Hunger & Poverty | Social Justice | Health & Medicine | Animals | Youth & Elderly | Arts & Culture | Environment

Hunger & Poverty Charities

Feeding San Diego

Feeding San Diego is one of the county’s most impactful hunger-relief organizations. To date, the nonprofit has provided San Diegans with more than 34 million meals through initiatives such as food drives, CalFresh program assistance, school pantries, food rescue programs, and more. The organization utilizes excess stock from local grocery stores and farms to reduce food waste while fighting hunger in our area. 

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

The San Diego food bank distributed 50 million pounds of food last year and serves nearly half a million people every month across the county. As they advocate for the hungry and provide them with nutritious food, they educate others about issues related to food insecurity locally.

Lucky Duck Foundation 

Lucky Duck funds and leads programs focused on aiding San Diego’s homeless population. The organization connects individuals to shelters, provides employment opportunities and job training, and delivers food and water to unhoused people. 

Father Joe’s Villages 

Established in 1950, Father Joe’s Villages have been a beacon of hope for San Diego’s homeless population. Each night, their shelters house 2,000 individuals, offering food, housing, and opportunities for those faced with serious illness, mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Through their food, housings, education, and family services, Father Joe’s Village serves as a sanctuary for those in dire need within the local community.

Sharia’s Closet

Founded in 2006 by Shamine, Sharia’s Closet began with her personal mission to gather clothes, diapers, and hygiene essentials for those in need throughout San Diego. Today, this nonprofit has aided over 55,000 individuals, dedicated to providing emergency clothing to families and individuals facing crises.

Social Justice Organizations

This Is About Humanity

This Is About Humanity focuses on helping children separated from their families at the border. The org supports families by providing legal services, mental wellness checkups, and living essentials. It also funds educational trips to the border and fights for changes to the US asylum system.

GenerateHope

Founded by Susan Munsey, LCSW, GenerateHope provides sex trafficking survivors long-term care, mental health services, safe housing, and comprehensive education programs to help them reintegrate into society and build brighter futures. To date, the program has helped more than 160 women in San Diego. 

Support the Enlisted Project

Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) aims to develop financial literacy among enlisted service members and recently discharged veterans. STEP offers counseling, education, and grants to military members and their families. The organization also maintains an emergency financial assistance program and distributes food, supplies for babies, and other items to military families in need. 

Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre

During the pandemic, Mexico reached its highest poverty level in a century. In response, Maru Rique created Tijuana Sin Hambre, an organization fighting hunger in San Diego’s sister city across the border. The nonprofit delivers 3,000 meals per day to shelters and orphanages throughout Tijuana. 

AMVETS

AMVETS (American Veterans) works to assist local veterans through mental and physical health resources and housing programs. You can also support AMVETS by shopping at its two local thrift stores.

ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a public interest law firm working to protect human rights in the US. The organization’s local branch fights for equality, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, education equity, housing equity, and LGBTQ rights through litigation and lobbying efforts.

Health & Medical Charities

Scripps Health Foundation 

As the most highly ranked hospital in San Diego County, Scripps focuses on philanthropy with the new Here for Good campaign, which is raising funds for the expansion of the Scripps medical system and community programs. The Scripps Health Foundation supports medical research and care for patients facing cancer, Covid, neurological issues, and more.

Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation

The Rady Children’s Hospital is considered one of the top ten children’s hospitals in the US. Its foundation funds orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurological, genomic, and mental health research for local kids.

San Diego Blood Bank 

San Diego Blood Bank donates 150,000 units of blood per year to hospitals throughout Southern California. The nonprofit also supports research into more advanced blood type matching and the usage of umbilical cord blood to treat various diseases. 

San Ysidro Health 

San Ysidro Health offers affordable care in more than 20 clinics across San Diego County. Children and adults can utilize San Ysidro Health for medical, dental, and behavioral or mental health services.

Foundations of Sharp HealthCare 

The Foundations of Sharp HealthCare plays a vital role in supporting San Diegans through critical medical services, groundbreaking clinical research, and compassionate caregivers across multiple campuses throughout the city. Donations to this foundation contribute to emergency health services, art-based healing initiatives, support for women and newborns, rehabilitation programs, and various other philanthropic efforts. 

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

Since 2018, GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego has been supporting more than 600 families in the area, offering free educational, therapeutic, and career-building programs for individuals with Down syndrome from prenatal stages to adulthood. Run by primarily by volunteers, GiGi’s Playhouse strives to help participants and their families reach their highest potential

Animal Charities

Baja Animal Sanctuary  

Established in 1997, Baja Animal Sanctuary is Northern Mexico’s only no-kill shelter. The organization sterilizes stray and abandoned animals, cares for more than 400 pets at its Rosarita campus, and finds forever homes for rescued cats and dogs. 

