Therapeutic Childcare Program Changes Lives at Father Joe’s Villages
What comes to mind when thinking about memories from childhood? Perhaps one is the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the kitchen, or another may be the feeling of sand and dirt on bare feet after playing outside all day. Most individuals treasure some form of nostalgic or sentimental memories from their youthful years. Tragically, far too many children never get the chance to make such memories.
Children who experience homelessness are four times more likely to fall back into homelessness as adults unless their circumstances are mitigated. Sadly, children made up 14% of the homeless population during the 2022 San Diego Point-in-Time Count. Father Joe’s Villages is working to rewrite their story and give them back their future.
The Therapeutic Childcare Center at Father Joe’s Villages provides specialized and personalized care to children and families in need. The program is dedicated to preparing children experiencing homelessness for success by integrating services that address their behavioral, developmental, medical and dental needs all in one location.
Services range from infant, toddler and preschool childcare classes to parenting education and psychotherapy sessions. In 2022, 100% of families who participated in the program reported stronger family units.
The importance of individualized care is demonstrated in Father Joe’s Villages’ Therapeutic Childcare teacher to child ratios. The infant classroom ratio is 1:3, the toddler classroom ratio is 1:5, and the preschool classroom ratio is 1:8. These numbers surpass what the Department of Social Services recommends, ensuring greater success for youth of all ages.
Children on the streets right here in San Diego are experiencing a heartbreaking and unjust amount of adversity before they even enter school. That outcome is devastating, and it does not stop there. They also experience additional suffering due to inadequate nutrition, interruptions in education and development, unstable family dynamics, and possible physical or psychological trauma.
Give to Father Joe’s Villages today to inspire future generations and give the youth on our streets their childhood back. “Waves of Possibilities,” Father Joe’s Villages 38th Annual Children’s Charity Gala presented by Bob & Ellen Svatos, is on May 20, 2023 at The US Grant. To join, donate, or check out our silent auction, visit my.neighbor.org/gala. Join the community in supporting children and families experiencing homelessness.
