Christmas Magic at Solutions

January 24th, 2012

Christmas Magic at Solutions

Santa had a lot of helpers at Solutions for Change this year.

Every child had a merry Christmas, thanks to the generous support of our whole spectrum of supporters, including Holy Cross Church in Carlsbad and many other faith-based organizations; Cintas and all our other corporate sponsors; organizations such as the Vista royal court who helped wrap gifts; and many, many warm-hearted individuals who made it their mission to make this a merry Christmas for all our residents. Mission more than accomplished.

The highlight was the Solutions Christmas party on December 10th, to which the community was invited. Santa was there for the party, of course (thank you Vista Fire Department), along with hundreds of others. There were plenty of wide eyes and happy smiles on the faces of the Solutions’ kids as they realized Santa came bearing gifts for them. Many of them had spent many Christmases with little or nothing.

It was truly a community effort. Not only did the children get toys, but the parents received a gift—the gift of knowing that so many in the community care about them, and their families. It means a tremendous amount to each of them.

Besides the annual Christmas party, about 200 Solutions residents, employees and supporters took part this year in the Vista Christmas Parade on December 3rd. The Solutions contingent won first place for best use of the 2011 parade theme, “Friends, Families, and Fun.” It had a lot of meaning to each of them.

 

Wonder and joy prevailed at our 2011 Solutions' Community Christmas Party

Angelic voices of the Encore Youth Choir entertained all at the Christmas party

Ho, Ho, Ho! Thank you Vista Fire Department for making the long trek from the North Pole to bring Santa to Solutions' Christmas Party

Solutions won first place for best use of the theme "Friends, Families and Fun" at the 2011 Vista Christmas Parade

Thanks to the Adopt a Family Program, April and her boys enjoyed a bright Christmas morning

Posted in News | Comments Off

North County Solutions for Change Awarded $4.8 Million for Supportive Housing

January 24th, 2012

Local non-profit to create 48 apartment units for its program families

VISTA, CALIF. (January 24, 2012)—On the heels of a year that saw North County Solutions for Change raise more than $1.3 million at its annual gala alone, the organization kicked off 2012 by securing a $4.8 million award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing in Vista.

Solutions for Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Vista, is dedicated to solving family homelessness in North County. It is currently in the midst of its Finding Our Way Home initiative, whose goal is to lead 200 families and their 400 children out of homelessness within three years through the Solutions University program. Solutions University is an enlightening 1,000-day curriculum that requires families to apply for admission, move onto campus for 500 days where they engage participants and assess and intervene in current cycles, then move off-campus for their last 500 days when they are equipped with the skills they need to succeed and then permanently solve their homelessness.

“This award results in a winning proposition for the community, Solutions for Change and the future residents,” said Solutions for Change President and Executive Director Chris Megison. “We will be creating a very attractive apartment complex while helping the community achieve its goal of seeing that families—including our brave veterans with children—are housed and offered access to the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed.”

The awarded funds will be used to create 48 units of supportive housing at the Vista Terrace Apartments, and were provided under the state’s Multifamily Housing Program. Rehabilitation of the units is expected to start in November, while the first families will begin to take up residency in Spring 2013. Acting Deputy Director Guerdon H. Stuckey noted in his letter announcing the award that “the Department is committed to expanding housing and ownership opportunities for all Californians.”

The funds were awarded in a highly competitive process that drew applicants from around the state, and the $4.8 million award was nearly 7 percent of the total funds allocated. Solutions for Change was selected because of the strength of its program support, along with the urgent level of need in the North County area for additional supportive housing.

ABOUT SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE

North County Solutions for Change has worked since 1999 to solve family homelessness in North County San Diego. In that time, the organization has saved taxpayers more than $28 million by helping families permanently solve their homelessness. The organization’s 1,000-day Solutions University program gives individuals access to the skills, knowledge and resources they need to become and stay self-sufficient. For more information about Solutions for Change, visit www.solutionsforchange.org or call (760) 941-6545.

