A few years ago, Desiree fled her hometown in a different part of the state. After high school, she had begun dating a young man who became extremely physically abusive. Fearing for her safety and life, she made her way to San Diego. She enrolled in college, got a job, and was in her last year of school about to earn her degree and graduate. Life was looking promising.
Unfortunately, Desiree suddenly became very ill. She lost her ability to walk and to work, and she had to leave school. Soon she had no money left for rent and became homeless. Desiree was pregnant, bouncing between sleeping at friends’ houses and in her vehicle. She then found herself with a newborn and became even more desperate.
Thankfully, that is when a friend told her about Home Start and their Maternity Housing Program. She reached out to the staff, and soon Home Start provided her and her beautiful one-month old daughter with their own apartment. This past year and a half, Desiree’s Case Manger has been at her side for her new chapter of life and remains a constant encourager.
Today, the future is looking much brighter. This brave young mom plans to return to school and finish her degree, find a decent-paying job, and raise her daughter well.
You can be part of helping more families like this by attending Home Start’s Blue Ribbon Gala.
On Saturday May 3rd, guests will come together at an exclusive private residence in Rancho Santa Fe managed by Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. This is San Diego’s premier fundraiser for child abuse prevention and raises critical dollars for Home Start to serve our community’s most vulnerable children and families. The evening will feature powerful stories of lives changed like Desiree’s, a three-course dinner, auction excitement, live entertainment, and dancing.
Additionally, the 2025 Blue Ribbon Gala will be extra-special as it will celebrate CEO Laura Tancredi-Baese’s upcoming retirement. The evening will reflect on and recognize her 18 years of tireless dedication to serving San Diego children, families, and individuals.
For more information, tickets or sponsorships, please visit: www.blueribbongala.com.