Helen Woodward Animal Center

In addition to functioning as a shelter for rescued dogs and cats, the Helen Woodward Animal Center delivers pet food to homebound, low-income, and disabled seniors and veterans; offers educational and animal therapy programs; and operates two animal hospitals. Since its founding in 1972, the organization has taken in 44,483 animals and successfully found homes for 29,474 of them.

San Diego Humane Society  

Every year, the San Diego Humane Society cares for over 40,000 animals, while sharing its expertise with other shelters nationwide. The organization raises orphaned baby cats in its kitten nursery, rehabilitates wild animals, and teaches kids about pet safety, among other programs.

FACE Foundation 

The Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) partners with local veterinary hospitals and healthcare providers to offer assistance to at-risk pet owners. The organization serves low-income families, seniors, students, military, and anyone at risk of losing their beloved pet by supplying financial support for vital veterinary care.

Youth & Elderly Nonprofits

Voices for Children  

Voices for Children has supported the needs and well-being of local children in foster care for more than 40 years. The organization trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who spend time with kids in foster care and champion their needs before a judge.

South Bay Community Services 

South Bay Community Services aids children and adults in need in the southern region of San Diego County. The organization offers early childhood education, mental health services, an LGBTQ center, resources for survivors of domestic violence, housing support, and other diverse programs. Through community efforts, the nonprofit has positively impacted the lives of over 50,000 children each year

ElderHelp  

With over 350 volunteers committed to helping older adults live independently, ElderHelp coordinates care for seniors and provides transportation to appointments and social activities. Operating since 1974, the organization also helps connect seniors with affordable housing and provides other essential services for our community’s elders.

Meals on Wheels San Diego County  

Meals on Wheels has delivered 624,887 nutritious meals to the homes of San Diego’s senior citizens. Volunteers also conduct safety checks and spend time with meal recipients to ensure the physical and mental well-being of local residents 60 years and older. 

Just in Time For Foster Youth  

Just in Time provides 18 to 26 year olds transitioning out of foster care with emergency needs, stable housing, meaningful employment, reliable transportation, and many more services. The long-term help gives stability to young adults, helping them develop confidence, capability, and connectedness. 

Challenged Athletes Foundation 

The Challenged Athletes Foundation strives to provide resources for athletes with physical disabilities. The organization welcomes athletes involved in sports at all levels, funding equipment just as prosthetics, sport wheelchairs, and other adaptive tech.

Promises2Kids

Promises2Kids, a dedicated San Diego organization, focuses on uplifting the foster youth population by providing them with invaluable opportunities, tools, and guidance. Over 3,000 foster youth have found support through developmental screenings, pet therapy, mentoring programs, engaging extracurricular activities, higher education counseling, and fundraising initiatives, all of which have been instrumental in helping them overcome various challenges.

Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego

For 55 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego has been a cornerstone for local youth, offering personalized mentoring that empowers children to strive for positive outcomes. This local chapter arranges frequent mentoring sessions, typically 2-4 times each month, and offers tailored programs catering to San Diego’s diverse populations, including the deaf, Latino, and military communities.

Arts & Culture Nonprofits

San Diego Symphony  

Founded in 1910, the San Diego Symphony performs more than 140 concerts each year in addition to bringing music programs to local elementary, middle, and high school students. The organization hosts a paid summer internship program for teenagers, helping them develop leadership and public speaking skills.

Resounding Joy

Resounding Joy utilizes music therapy to aid those suffering from depression, PTSD, brain injuries, and other disorders. The organization offers programs specifically tailored to children, military service members, and senior citizens, including songwriting workshops and music lessons. 

Balboa Park Cultural Partnership

Balboa Park’s collaborative brings together 25 members of its art, science, and cultural organizations—including museums, performing arts groups, cultural centers, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo—to increase the park’s environmental sustainability and improve visitor experience.

Las Patronas 

Since 1946, this devoted team of volunteers has partnered with nonprofits across San Diego County to fundraise and provide grants for key community services that benefit health, education, and cultural arts. Las Patronas generates funds through initiatives and events such as their annual Jewel Ball—a social, philanthropic tradition in San Diego. 

Kitchens for Good

Established in 2014, Kitchens for Good is a San Diego nonprofit harnessing the power of food to transform lives. Since launching its Baking and Hospitality Apprenticeship program in 2016, the organization has provided over 700 individuals with hands-on training in culinary, baking, and hospitality skills, aiming to break cycles of poverty and promote sustainable community growth.

Environmental Conservation Nonprofits

Surfrider Foundation 

Surfrider San Diego is an environmental activism group centered on the protection of local beaches and coastal habitats. This organization combats plastic waste and ocean pollution through research, beach cleanups, and efforts to pass national and local legislation.  

Wildcoast 

This international team strives to conserve Earth’s ecosystems and address climate change. Wildcoast manages protected areas, advocates for conservation policies, promotes ocean wildlife education, and works to protect coastal communities across Mexico, Cuba, and the US. 

