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UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY Community Impact Progess Report - January 2010

View a printable PDF version of the Community Impact Progress Report - January 2010

As we start a new year that finds our community in ongoing efforts to recover economically, we remain optimistic. We’re inspired to advance the common good by investing in solutions to Education, Income, and Health issues in San Diego County: To solve problems, not manage them. We organize,
collaborate, and lead efforts to create change.

Beginning with this update, we’ll move to a twice per year, formal report. To follow our progress real-time, please visit our website to view our Community Impact Dashboard, sign up for our email list, or become our fan on Facebook.

Latest News:

• We launched a new public awareness campaign called “Home Again: Ending Chronic Homelessness in San Diego” to engage more San Diegans in helping to end homelessness. The nearly $700,000 in funding we awarded to help chronically homeless individuals is already having an impact. To date 308 have received services, including more permanent housing situations.
• Eight organizations received $105,000 to teach the PURPLE® program, which will help more than 6,000 atrisk parents and caregivers avoid Shaken Baby Syndrome. Sixty-plus individuals were trained in how to deliver the program, ensuring its sustainability over time.
• As part of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) coalition, United Way helped bring $5.9 million in EITC credits back to the community in the 2008-09 tax season. Nearly 500 volunteers prepared more than 18,000 tax returns for low income individuals and families—all free of charge.
• Camp Connect San Diego, held in August 2009 with 64 attendees, gave siblings separated by foster care the chance to build family bonds. Two other “Kinnection” events took place in September and December.

Stopping Child Abuse & Neglect

We continued to focus on the most at-risk children, placing our funding emphasis on research-based initiatives. SafeCare®, an innovative program which reduced the reoccurrence of abuse and neglect in other cities by up to 70%.
How it works:
Trained staff teaches intensive parenting, child-safety and child-health skills to families in the home setting.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
South Bay Community Services and Social Advocates for Youth conduct SafeCare in the south, central, and north central regions of the county. Expansion into the north inland and coastal region is planned for early this year.
Results:
631 children and 307 families helped through Dec. 2009 
Funding: $1.5 million allocated over the course of three years

The Period of PURPLE Crying® for Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention and created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
How it works:
Protects babies by educating parents and caregivers about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking a baby.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Multiple agencies are now able to provide this service.
Results:
Over 8,000 educated, with plans to educate 6,000 more this year. Increased sustainability by training 60 professionals who can then train others.
Funding: $250,000 allocated over the course of three years

United Way Child Abuse and Neglect Fellowship, a three-year pediatric fellowship now in its second year.
How it works:
United Way Fellow and board certified pediatrician Dr. Premi Suresh received specialized training to become a certified Child Abuse and Neglect specialist. Dr. Suresh conducts research into treatment and prevention, treats children and provides community education and training to other medical providers. Her work will expand the medical knowledge critical to recognizing and treating abuse and neglect.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Results:
Numerous lectures, trainings and sessions with providers and foster parents. Dr. Suresh also testifies as an expert witness at courtroom trials.
Funding: $200,000 as we enter year two of three years.

Camp Connect San Diego for youth in foster care. Funding enables siblings that can’t be placed together due to family size or special needs to stay connected through year-round activities.
How it works:
Each year, siblings attend summer camp and other year-round, activities.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Promises2Kids (formerly Child Abuse Prevention Foundation of San Diego) is coordinating agent, and County Child Welfare Services organizes the events.
Results:
Two camps and five other “Kinnection” activities to date. This year’s camp was held at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian. Other activities included visits to SeaWorld, Boomer’s Family Fun Center, and PETCO Park.
Funding: $206,000 allocated over three years

Trauma Counseling for children and their families. A new program to train social workers, therapists, and psychologists specializing in trauma treatment. In addition, specialized training for therapists and supervisors in Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
How it works:
Outpatient therapy services are provided to children and specialized training is given to those who treat or provide services to them. This type of specialized treatment is more effective than other forms of therapy in helping children recover from severe abuse and trauma.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
The Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital
Results:
Helped 694 traumatized youth cope with traumatic stress associated with sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect, or family and community violence.
Funding: $420,000 over three years for Trauma Counseling, $112,552 for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Forensic Interviewing to help children and teens after severe child abuse or trauma is alleged.
How it works:
Certified specialists conduct professional interviews to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred. This approach produces evidence that will stand up in court if the investigation leads to criminal prosecution and also prevents repeated interviewing and subsequent retraumatizing of children.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
The Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital and Palomar Pomerado Health
Results:
Of those interviewed, 78% have resulted in disclosures.
Funding: $209,000 over three years

Kids and Teens in Court therapy provides children and teen victims or witnesses with help reducing the anxiety and fear associated with testifying in court.
How it works:
Teaches anxiety management skills, courtroom education, and provides mock trial experiences so participants gain a sense of empowerment.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
The Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital
Results:
141 youth participated; 65% reported reduced anxiety
Funding: $85,000 allocated over three years

Promoting Financial Stability & Independence

Being able to effectively manage and use resources can make the difference between a life of financial security or financial instability. United Way is funding several programs:

