Stories of Hope.
Each year, 72 children are provided a safe place to learn and heal at Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool. A program of South Bay Community Services (SBCS), the preschool is the only one of its kind designed for children impacted by violence and abuse. These children are more likely than their peers to experience a wide range of difficulties that impact their development, education and health.
Mi Escuelita has served more than 450 families since opening in 2006, and each year, there is a waiting list. The organization offers holistic services provided by three on-site, full-time therapists and specialized staff. Their curriculum is tailored to both child and caregivers including parents, grandparents, other family members, or foster parents to help with behavioral issues and provide learning opportunities in and away from the classroom.
Recently, results from a University of California, San Diego five-year study showed that many of the children at Mi Escuelita not only were they doing well, many performed better than their peers, scoring above average on state math and reading tests. These children, who have faced significant traumatic life experiences at very young ages, continue to perform well academically.
A kind word, a gentle gesture, or maybe just a smile among friends are special signs of healing and hope. Thanks to the support from the community, they are becoming the children they were meant to be before the violence. SBCS welcomes your ideas as well as your gift of time or donation. It costs SBCS more than $7,500 a year per child at Mi Escuelita, but it is an investment that will carry them through life.
Join us a SBCS’ Annual Change Their Lives Gala on September 30 at the Hotel del Coronado to celebrate with community partners and help in Mi Escuelita’s expansion. For tickets, sponsorship or more information, please visit www.southbaycommunityservices.org.