Berry Good Food Foundation 

Founded with a focus on regional, sustainable food systems, the Berry Good Food Foundation has built a network of farmers, chefs, and scientists to improve local access to healthy food, reduce food insecurity, and provide nutrition education for San Diegans. 

Living Coast Discovery Center

Located in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center advocates for local wildlife through education and conservation efforts. The Discovery Center offers exhibits highlighting San Diego–area sea creatures, birds, and insects and hosts community events, local cleanups, and other projects. 

I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD)

Originating as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee in 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego has spent over seven decades serving the community to keep San Diego beautiful and sustainable. In partnership with the San Diego Ecology Center since 1989, ILACSD organizes more than 600 community cleanups each year, collecting nearly half a million pounds of litter and working toward a zero-waste future for the region.

ECOLIFE Conservation

Founded by renowned conservation biologist Bill Toone, ECOLIFE Conservation is a San Diego nonprofit tackling major global threats to both people and wildlife. Known for its impactful initiatives, the organization has established the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and delivered over 13,500 eco-stoves, which have preserved more than half a million trees in the process.

The post 40 San Diego Charities & Nonprofits to Donate to on Giving Tuesday appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Yet her efforts never stopped. In 2003, Ahmed cofounded License to Freedom in El Cajon, an organization that helps immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“I grew up in a system where women did not have the privilege they were supposed to have,” Ahmed says. “What led me [to this work] is the lack of opportunity where I grew up.” Ahmed now returns to Iraq at least once a year to collaborate with organizations on the ground helping those who have experienced domestic violence.

License to Freedom not only addresses the immediate concerns of women facing violence but tries to tackle systemic issues by providing other resources, like youth and economic development programs, mental health services, and treatment for offenders in multiple languages. Looking forward, Ahmed hopes License to Freedom can push for policy shifts in El Cajon to improve housing affordability and quality for immigrants in the city.

“We recognize that refugees come from the colonial system—that tells you how to talk, how to act,” she says. “Restoring of justice is always restoring of power.”

The post The Local Activist Caring for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

November 1-3

Join Fierce & Kind Spirits for a cocktail event at Understory on November 1, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Then, walk with the Fierce & Kind team at the MORE THAN PINK Walk on November 3.

San Diego Youth Services YAB (Youth Action Board) Traveling Through Time Gala

November 2

Check out the San Diego Youth Services YAB (Youth Action Board) Traveling Through Time Gala, where attendees are encouraged to dress in formalwear from any moment in history (or the future). All proceeds benefit the Youth Action Board, supporting young adults across the city.

Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K

November 2

Join the eighth annual Thrive half marathon and 5K benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The mostly flat course begins and ends at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, featuring beautiful bay and sea vistas.

Kate Sessions Day Tree Planting

November 8

Fête the launch of the $10 million “Ready, Set, Grow” project by planting trees at a community event in honor of Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Funded by the USDA Forest Service and hosted by the City of San Diego, this event marks the start of tree-planting season.

“Hands Across Borders” Global Communities Gala

November 8

Support Global Communities’ work at Hyatt Regency La Jolla. This annual gala, which includes dinner, dancing, and a marketplace, benefits communities impacted by poverty, disasters, and conflict.

From San Diego with Love Charity Benefit

November 9

Ever dreamed of becoming a spy? Here’s your chance. This espionage-themed charity event benefits Feeding San Diego. A VIP pre-party includes a yacht excursion around San Diego Bay, followed by the main event at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Adopt-A-Pet Fundraiser

November 9

El Chingon in Gaslamp hosts a fundraiser for TAP (The Animal Pad), with 20% of bar proceeds donated to help find homes for pets. Enjoy tacos, margaritas, and adoptable furry friends.

San Diego Youth Services’ Walk & Rally

November 15

Join this two-hour walk, followed by refreshments and insight from young speakers, in downtown San Diego to raise funds to combat youth homelessness.

3rd Annual Kindness Fest

November 16

Support trafficking survivors at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. The live music fundraiser—complete with shopping and a silent auction—helps survivors get connected to critical resources.

Sixth Annual State of Hunger & 50th Anniversary Celebration

November 21

At the San Diego Hunger Coalition’s 50th anniversary, a panel of experts will discuss groundbreaking hunger relief strategies, followed by a networking reception and silent auction. Proceeds benefit local hunger programs.

Father Joe’s Village 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K

November 28

Join the annual Turkey Trot 5K at Balboa Park. All proceeds go towards providing meals for San Diegans in need, supporting the food program Father Joe’s Village.

19th Annual O’side Turkey Trot 5K

November 28

Taking place in Oceanside, this nationally recognized event features a costume contest and live entertainment (plus, of course, medals for all finishers) and benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation.

