San Diego Center for Children
SWA COMMUNITY
This month we are proud to showcase the San Diego Center for Children, which is San Diego’s oldest children’s nonprofit providing a continuum of behavioral healthcare services to children and families daily. With a long-standing partnership, Southwest Airlines and the Center have worked together to enhance programs and initiatives that provide the best care for children and their families. The Center works to build a better understanding of the significant challenges the youth are experiencing and ensure that no youth or family in need is left untreated. Their work mirrors the principles we live by at Southwest Airlines: Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others; Maintain constructive relationships; Take the initiative to make things better; and Lead by example. More importantly, the Center heals hearts and minds of children and their families.
San Diego Center for Children
Inspiring a world where children and families live joyful and healthy lives
San Diego Center for Children has cared for children and strengthened families since its establishment in 1887 and is one of San Diego’s most trusted resources providing comprehensive behavioral health programs for youth struggling with mental health challenges.
The need for youth mental health services has increased at all levels of care. Not only are more youth impacted, but there is also an increase in the severity of the mental health conditions. Waitlists have increased, school district partners are asking for more support, and families are sharing more frustrations about the difficulties seeking help for their children. The need for the services the Center provides has never been greater.
San Diego Center for Children has been working diligently to build a first of its kind, comprehensive continuum of nationally accredited mental health services aimed at improving access to the appropriate level of care to underserved and at-risk youth and families in our region.
To continue its services to underserved youth, the Center relies on community supporters – foundations, individuals and corporations such as Southwest Airlines. “We truly appreciate our long-time partnership with Southwest Airlines. Their generous support over the years has made a significant impact on the Center’s ability to serve more children and families.” Dr. Moisés Barón, President and CEO, San Diego Center for Children shared with GB Magazine.
With seven program sites anchored by a 12-acre main campus – which houses their residential programs and nonpublic school – the Center serves over 1,000 at-risk and underserved individuals every day. Since 2015, the Center has been the only residential treatment provider for children age 12 and under in San Diego. Additional Center programs include Intensive Outpatient Program, Intensive Family Services, Wraparound and Collaborative Care in Pediatric Practices.
The Center’s 136th Anniversary Celebration – At the Heart of the Center will take place Saturday, May 13, 2023. This signature fundraising event will be held at the Center’s main campus for the first time in its history. Guests will enjoy dinner-by-the-bite with specialty cocktails, exclusive live auction opportunities, and inspiring performances from Center youth.
Jackie and Jon Greulich will serve as Honorary Chairs, and the Center will be honoring Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund with the 2023 PATH Award – a distinguished and annual acknowledgement of our Partners in Achieving Transformation and Hope. The PATH Award recognizes supporters and partners to the organization who have made an outstanding impact, celebrating extraordinary contributions and transformative outcomes.
The Anniversary Celebration helps raise critical funds in support of the Center’s services to San Diego’s most vulnerable youth and their families. More information can be found at www.CenterforChildren.org/Celebration.
