Sunday, February 9, 2025

Lifeline of Joy Transforming Lives This Holiday Season

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For families like Sarina’s, the holiday season once meant uncertainty and struggle, but Lifeline Community Services has changed that story. As the year draws to a close, Lifeline is dedicated to making the holidays brighter for San Diego County’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Through compassionate care and a mission to open doors to opportunity, Lifeline transforms lives, exemplified by their year-end Adopt-A-Family Program, which turns holiday wishes into reality for low-income families in need.

Lifeline’s Adopt-A-Family program goes beyond being just a holiday campaign – it is a lifeline of hope for families facing immense challenges like homelessness, unemployment, and mental health struggles. Each year, generous donors are paired with families, offering them a chance to share their holiday wish lists. These lists often reflect simple desires: a warm jacket, toys for children, or even a holiday meal. In response, our donors not only fulfill these wishes but offer something more profound – a sense of belonging and hope for the future.

What sets the Adopt-A-Family program apart is the personal connection formed between donors and families. Donors not only fulfill wish lists but often build lasting bonds, creating a sense of community and support that extends beyond the holidays. This year, over 225 families will experience the joy of receiving gifts through the program. Funds raised directly support families in Lifeline’s essential services, including the LifeSpring Program, which helps transition-age youth exit homelessness, and The House Drop-In Center, offering a safe haven for youth without family or stable housing.

In addition to adopting a family, another powerful way to give at year-end is by making a cash donation or contributing to cold weather kits for youth in the LifeSpring program. These kits provide essentials like socks, sleeping bags, food gift cards, toothbrushes, and soaps – basic items that can make a world of difference for young people exiting the foster care system or experiencing homelessness.

One former LifeSpring client, Sarina, shared how Lifeline changed her life. She recalled wandering the streets of Vista while facing homelessness and depression: “I was in the lowest depression ever. I was also going through sexual assault, and one of my case managers picked up the phone – literally at midnight. She was there to take me to the hospital.” Sarina found hope when she discovered The House Drop-In Center, a safe space where she could shower, cook a warm meal, and receive support from a case manager. Thanks to Lifeline, Sarina now enjoys stable housing, has rebuilt her relationship with her family, and is thriving. The House provides essential services like food, clothing, and shelter. Your support of programs like LifeSpring and our cold weather kits can make all the difference for youth like Sarina.

At Lifeline, they believe everyone deserves to experience the joy of the holidays, and the support of our community makes that possible. The year-end is a critical time for Lifeline, and we invite you to join in making a difference. Whether it is adopting a family, contributing a cold weather kit, or making a donation, your support will light up the lives of San Diego’s most vulnerable this holiday season.

To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit www.lifelinecs.org.

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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