The post 12 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This November appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

“I founded One Love Movement upon realizing my purpose in life: to make change for people who don’t have a voice,” Bauman says. Her mission is deeply personal, rooted in her experience as a Korean orphan adopted by an American family and inspired by a volunteer trip she took to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

 “I was struggling with the heartbreak of being no different than all of the orphans I had met, yet, somehow, I was picked for a better life,” Bauman recalls. She felt inspired to create a nonprofit.

Today, One Love Movement brings people together through yoga, sound baths, and other events and retreats to support causes that promote social justice. It’s especially committed to advocacy, youth welfare, dignity, and wellness. For Bauman, the work is about helping others realize their strength and compassion to create positive change.

A standout moment for Bauman was meeting Michelle Obama via Zoom. “I freaked out,” she laughs, recalling her disbelief when she got the call. “I kept asking the guy if this was a scam!” When she finally logged onto the Zoom call and saw the former First Lady, it was a full-circle moment that reinforced her belief that anything is possible. “I knew that I didn’t have to know how I would get there, I just had to know that I would,” she says.

But Bauman’s journey building One Love Movement hasn’t always been smooth. For nine years, Bauman organized the largest charity yoga event in the country, a fundraiser that drew thousands. While the event was successful, it left her emotionally drained, with a yearly cycle of anxiety and depression that culminated after each event. 

“I kept thinking this great, big event was the answer!” Bauman says, realizing she had tied her self-worth to the event’s success. The pandemic in 2020 forced her to pause, and that’s when she had a breakthrough. “I realized that I was looking outside of myself for all of the answers,” she adds. It was a pivotal moment that led her to focus on internal fulfillment rather than external validation.

Bauman continues to build the One Love Movement, offering donation-based yoga classes and sound bath meditation and organizing volunteer retreats to Peru and Kenya. “The best way to support our work is through donations; coming to our yoga classes, retreats, and events; or sharing our work with your friends and family,” she says. 

As One Love Movement evolves, Bauman’s mission remains clear: to create spaces where compassion leads to action, making the world a better place for all.

The post One Love Movement Empowers Change Through Compassion & Community appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Photos Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign San Diego

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Girls on the Run San Diego is part of a global movement that helps third- to eighth-grade girls build their confidence and navigate life’s challenges through physical activity and social-emotional lessons. GOTRSD’s inclusive and research-based curriculum fosters healthy physical and mental habits, with trained volunteer coaches guiding the girls. As a program volunteer, Gabriel works directly with youth to develop skills that will last beyond their time in the program.

What made you want to work for this organization?

Last year, I underwent a total knee replacement on my left knee, marking a significant step toward regaining my mobility. Overcoming the mental and physical challenges of transitioning from being fully able-bodied to using a wheelchair was incredibly tough. I promised myself that by the end of my recovery, I would find a role that not only aligned with the woman I am becoming but also allowed me to impact my community and give back to the city that has given me so much.

In August 2023, while applying to numerous roles at a coffee shop, one opportunity stood out: Girls on the Run San Diego. This role offered the chance to work directly with girls in my community and extend the program to underserved areas that could greatly benefit from it. The organization’s core values resonated deeply with me, particularly: embracing our differences and finding strength in our connectedness, nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, leading with an open heart, and assuming positive intent. These values perfectly aligned with my personal journey and aspirations.

Moreover, this job came into my life during a time of profound personal healing. The same week I had my first interview for this role, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my goddaughter, Caloni, who was just 8 years old. Despite the challenge, something drew me to this position. Every day I clock in, I keep her in mind—not only because she would have loved a program like this, but also because I saw so many of our core values reflected in her even at a young age. This role has been a source of healing and motivation for me, driving me to continue pouring into the lives of girls her age and beyond.

What do your job duties entail?

In my role, I have the opportunity to coordinate programming and outreach, as well as manage our social media accounts. This past spring, I was responsible for programming in the Escondido Unified School District, acting as the point of contact for 21 sites. This involved ensuring coaches were properly trained for the season and thoroughly understood the curriculum. Additionally, managing our social media became a passion of mine, as it allowed me to showcase the joy and impact this program has on our girls.

One of the key aspects that drew me to this role is the flexibility to learn and grow. This is particularly evident in the outreach portion of my responsibilities. My peers and board members often hear me emphasize the importance of community, which is at the heart of my work. Understanding the communities we currently serve and those we aim to reach in the future is crucial. My job involves figuring out how to introduce our Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole to new sites while focusing on how to best support them in implementing it.

Essentially, my role bridges gaps in various areas, whether it’s entering new spaces, forging new connections, or nurturing existing relationships to ensure our longevity. The multifaceted nature of this job brings me immense joy. While the title “Program Coordinator” can encompass many responsibilities, at Girls on the Run San Diego, it represents a unique blend of flexibility, community engagement, and the sheer excitement of seeing our girls complete their 5k.

