San Diego – United Parcel Service (UPS) founder Jim Casey had a vision that all children in America deserved stable, permanent and loving homes. Building on this commitment, he founded Casey Family Programs, headquartered in Seattle, forty years ago. The foundation has been in San Diego County since 1991providing community-based services and programs for children, youth and families.
Casey Family Programs’ San Diego office will be honoring the legacy of Jim Casey, its community partners, collaborators, youth and families at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, 2150 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego.
In keeping with its 40th Anniversary theme, One Family CAN Change the World, Casey Family Programs will focus on the importance of caring for our nation’s most vulnerable population. “In San Diego County there are 6,400 children in foster care through no fault of their own,” says Jorge Cabrera, Casey Family Programs San Diego field office director. “San Diego’s children in foster care are our children, and we must lock arms with community partners to ensure that the good health and well being of these children are our number one priority.”
Highlights of the event include entertainment by Eveoke Dance Theatre whose performers are youth in foster care; honoring Mr. & Mrs. Martinez who will be retiring from foster parenting after more than 40 years of opening their home and hearts to numerous foster children in San Diego County; recognizing the San Diego Foster Care Coalition – 15 partners raising awareness of the needs and support for children, youth and families in foster care; and, a special recognition to a foster youth who led a campaign to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims.
From serving 10 children in its first year of business to today serving, children, youth and families in 48 states through a combination of direct practice at the community level and systems improvement efforts, Casey Family Programs has grown to become the nation’s largest operating foundation focused exclusively on foster care.
Program participants, honorees, Casey Family Programs leadership and community partners will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.