Posted in News Releases | Comments Off

How You Are Solving Family Homelessness

January 24th, 2012

Teena is thankful that an entire community—you—cared enough to offer help and support when she and her children were homeless, and she’s thankful that at a crucial moment in her life, she encountered Solutions for Change.

Years of personal struggles left Teena and her children homeless and at a crossroads four years ago. She knew something had to change.

“I didn’t know where I was going to go. I had five kids who needed me and I had exhausted all of my options. Then someone referred me to Solutions for Change and I made the call to set up an appointment.”

Teena had taken the first step of a remarkable journey. She was soon in Solutions University, the unique Solutions for Change 1000-day program that equips residents with the knowledge, skills, and resources to permanently end their homelessness.

“They Genuinely Cared”

“After attending a few resident meetings, I was sure I was in the right place. These people genuinely cared about all of us and our families, and were willing to give me a chance at a great opportunity.”

Teena dedicated herself to being successful and re­building bonds with her children, family, friends, and community. She had help at every turn, from Solutions mentors and from community members.

One of those community members was Amanda Bergara. Amanda, from North Coast Church, came to Solutions to start a Women’s Growth Group. Teena was one of the original members, and became involved with not only the group, but also the church. There, she reconnected spiritually in a way that complemented and accelerated her efforts at personal growth. Amanda proved a crucial contributor to Teena’s success.

Another Major Turning Point

Another major turning point for Teena was being offered a job at Datron World Communications, where she is an electromechanical assembler. The job was far more than just a job. It was an expression of trust in her as a person and a validation of her success. And it was also an outstretched hand from the community, an invitation to re-engage and assume her rightful place. She eagerly accepted.

What Teena found at Datron was a group of people who were dedicated stewards of each other and of their customers. It was unlike anything she’d previously experienced, and it made her realize the importance of being part of a close, supportive community. She now had three such communities—Solutions, North Coast Church, and Datron.

A Community Goal

This community contribution is at the core of Solutions’ success. Solving family homelessness is a community goal; Solutions for Change is the method and means by which the community implements its vision and achieves its goal. From philanthropic support to personal involvement, from individuals to faith communities and businesses, the community contributes many things in many ways.

The result is a uniquely successful program. With the strong encour­agement and backing of all the communities in North County, Solutions for Change is leading people like Teena from home­lessness to success, and from dependence to indepen­dence. Today, Teena is a proud graduate of Solutions University. She has a daughter in college and her other children are all in school and making college plans. She has a job that supports her and her family, a home for her family, and she is a tax paying citizen rather than a consumer of public resources.

“Thank you, Solutions, and thank you, North County.” says Teena.

Posted in News, Solve Homelessness, Stories | Comments Off

Giving Trees and Toy Drive Boxes

November 29th, 2011

The holiday season is in full swing at Solutions for Change!

Keep your eyes open around town for Giving Trees and Toy Drive Boxes…

Thank you to the following locations for collecting toys for the Solutions kids this season:

Location Address City Zip
Aaron’s 4171 Oceanside Blvd Oceanside 92056
Active 8 6070 Avenida Encinas Carlsbad 92011
Active Mobility 1680 South Melrose  Suite 105 Vista 92081
Amy Richardson 2 Civic Center Drive San Marcos 92078
Check Center 836 North Santa Fe Vista 92083
Cintas 460 West California Avenue Vista 92083
Datron 3030 Enterprise Court Vista 92081
Dr. Voss 2804 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad 92008
Dura Paint Co. 347 Main Street Vista 92083
Earnest Packaging 1432 Sepphire Drive Carlsbad 92011
Edward Jones 1621 South Melrose Vista 92081
Geib Lumber 437 South Santa Fe Vista 92083
Great Clips 30 Main Street Vista 92083
Holy Cross 6066 Corte Del Cedro Carlsbad 92010
Infusion Church 777 West Felicita Escondido 92025
Little Cakes 30 Main Street Vista 92083
Melissa Barajas 1317 Darwin Dr. Oceanside 92056
North County Ford 450 West Vista Way Vista 92083
Rancho Beuna Vista HS 1601 Longhorn Drive Vista 92081
Tri City Christan School 1737 West Vista Way Vista 92083
Union Bank of California 825 Escondido Ave Vista 92084
Vista Café 868 East Vista Way Vista 92084
Vista Fire Station #1 175 North Melrose Vista 92083
Wells Fargo 1150 East Vista Way Vista 92084
World Gym 2128 Thibodo Court Vista 92081