Core 16-hour financial skills program for low-income adults and families struggling to make ends meet.
How it works:
Participants learn four core standards – budgeting, credit and debt, taxes and Earned Income Tax Credit, and checking and savings. After 16-weeks, agency staff assess changes in their clients’ knowledge and behavior. They measure improvement in credit scores, debt reduction, savings increases, whether they opened a bank account, and increase in financial knowledge.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Home Start, Second Chance, North County Lifeline, Legal Aid Society, and Community Housing Works.
Results:
1300 adults trained. Of the adults, 500 completed a 16-hour program, and 800 completed a shorter course.
Funding: Over $700,000 allocated to date

Financial education programs for disadvantaged youth, ages 13-24, many of whom are new to the workforce.
How it works:
Formerly homeless youth, refugees, economically disadvantaged youth, and those leaving foster care are taught the four core skills of money management: budgeting, credit and debt, taxes, plus checking and savings. Also provides funds to help youth save toward assets such as a car, college tuition or deposit on an apartment.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Alliance for African Assistance, Consumer Credit Counseling, Home Start, Just in Time for Foster Youth, MAAC, North County Lifeline, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego Youth Services.
Results:
Over 1,300 youth participating
Funding: Nearly $650,000 awarded in 2009

A leadership role in the Earned Income Tax Credit coalition. We expanded the program’s scope by funding mini financial education classes for individuals filing their taxes.
How it works:
Residents with qualifying incomes receive free tax preparation plus financial education at over 80 sites.
Funded agencies/partners:
Home Start, MAAC Project, North County Lifeline, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), South Bay Community Services, and International Rescue Committee.
Results:
For the 2008 tax season, 500 volunteers prepared over 18,000 tax returns, generating $5.9M in EITC refunds.
Funding:over $100,000

Junior Achievement scholarships for low-income middle school students to participate in JA’s Biz Town
How it works:
Students learn economics and financial basics in the classroom, followed by participation in Biz Town.
Funded Agencies/Partners:
Junior Achievement of San Diego
Results:
1200 students given classroom financial education, and 2500 students attended Biz Town.
Funding: Nearly $176,000 allocated over 2 years.

Personal Finance for high school seniors provides knowledge about how to handle money as part of school’s Economics classes.
How it works:
Students learn money management, using a curriculum that covers everything from checkbook balancing and income taxes to investments and credit.
Funded agencies/partners:
San Diego City and County Schools
Results:
8500 high school seniors completed the curriculum
Funding: $129,000 allocated over two years

Onsite financial education in the four core standards for employees of San Diego area companies. Over 30 days, employees participate in weekly 90-minute classes that cover budgeting, credit and debt, taxes, plus checking and savings.
Results: At the most recent company, 58% of participants increased their credit scores by an average of 30 points and decreased their debt by over $66,000.
Funding: $25,000 to date

Homeless Outreach & Prevention

The 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in the San Diego Region made significant strides this past year. Most recently, we launched a public awareness campaign called “Home Again” to engage the entire community in solving one of our most troubling issues. The 10-Year plan is multifaceted
in reducing and preventing homelessness:
How it works:
The core plan calls for housing first, followed by supportive services. Includes permanent supportive housing units, a Regional Access Center in East County and 32 recuperative care units for the medically fragile. These units are the first of their kind in the County.
Funded agencies/partners:
Alpha Project, Crisis House, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Townspeople.
Results:
After recent funding, 308 individuals received services.

• Alpha Project/Permanent Supportive Housing Program: Outreaching to at least 300 people monthly. Thirty seven have been moved into permanent supportive housing. Plans to house and provide services to 75 people over one year.
• San Diego Rescue Mission/Recuperative Care Program (RCU): Short-term housing, meals, medical services, case management and social services for chronically homeless people while they recover from acute illnesses. After the RCU, clients receive services to help end their cycle of homelessness. To date, 18 have moved to more permanent housing situations.
• Townspeople: Providing five individuals with permanent supportive housing.
• Crisis House/Regional Access Center: Moved 10 people to more permanent housing situations. Hired worker to provide daily street outreach.

Funding: Nearly $700,000

Neil Good Day Center (St. Vincent de Paul Village): $50,000 over two years supports the Center’s operation so that it can be open on the weekends. Provides a drop-in center for the homeless.

North County Regional Winter Shelters (Alliance for Regional Solutions): $145,000 has been awarded over the past three years to provide supportive services to hundreds of homeless individuals and families.

Point-in-Time Count (The Regional Task Force on the Homeless): $50,000 enhanced the annual count of homeless persons, particularly by increasing the number of volunteers who conduct the count.

Financial Modeling for Permanent Supportive Housing Program (Corporation for Supportive Housing): $17,350 to develop a three-year model outlining resources needed for the development of permanent supportive housing in San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates lasting change by raising money and mobilizing the community to solve education, income and health issues. To learn more about the United Way or to donate, visit www.uwsd.org

View our “Community Impact Dashboard” to follow our progress and see how we measure success. For the latest news and funding announcements, visit the News section of our website.

United Way of San Diego County Community Impact Progress Report Archive

UWSD Community Impact Progress Report - Summer 2009 (PDF)

UWSD Community Impact Progress Report - Spring 2009 (PDF)

UWSD Community Impact Progress Report - December 2008 (PDF)

UWSD Community Impact Progress Report - September 2008 (PDF)