had already endured a lifetime’s…
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A Cap, a Gown and a New Beginning: Tyler’s Story
Discover hope and resilience through Tyler’s inspiring Casa Pacifica graduation story. Eighteen-year-old Tyler adjusts the graduation cap on his head, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The deep red gown feels heavier than expected—not just fabric, but everything it represents. “If you ask kids like me who’ve struggled with their mental health, most of…
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How Mental Health and Pride Month Intersect for LGBTQ+ Youth
Why Pride Month matters for LGBTQ youth mental health is clear: support and visibility can be life-saving for young people facing stigma and isolation. Pride Month is more than just a celebration of identity and community—it’s a crucial time to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth. Studies…
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Therapeutic Gardening for Youth Mental Health
In a quiet corner of Casa Pacifica, therapeutic gardening for youth mental health takes root. When Caleb arrived at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS), he was withdrawn and hurting. Shy and reserved, he had difficulty connecting with peers and was falling behind academically. In the classroom, he was easily overwhelmed and often coped by running…
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Make a Difference for Youth Mental Health
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the growing mental health challenges facing children and youth across the country – and the power we all have to make a difference. At Casa Pacifica, the leading nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,…
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Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Our Mission
In honor of National Volunteer Month, we proudly celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have had on Casa Pacifica since our founding thirty years ago. Volunteers have been the driving force behind much of our success, providing the time, energy, and heart that make our work possible. From the very beginning, volunteers have played a vital…
