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My Story & Why Casa Matters

I grew up in Long Beach, and I was one of those kids who fell through the cracks. My grades were good, I stayed out of trouble, and from the outside I looked “fine.” But home wasn’t safe. Casa Youth Shelter was here then, but my family didn’t know about it. And I know this was the case for many of my friends who went through LBUSD with me. If we had known, it would have changed our lives.

For almost 15 years now, I’ve been a part of Casa Youth Shelter, and today I have the privilege of leading this incredible organization that has been a safe haven for youth ages 12–17 for over 47 years. We save lives. We help kids change the trajectory of their future.

Why Long Beach Gives

We are hearing more cries for help than ever before, that’s why we created Casa Cares, our new program designed especially for Long Beach youth.

• We show up for students the moment they reach out.

• We provide counseling, resources, and safe shelter if needed.

• We support high school students who are 18 and often overlooked, making sure they have food, hygiene items, and stability.

• We offer parenting classes to break harmful cycles.

• We train school staff to recognize the signs of crisis and connect kids to help right away.

Sometimes, just knowing there’s a trusted adult to turn to can be life-changing.

Be Part of This With Me

Through Long Beach Gives, you and I can make sure no child slips through the cracks the way I and so many of my friends once did. Together, we can be there when it matters most, for the student who doesn’t feel safe at home, for the family learning a new way forward, and for the schools who want to know they’re not alone.

Every little bit counts. Be part of this with me. Together, we can change lives in Long Beach.