FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES NEWS | Summer 2024
“Tales of Hopes” 2024 Father Joe’s Villages Children’s Charity Gala
Thank you to all who joined us for an impactful and emotional evening at our 39th Annual Children’s Charity Gala, presented by Joan and Irwin Jacobs. Over 400 attendees and sponsors united to create Tales of Hope for children and families experiencing homelessness in San Diego.
Eric and Jennie Casazza graciously served as Honorary Chairs and NBC7’s Monica Dean emceed the event. Cristiano and Adriana Amon, and Ron Cohn and Family, were presented with awards for their generous contributions to the organization.
The event raised over $1.3 million to combat homelessness and rebuild lives. All funds support programs that enable families and children to create a new story. Periods of struggle are inevitable, but hardships or current circumstances do not define our neighbors. This is just a chapter.
Thank you for helping our neighbors turn the page to a brighter future and for making a substantial impact in the lives of those in need. Your generosity is proof that, above all, hope prevails.
Lasting Legacy
Joan Jacobs passed away shortly before the event. As an advocate, visionary, and philanthropist, she blessed Father Joe’s Villages and countless other organizations. Joan’s interest, support, and example made a great deal possible for San Diego, ensuring it had the elements of a world-class city. As the presenting sponsor of our Children’s Gala, Joan once again demonstrated her commitment to breaking the generational cycle of homelessness.
We are forever grateful for her compassion and investment in the population we serve. We will continue to honor Joan’s legacy in our work.
Breaking the Cycle of
Homelessness
At Father Joe’s Villages, our mission goes beyond providing temporary shelter; we aim to break the cycle of homelessness and create lasting change. This ambitious goal can only be achieved with the unwavering support of our donors. Your contributions have enabled us to pioneer comprehensive solutions that offer a path to stability and hope for countless children and families.
We understand that a safe place to play and grow is essential for children’s development. Otherwise, children can miss critical developmental milestones such as walking and making eye contact. Parents are faced with daily struggles to feed their families and ensure a safe place to sleep. Additional pressures abound to support their children’s literacy, behavior, and school attendance.
Comprehensive Support Services
The cornerstone of our approach is the provision of comprehensive and tailored support services. Homelessness is not a one-dimensional issue, and neither are our solutions. We offer a continuum of care that includes nutritional security, housing, healthcare, therapeutic childcare, employment services, and behavioral health programs. We empower our clients to rebuild their lives from the ground up by addressing these interconnected needs.
Innovative Housing Solutions
Housing is the first and most crucial step in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Over 6,100* individuals sleep unsheltered in San Diego every night.
Father Joe’s Villages has developed innovative housing solutions that cater to our community’s diverse needs. From emergency shelters to permanent supportive housing, we provide safe and stable environments where individuals can thrive.
*San Diego Region 2024 Point-in-Time Count Data
The latest development from our Turning the Key initiative, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa, offers 407 units of affordable housing, combining on-site support services with a community-oriented design. This project exemplifies how your contributions can create tangible, life-changing outcomes. We also have three new projects in the pipeline for a total of over 300 new homes set to break ground in 2025.
Employment and Education
Securing employment is a vital step toward self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of homelessness. Father Joe’s Villages offers robust employment and education programs to equip our clients with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the job market. Our Employment and Education Services (EES) provide job training, resume workshops, and placement assistance, ensuring individuals are housed and empowered to sustain their independence.
Community and Advocacy
Breaking the cycle of homelessness requires more than direct services; it demands systemic change. Father Joe’s Villages is committed to advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness and promote long-term solutions. We work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to champion initiatives that increase affordable housing, improve mental health services, and create economic opportunities.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
As we reflect on the impact of our collective efforts, we are filled with gratitude for the compassion and generosity of our donors. Your support is the lifeline that allows us to continue our mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness. Every dollar you contribute is a step toward a brighter future for those we serve.
Thank you for being an integral part of Father Joe’s Villages. With your continued support, we can turn the tide of homelessness and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.