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Youth Social Services

Critical Safety Net for Camarillo

By on Sep 23, 2024 in Giving

ICFS Interface Children and Family Services

For over fifty years, Interface Children & Family Services (ICFS) has become Camarillo, Calif.’s most comprehensive nonprofit social services agency, providing direct and responsive services to address the complex needs of its clients and local communities.

As a critical safety net for children and families, ICFS provides 30 distinct programs across seven core program areas:

  • Mental health and trauma treatment
  • Domestic violence and child abuse prevention
  • Youth crisis and homelessness
  • Human trafficking prevention and intervention
  • Justice services
  • 211 information and assistance in 31 California counties

Today, ICFS serves tens of thousands of local individuals annually, assists 250,000+ callers through the 211-call center across the state, and continues to earn the respect of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Their support, through grants, donations, and in-kind services, is crucial in ensuring that the work of ICFS is sustained and the community’s needs are met.

ICFS continues to seek innovative solutions to respond to the needs of its dynamic communities. ICFS aims to increase the accessibility of mental health and trauma treatment services for children and youth, specifically in Simi Valley, Moorpark and Fillmore and reduce the number of homeless youth by expanding its street outreach program into the Conejo Valley region. ICFS also hopes to expand the delivery of emergency and disaster-related information during high call volume through 211 text and 211NOW online video streaming services.

Funding from Yardi is directed to support the Interface Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter. This funding empowers ICFS to successfully engage youths throughout the region who are traditionally underserved and experiencing homelessness (often with mental health challenges) with culturally competent, person-centered social services.

“Youth homelessness is a critical challenge facing Ventura County. By providing emergency shelter, case management, family mediation, and supportive housing assistance, we aim to reduce (and eventually eradicate) youth homelessness in our community,” said Stacy Swanson, chief development officer for ICFS.

Funding includes wraparound case management, promotes family reunification, and helps ICFS to provide necessities, including food, clothing, transportation and personal hygiene items.

“We are truly grateful for your partnership and incredible philanthropy,” Swanson noted. She continued, “It’s inspiring to see Yardi Systems ‘walk the talk’ and make such significant investments and impact in strengthening our community. It was a pleasure to get to meet so many of your employees last year at the nonprofit fair and share about our programs at Interface and to see how thoughtful they were about learning more and understanding the work of non-profit organizations in Ventura County.”

Emma’s Journey

Emma, 23, sought out services from ICFS when she relocated to Ventura County from Las Vegas to flee domestic violence. She was referred to its services by a friend who saw a flyer and shared it with Emma. On her return to Ventura County, Emma found herself without guidance or family support. Her intake assessment revealed that not only did she have a child of her own, but she also had responsibility for her two younger siblings due to the death of her parents. With the help of ICFS, Emma and her family were able to find stability and support in their time of need.

The Street Outreach Team promptly organized and provided crucial support for Emma and her family through case management services and essential needs aid. Their collaborative efforts, supported by generous donations, resulted in housing assistance and other services, enabling Emma and her family to regain stability. Emma’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Interface’s support.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interface Children and Family Services offers volunteer opportunities, especially with community events and collaborations. Those interested should contact Jessica Lawson at [email protected].

“Thank you, again, again, for your incredible generosity. Your gifts change the lives of children, teens, and families for the better starting today,” said Swanson.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.

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