Not all superheroes wear capes.
This summer the power of community is evident throughout San Diego’s South County. From creative story time readings to backpack giveaways, community members of every background and age are giving of their time and resources to support local children.
Recently, Batman and Wonder Woman joined Elks Chula Vista, Elks National Foundation and Coldwell Banker West Foundation for a super morning at Mi Escuelita Preschool. Mi Escuelita is a one of kind therapeutic preschool provided by South Bay Community Services (SBCS) and part of the Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) initiative specifically for children who have been impacted by abuse and domestic violence. The preschool has 72 children ages three to five with more than 30% of the children in foster care and many others are being raised in single family homes or are with grandparents or relatives who themselves are healing from trauma.
“We are grateful for our community partners who help us provide these special experiences and extra resources,” SBCS Engagement Director Liz Ramirez said. “The children received backpacks, school supplies and Payless gift cards to help keep up with growing needs.”
Partners come from all areas of our community. Last month, The Home Depot and Chula Vista Fire Station 1 also visited the little ones. Mi Escuelita students had fun building and decorating insect houses and exploring the fire engine with the firefighter crew.
“It is incredible to witness the diversity in the groups coming together to help our families. Anyone can make a positive impact,” Ramirez expressed.
The start of the school year can be a challenge for families on limited incomes. For the past three years, CVPromise with the support of partners from UTC Aerospace Systems, UCSD NAK Alumni Association and WestPac Wealth Partners – Wealth Strategy Partners host a back to school fair where they sponsor backpacks and school supplies for hundreds of students. This year, more than 700 students were supported.
The fair also offers a linkage to additional programs and services for families and an opportunity for students to learn more about post-secondary pathways.
“We meet so many children, youth and families when they are experiencing hardships”, Ramirez said. “It is thanks to our community’s support that we can bring so many smiles and turn that around.”
CVPromise is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways of success for their students and families. For more information, visit CVPromise.org or call (619) 422-5005.