The brightness that emanates from our council is not just due to our company colors but also our core values. This role has allowed me to create lasting experiences for the girls we serve and healing experiences for myself. I truly enjoy the work I do and the meaningful impact it has on our community.

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while at GOTRSD?

I have two experiences that stand out to me. My favorite experience thus far has been completing our NCT (National Coach Training) to train the next generation of coaches. This training was held in Charlotte, NC, and I attended alongside our Program Operations Manager, Izabel. We both started at Girls on the Run a few weeks apart and have been inseparable since. This experience was particularly meaningful because it was the first time in a long while that I truly heard my own voice. Over the past four years, I have faced numerous challenges that many might not have overcome, but through faith and perseverance, I found my voice again at this training.

As this role is my first significant professional position, I initially experienced imposter syndrome, unable to believe where I had ended up after all I had been through. The training provided ample opportunities for speaking, networking, and learning, which empowered me and reaffirmed my commitment to the work I do. By the end of the training, women from councils across the country were approaching me, commending my eloquence and expressing their excitement for the future work at our council. This trip allowed me to embrace the differences in the room and find strength in our connectedness. It was the first time in four years that I felt truly seen for who I am, beyond my physical challenges and the post-graduate phase of self-discovery.

My second most memorable experience occurred during a site visit as the Liaison for Escondido Unified School District. I had developed a strong relationship with a coach via email and was eager to visit her site, Del Dios Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Although I had to reschedule the visit due to physical therapy for my second total knee replacement, it turned out to be a profoundly memorable day.

Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I was accustomed to a sense of belonging within my community. When I arrived at Del Dios Academy, a young Black girl saw me and her face instantly lit up. In that moment, I knew what her smile meant—she felt a sense of belonging. Throughout the visit, she would glance at me, unsure about approaching me, which I understood as I had once been a sixth grader too. Eventually, I had the chance to talk with her, as well as with other girls on the team. She mentioned that she did not enjoy middle school due to the challenges of being historically underrepresented and facing unkind peers. I reminded her of the power of being a Black woman and encouraged her to embrace her identity, despite the challenges she might face in spaces where she may not be respected or accepted.

This site visit reinforced my purpose in this role. While my goal is to connect and build relationships within the broader community, I also aim to be a representation for young Black girls in our community who participate in this program. I am where I am today because of the Black women and men who poured into me growing up and continue to support me. There have been many times when I did not feel safe until I saw someone who looked like me. Both of these experiences have been deeply impactful, as they have allowed me to find my voice and use it to inspire and support others.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is making meaningful change at a slow pace. Since starting this role, I’ve felt a greater purpose in my heart, but refining exactly what that purpose is has been a journey. Girls on The Run and Heart and Sole have been a transformative agent for many girls, but what about our historically underrepresented communities? What about our Black communities with limited access to resources or funding? Each season, we open a window for schools to be eligible for funding to reduce program costs, enabling more participation.

However, the reality is that, despite our best efforts, we can’t financially support every site. Over the past year, we as an organization have explored numerous ways to secure funding to support these schools and make our program more equitable and accessible to the communities that need us most. Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I attended Nye Elementary and O’Farrell Community School. I know firsthand that these students could benefit from our program, but not if they can’t afford it.

That’s why Girls on the Run San Diego firmly believes that every girl deserves to participate in our program and offers several types of financial assistance to anyone who needs it. All participants and their families will have access to discount codes for financial assistance. I’ve been balancing the goal of expanding our reach while welcoming back sites that were once part of our community before Covid-19. We may be a small team, but we are mighty in our resolve.

In my quest to discover my purpose and navigate the challenges of effecting change, I’ve yearned to provide young Black girls with opportunities I didn’t have. Systemically, I have encountered numerous barriers in this role. I’ve questioned why I was chosen for the challenge of change and whether my efforts truly contribute to this generation. At times, it has felt overwhelming to be just one person striving to create the change I envision.

One constant in this process has been the importance of community. Systemically, I feel that Black women in this organization lack the proper communication channels and agency, and representation in both the staff and board. Connecting with many educated Black women who share my commitment to increasing reach and accessibility for Black girls has been invaluable. I’ve learned that sometimes, I need to take a leap of faith, even if the results are slow to manifest.

We have had numerous discussions on using intentionality in the curriculum to support a culturally responsive and inclusive programming effort by both our team and coaches. We’ve faced multiple resistance and a continued journey of learning how to be responsive to communities of color which we redefine as “not yet.” Despite these obstacles, this role has shown me the challenges of being a successful young Black professional. There are numerous systemic barriers we must overcome to grow in the communities where we are most needed.

From these challenges, I have learned that challenges provoke change. There is always a better way to do something, and finding the right solution takes time. Challenge comes when change is moving in the right direction. The word “challenge” contains “change,” reminding me that perseverance is key. I must long for change, regardless of how hard it gets or how long it takes. The goal is to implement incremental changes now so that one day, the change will be evident across our organization. I am here on an assignment and have embraced the challenges that come my way.