Posted in News | Comments Off

Dear Santa – Christmas Lists Have Arrived!

November 10th, 2011

Dear Santa

Solutions for Change Christmas Toy Drive

The time has come again to celebrate the season.
We thank all of our supporters who are able to brighten the holidays for our Solutions children. Any gift helps. Please see our suggestions below taken from actual “Dear Santa” letters this year.

 

-         Target and Wal-Mart Gift Cards

-         Anything princess or Tinkerbell

-         Action figures

-         Balls

-         Electric Tooth Brushes

-         Art and Educational

-         Skinny Jeans

  • All sizes and genders from ages 9 up, including XL sizes.

-         Hoodies all sizes, T-Shirts for teens- all sizes

-         Anything Justin Beiber

-         Furry Boots like Uggs

-         Friendship Bracelets and Bead Kits

-         Art Supplies for older kids

-         Body Sprays for Boys and Girls

-         Axe Body Wash and Body Spray for boys

-         Costume Jewelry

-         Perfume

-         DVD’s

-         Monster Silly Bands

-         Bey Blades

-         Play Station Network Cards

-         Remote Control Cars or helicopters

-         Hoodie Sweat shirts

-         Mp3 Players and earphones (Skull Candy Brand)

-         Manicure Sets

-         Hair accessories

-         Socks

-         Pajamas

-         Leggings

-         Lego Sets

-         Games for teens

-         Transformers

-         iTunes Gift Cards

-         Kids Cameras

-         Books-Percy Jackson, etc.

-         Hair Straightener

-         Hair Crimper

-         Dan Brown Books

-         Taylor Swift CD’s

-         Nail Polish

-         Nerf Guns

 

Posted in News | Comments Off

Solutions in the Community – Run4Safety

November 10th, 2011

One of the core concepts at Solutions is that the families we are helping are part of not only the Solutions community, but also the larger community and that they have an obligation to be active participants in that larger community.

On October 15th, Solutions residents got up at 4:30 a.m. to provide support services for the Welk Resorts Run4Safety 5k run and 1 mile walk. Held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Escondido, the event attracted more than 800 people who came to run, walk, stroll, and check out safety exhibits and farmers market vendors.

Solutions residents assisted with event setup, food preparation, and worked refreshment stations passing out water and fruit to the runners. They also served as guides, helping runners negotiate the race course and deal with traffic control.

Proceeds from the event went to the Deer Springs Fire Department.

“We embrace the opportunity to give back to our community,” said Solutions volunteer coordinator, Kelly Gutierrez.

Posted in News | Comments Off

Around the University: Graduation Day

November 10th, 2011

On October 13th, Solutions held a graduation ceremony celebrating both 500 day commencements and 1000 day graduations from Solutions University.

The commencement designation recognizes those who’ve completed the on-campus first 500 days of the Solutions University program. Those honored at the ceremony were Robert, Jennifer, Phillip, Crystal, Maria, and Katie.

After 500 days, residents enter the New Solutions phase and continue their quest for success through another 500 days. We were proud to recognize the successful completion of the 1000 day program by Natalie, Skye, Teena, Gris, and Johony.

