The event, which drew notable government and community leaders, advocates, and supporters, was a resounding success. Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Executive Officer, emphasized the critical need for housing and mental health services for youth leaving out-of-home (foster) care. The partnership between Ventura County and Casa Pacifica has been instrumental in making this supportive housing project a reality. Through collaborative efforts, the program provides not only housing but also vital mental health and therapeutic services, ensuring that vulnerable youth have the comprehensive support they need to transition successfully into independent adulthood.
“We were honored to share this extraordinary moment in our agencys history with our longtime supporters including our Board, volunteers, and our project and community partners, said Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica. Together, were creating a stable foundation for these young adults as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
Among the events distinguished speakers were:
Bill Kearney, former Casa Pacifica Board President and philanthropist, who commended the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping youth.
Viany Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor, District 5, who emphasized the countys support for expanding housing solutions for at-risk youth.
Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember, 42nd District, who highlighted the role of legislation and community support in addressing housing insecurity.
Louis Buldain, Trustee of the William and JoAnne Miller Charitable Trust, whose foundation has been instrumental in supporting Casa Pacifica’s vision for the future.
Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica, spoke to the transformative impact that the new housing will have on young adults seeking stability and independence.
Perhaps the most moving remarks came from Bree Dervishian, a Casa Pacifica success story. The 21-year-old lived on Casa Pacificas Camarillo campus and received supportive services through the agencys Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program. Bree shared her journey through the foster care system, her experience with being homeless and what she hopes for her future. She recently obtained her drivers license and hopes to one day serve as a youth advocate.
After I became homeless, Casa Pacifica and my care team was there for me, said Bree. Its really amazing how the staff here is so supportive and helpful. Casa Pacifica is like family.
Casa Pacificas new supportive housing reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of at-risk youth in Ventura County. The new housing expands capacity from 10 to 27 beds, nearly tripling the number of young adults Casa Pacifica can support. With expanded capacity and comprehensive on-site services, including case management, education and job development and life skills training, the supportive housing offers young adults the stability and support they need to thrive as they transition into independence. The strong partnership between Casa Pacifica, the County of Ventura, and local advocates ensures that vulnerable youth will continue to receive the care and resources they deserve for years to come.
To learn more about Casa Pacificas supportive housing program, visit www.casapacifica.org/transitional-housing
Casa Pacifica Mission: Casa Pacifica inspires hope and nurtures mental health and well-being of children, young adults, and families to realize their full potential.
Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families provides assessment, clinical, medical, residential, and educational services to foster and at-risk children/youth struggling with complex mental health disorders due to past trauma and/or mental illness. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of childrens and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and administers 17 campus- and community-based programs and services designed to give youth, and their families, the tools they need to heal, rebuild and strengthen relationships, reengage with their educations, and overcome their negative emotional and behavioral challenges. The agencys Camino a Casa program, available to clients with private insurance, provides behavioral health care to support youth ages 12 to 17 with emotional and behavioral issues, along with their families.
For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.
###