We are currently working on securing funding and developing fundraising methods with the team to make our program more accessible to girls throughout San Diego County. This pursuit of change has challenged me to grow in unexpected ways and to use the voice that this role has helped me find. As the only Black woman on our staff, the challenges I face do not instill fear but inspire change. I am dedicated to sending out the challenge of change so that we can grow as a council, remain vigilant in our work, and continue to advocate for our community. I strive to be a representation for future Black professionals and express gratitude to my ancestors who embraced the change that comes with challenges.

The question remains: What change is being held back by this challenge? How can I take the first step towards that change?

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?

Take the leap of faith and do it. I have a younger sister, and with our ten-year age gap, I understand how different our perspectives can be. Volunteering with Girls on the Run San Diego is healing in many ways. Our GOTRSD community is incredibly special, with a passion that extends beyond the board and staff to our dedicated volunteers. There is a unique joy that permeates in this space, especially when we all share the same gratitude for our core values in order to create a better future for the next generation.

I have had the honor of connecting with many amazing volunteers and often hold space for them to share what led them to GOTRSD and what keeps them involved. Many express the sentiment of wishing they could have experienced this program as a child or being the representation for young girls that they needed when they were younger. Volunteering often heals the inner child, which is profoundly meaningful to me.

This is a wonderful space to volunteer if you’re new to my hometown and seeking community, or if you want to contribute to the lasting experiences the girls are part of. One core value to keep in mind is to lead with an open heart and assume positive intent. When you come into this space, leave your fears behind and allow yourself to be fully present. Lead with an open heart because, although we are working with the next generation of doctors, lawyers, educators, and changemakers, these girls inspire us with their wisdom, courage, vulnerability, curiosity, and desire for a better world.

Get in contact with our San Diego council, and we will welcome you into our community with open arms. Give us a follow on Instagram @gotrsd and feel free to visit our website gotrsd.org. 

The post Volunteer Diaries: Girls on the Run San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The iconic theater also recently announced its 2025 season, which includes world premiere musicals, West Coast and San Diego premieres, and two of Shakespeare’s popular comedies. Highlights include the musical comedy Regency Girls; Huzzah!, a musical from the creators of Legally Blonde and Mean Girls, Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe; Empty Ride by Keiko Green; House of India by Deepak Kumar; and The Janeiad by Anna Ziegler.

Two West Coast premieres, Deceived by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson and Small by Robert Montano, will run alongside San Diego premieres of Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and One of the Good Ones by Gloria Calderón Kellett. The annual Shakespeare Festival will feature All’s Well That Ends Well and The Comedy of Errors.

Photos courtesy of The Old Globe

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From her work advocating for equitable education in underserved communities to her involvement in grassroots activism for LGBTQ+ rights, Hussain’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Hussain was born and raised in Qatar, a country she describes as having “vast economic divides between the wealthy locals and the many migrant workers who support the booming economy.”

“I grew up in the Middle East in a largely Indian private school,” she says, explaining that most private schools were typically Arab and wealthy. Her school, with over 10,000 students, was a great equalizer—a place where all wore uniforms, hiding any wealth or relative lack thereof, and focused on education regardless of their backgrounds. For Hussain, school represented stability and opportunity, two things not easily afforded to many in the migrant communities around her. 

“All I wanted to do was go to school,” she recalls, emphasizing how education was a cherished privilege in her family. Though they struggled financially, with her family relying on aid to send all five children to the same school, Hussain’s experience instilled in her a belief in the transformative power of education and the fundamental right to receive a good one.

Hussain explains that her family experience, one of hardship and resilience, undergirds her volunteer lifestyle. She says that as immigrants in a country where visas are controlled by work permits, they navigated life with the constant fear of deportation, as her father’s jobs in the military ebbed and flowed, and he was frequently unemployed. She adds that it was a “huge opportunity” for her father to have immigrated to Qatar, and that it changed her life, regardless of the difficulties her family faced once there

“We never threw away boxes,” Hussain remembers, explaining how her family always had to be ready to pack up and leave at a moment’s notice. Growing up in an environment with a fundamental lack of security stuck with her. She’s impassioned to fight for others to have access to the opportunities she had to fight so hard to secure. Education was the core of that vision, and it became a mission in her budding career.

As she left school, Hussain started working for global nonprofits focused on education and humanitarian aid in South Asia and the Middle East. She built schools and implemented community programs in countries like Indonesia and Cambodia and says the work was deeply personal. “For me, it just felt like this is what I needed when I was a kid,” she says. The faces she saw were familiar—children wearing the same school uniforms she once wore and living in conditions that mirrored her experiences. It wasn’t just work for her; it became her mission.