Posted in News | Comments Off

An Evening to Remember – 2011

November 10th, 2011


The annual Solutions for Change fundraising event on October 8, An Evening to Remember… with Condoleeza Rice, was memorable in many ways.

It was memorable to see more than 600 members of the community come together in a commitment to solving family homelessness. It was memorable to have raised $1.3 million in a single evening to support the vision, model and plan of Solutions University. And it was memorable to feel from the response of those assembled that a threshold had been crossed.

“It was awe-inspiring.” said Solutions founder and president Chris Megison, “The evening was a compelling validation that this is now an important and successful movement. You—the members of the community—are changing attitudes and rebuilding lives. You are standing up against the impacts of homelessness on our children and our community. And you are succeeding.”

The evening’s keynote speaker was Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. She spoke about the United States as being a nation of ambitious goals, and willing to be audacious in pursuit of those goals. She was certainly describing Solutions for Change as well as the country at large.

The evening’s events included a VIP reception with Dr. Rice, a silent auction, a live auction, and entertainment by Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The event was emceed by Mark King, CEO of presenting sponsor TaylorMade. Other major sponsors and contributors of the event included the ONEkind Foundation, Datron World Communication, DEI Holdings Charitable Foundation, and Bumble Bee Foods. Click here to see a list of our sponsors.

“If others did one-tenth of what these sponsors are doing, we could solve family homelessness in every community in America,” said Megison.

Posted in News | Comments Off

Solutions for Change – Your Impact

September 7th, 2011

It’s helpful every once in awhile to step back and see all that you’ve accomplished. Because change happens in small increments, it’s easy to lose sight of all that has been done.

By engaging with us and supporting Solutions, you have literally changed the lives of hundreds of children and adults. Listen to what Natalie Luna recently told people at the DEI Childrens Foundation event:

Our daughter Jessica recently completed second grade with above average grades. She reads at an accelerated level and was honored as Student of the Year.

Three years ago, she was homeless and living out of a car.

The chance to be successful at school, the opportunity to get an education and be honored as Student of the Year, the possibility of having no limits on her success in life are some of the many opportunities that became available to her at Solutions for Change.

She, and Brent and I, are grateful for the support and encouragement the community and the foundation have provided to Solutions for Change. Your generosity helps families such as ours become self-reliant, productive members of society, no longer dependent on public assistance programs. Because you believe that family homelessness can be solved, we are solving it.

Because of you, families are able to break the cycle of homelessness and work their way to stable, permanent homes.

And because of you, children like Jessica have a very bright future ahead of them.

Thank you.

That’s your impact. As Natalie said, “Thank you.”

Photo Credit: Shirock Photography

Posted in Solve Homelessness | Comments Off

Gather for the Gala!

September 7th, 2011

There is only one place to be the evening of October 8, and that’s in your seat at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for An Evening to Remember. . .with Condoleezza Rice.

It’s not every organization that can attract a speaker of international prominence. We’re very fortunate to have Dr. Rice as our keynoter, and you will want to be there to hear what she has to say about diplomacy, social entrepreneurship, and self reliance.

After a scrumptious dinner, you’ll have a chance to be the high bidder on a number of very special auction items including three nights and two days for two at the Master’s golf tournament next April as guests of TaylorMade Golf; a full week at a 3500 square foot Idaho cabin with spectacular views and easy access to Yellowstone National Park; a set of custom, one-of-a-kind fishing reels with engraved artwork; and three stays of two days each at the most popular local resorts—the Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Costa Resort and Spa, and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. Each stay includes a gourmet dinner for two, too.

Don’t leave your seats yet, because you will also hear the remarkable talents of Canadian singer/songwriter Chantel Kreviazuk, who has thrilled audiences worldwide.

This is definitely going to be a night to remember, so act today by going to www.SolutionsForChange.org/events and purchasing tickets. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your colleagues, and be there. Tickets are going fast and we expect a sellout, so do it now.

 

Posted in News | Comments Off

« Older Entries