“God never gives you a dream that matches your budget. He is not checking your bank account; he’s checking your faith.”
The mission of Casa Familiar is to enhance the quality of life for low-income individuals and families through Advocacy, Social Services, Education, Affordable Housing, Arts and Culture, and Community and Economic Development. Thanks to the leadership of Board Chairman, Gustavo Bidart, Casa Familiar, is one of the elite organizations that truly makes an impact on the lives of its residents in San Ysidro and the South Bay.
#1 I am a longtime resident of Chula Vista – Hilltop Lancer class of ’88!
#2 I have grown up playing tennis since I was 11 years old. I would like to attend the four tennis grand slams in one year: Australian, French, Wimbledon and the U.S Open.
#3 To celebrate my 21st birthday, I did a solo static line parachute jump from 3,500 feet. It was a fantastic experience pushing my limits, setting aside fear and getting a natural rush.
#4 “Lola” my family’s 15-year-old yorkie is always a reminder to all of us at home about unconditional love.
#5 I very much enjoy visiting Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and Cancún, Quintana Roo. The beaches are beautiful and Chichén Itzá never fails.
#6 Advice I would give to my younger self:
1) You are not in competition with anyone, focus on being a better version of yourself than the day before.
2) As early as possible, invest 5-10% of your salary for retirement – maximize your Roth IRA at an early age.
#7 My former boss at Citi, Cheryl Evans (RIP) taught me that being a true leader is to be an enabler of one’s team’s success. She always reminded me to prioritize God and family before work. She made me a better manager, a better friend and husband.
#8 During my tenure at Home Savings of America Bank, I was referred to Casa Familiar and the CEO, at that time, Andrea Skorepa. I fell in love with the organization and its mission. Casa has always found innovative ways to provide programs and services to the families who need it the most.
#9 Like many San Diegans, Roxana, a South Bay resident, was unemployed due to the pandemic. She contacted the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) at Casa Familiar. Casa’s staff helped her find a job.
#10 San Diego is very fortunate to have numerous wonderful nonprofit organizations, and among that list, Casa Familiar is always responsive to the needs of its community and pushes its own limits to find creative solutions to today’s challenging issues. I encourage corporations, foundations, and private philanthropists to visit Casa Familiar and explore how to support such a noble organization.