But as Hussain’s professional work took her around the world, her heart stayed close to the migrant worker communities in Qatar, where she grew up. Seeing firsthand the inequities faced by these communities—who lived in labor camps and were often stripped of their fundamental human rights—she got into underground activism, volunteering indirectly for Amnesty International and focusing on supporting migrant workers. “I saw myself as part of those people in those camps, and that’s why I felt this urge that something had to be done,” she says. Her efforts included organizing food drives and finding ways to offer support, even when it meant operating in the shadows due to the sensitive political climate in Qatar.

This advocacy work came with risks. Whistleblowers within Hussain’s network started losing their work permits and faced legal repercussions for speaking out. Eventually, she felt she had to stop working underground and moved to San Diego in 2016 through a work transfer at a biotech marketing company.

She describes the culture shock of moving from what she describes as family—and community-oriented Middle Eastern cultures to fast-paced Southern California, remembering a sense that though people were friendly and well-meaning, people in the United States can be much more individualistic. She wasn’t catching the vibrant discussions about social issues and the sense of collective responsibility she had been used to in her communities back in Qatar.

To add to the disillusionment, her work visa was rejected during a renewal process in 2018, which she notes happened during a particularly contentious time in immigration history during President Trump’s administration, a climate that persists today. Hussain was facing deportation—a situation she describes as familiar from childhood, so she knew what to do. However, she felt her life was unraveling while her work status was on hold and her future uncertain.

Hussain says that, during that time, a friend from the LGBTQ+ community encouraged her to volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala in San Diego. “All I wanted to do was just feel like I was doing something,” she says, recalling how volunteering became a lifeline. What started as one night of pro bono event crewing quickly evolved into a deeper involvement.

“I got in immediately,” she says, taking on responsibilities within HRC’s steering committee and eventually becoming a digital communications leader. She says the work gave her a renewed sense of purpose and reconnected her to her activist and volunteer roots.

Hussain’s roles at HRC are multifaceted. She leads digital communications for the San Diego chapter, serves on the National Board of Governors, and is a leader within the organization’s Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) affinity group. 

Her work involves everything from year-round organizing for volunteers and membership outreach to supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations with funding and visibility. For Hussain, it’s about creating a more inclusive movement that centers the voices of those traditionally marginalized—especially within the LGBTQ+ advocacy space itself, which she contends can often be “very white spaces.” 

“It takes one to know one,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of having diverse leaders who understand the nuances of intersectional identities.

Navigating the complexities of being a queer, South Asian, Muslim immigrant has given Hussain a unique perspective on advocacy, she thinks. She recognizes the challenges faced by those who straddle multiple marginalized identities, particularly in cultures where being queer is not widely accepted or even safe.

For Hussain, San Diego’s diversity—often hidden by geographic and social divides—offers challenges and opportunities for activism and impact. She dedicates herself to bridging these divides by elevating underrepresented voices and driving change at the local level through organizing campaigns for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth or supporting pro-equality candidates in political office. “Advocacy is more than just speaking up—it’s about systemic change and building communities that uplift one another,” she says.

Hussain’s humanist spirit has taken her from underground activism in Qatar to her leadership role at HRC San Diego, a journey that taught her the reality of intersectionality, the necessity of community support, and the enduring belief that change is possible even in the most materially and politically tense conditions. For now, San Diego has become where she continues to fight for that change, helping to bring the voices of all marginalized people out from the shadows.

The post Hooriya Hussain’s Global Path to Advocacy with Human Rights Campaign appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Founded by Norma Hirsh, Robert Butterfield, and Renée Comeau to address the critical needs of over 3,000 foster kids annually, Promises2Kids has evolved into a full-scale support network spanning education, mentorship, and mental health services. At its heart is CEO Tonya Torosian, who operates with the philosophy of putting the needs of the children that they serve at the center of all efforts. 

“Youth voice is critical in everything we do,” she says, underscoring the organization’s efforts to gather direct feedback from program participants through open-mic-style dinners with kids and organization leadership, surveys, and a program implementing foster youth as peer mentors. Promises2Kids ensures its work isn’t just about helping from the outside but creating transformative, community-based change.

In January 2024, the org took over the county’s mentorship program, which encompasses kids in foster care between the ages of 5 and 18. The subsumed program offers one-on-one support, pairing children with adult mentors who provide guidance and companionship.

Unlike Promises2Kid’s already successful Guardian Scholars program, which focuses on career and educational mentorship for those 18 and older, this newer program, which is growing and continuing to take shape, aims for early intervention.

Torosian says that after transferring existing mentor matches from the county, Promises2Kids has already enrolled around 30 children, with plans to match 20 more by the end of the year—almost doubling the program in its first year. The goal is to supplement however much or little support foster children receive in their home environments by providing additional long-term relationships and network-building.

These relational supports are crucial to addressing the unique challenges facing children raised in foster care, especially concerning mental health. Torosian explains that mental health treatment is a “significant focus” for Promises2Kids. Previously, the organization worked with agencies and MediCal to access mental health practitioners, but found that because of the specialized care foster youth often require, the children in their care weren’t receiving the nuanced treatment they needed.

“We didn’t want wait lists,” Torosian says, adding that immediate, comprehensive care is crucial to addressing at-risk adolescent health needs. So this year, the organization brought its therapy program in-house and currently has one full-time doctor on staff treating youth, eliminating the need to deal with MediCal or other payment and treatment hiccups. 

Presently serving people over 18, Promises2Kids has plans for the program to expand, eventually offering individual therapy and group sessions to tackle topics like social anxiety, substance abuse, and navigating safe relationships. 

In the near future, the hope is to expand this program to include multi-faceted support addressing the cycle of child abuse by helping young parents who have aged out of the foster care system. Torosian explains that many Promises2Kids’ recent program graduates are now parents themselves, so the organization is developing a comprehensive family resource center to support them. She paints a picture of a resource center where young families can congregate for meals, get developmental assessments for children, receive parent education, and even access respite care so that young parents can find relief while building community as they navigate the challenges of raising their children.

In late 2024, Promises2Kids will announce a new initiative with the Lucky Duck Foundation and San Diego County’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness. The trio will launch a two-year pilot program to prevent homelessness among youth aging out of the foster system—one-third of whom will become homeless within two years, Torosian says.

Promises2Kids designed the pilot program to blend career and financial literacy support with direct monthly cash assistance—$1,000 per participant. “At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to money,” Torosian says bluntly, acknowledging the practical challenge of securing housing and keeping adult responsibilities afloat without a stable income. “You can provide all the support in the world, but if they don’t have money, none of it is going to matter,” she says.

The new program also includes a housing and career navigator to help participants find sustainable housing and employment opportunities. Torosian hopes that participants’ increased earning potential by the end of two years of training and other support will make $1,000 a month unnecessary, building long-term stability and providing a graduation from the program of sorts.

Torosian’s strategy is to be proactive in creating pathways to success. Alongside these programs, Promises2Kids is also looking to address another significant need: breaking the cycle of child abuse by supporting young parents who have aged out of the foster care system. Many Promises2Kids program participants are now parents themselves, and the organization is developing a comprehensive family resource center to support them.

Torosian describes her dream of a center where young families congregate for meals, get developmental assessments for children, receive parent education, and even have access to on-demand care so young parents can find relief and community as they navigate the challenges of raising their own children.

Near the end of our conversation, Torosian makes an important point. “We are completely philanthropy-funded,” clarifying that they don’t get government grants or stipends, as is sometimes assumed of nonprofits working with agencies tasked with managing foster youth. They rely on community support, the independence from which allows them to be agile and responsive to the ever-changing and specific needs of San Diego’s foster community in a way that government agencies can struggle to achieve.

For those looking to help, Torosian says they are always accepting volunteers, whether as mentors, event planners, or for other boards and program direction. Fundraising is also crucial to sustaining these programs—upcoming events benefiting Promises2Kids include a Holiday Gift Drive for foster youth and an annual spring whiskey-tasting fundraiser called Distilled.

“We are laser-focused on only things that work… We are much more effective when we are able to respond directly to what youth need,” Torosian says of Promises2Kids.

“We’re not just trying to provide a service,” she says, “we’re trying to give foster youth an entire community and a sense of belonging. It’s about meeting their needs, elevating their futures, and ensuring that every foster child has the support to succeed.”

Promises2Kids held its annual gala on September 9, 2024. To volunteer or donate head to promises2kids.org. On Friday, October 4, Del Mar Wine & Food Festival will host the Cowboy Coastal dinner with Experience Scottsdale at a private La Jolla home, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Promise2Kids. Get tickets here. 

The post Promises2Kids Creates Hope for San Diego’s Foster Youth appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

October 4

From October 2-7, the second annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival kicks off, with all Grand Tasting ticket proceeds benefiting Feeding San Diego. On October 4, as part of the culinary dinner series, a Coastal Cowboy dinner with Experience Scottsdale will be held to support Promises2Kids.

San Diego Civic Dance Arts Fundraising Nights of Theater (FNOT)

October 4

On October 4, the Casa Del Prado Theater will host this fundraising event to support San Diego’s theater arts programs and other community initiatives.

San Diego Humane Society’s 38th Annual “Fur Ball” Gala

October 5

The 38th annual Fur Ball gala will take place on October 5. It will offer a night of cocktails, silent and live auctions, and a vegetarian meal by chef Jeffrey Strauss. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Humane Society’s animal welfare programs.

Ronald McDonald House Dinner With Friends

October 5

On October 5, enjoy a Kentucky Derby-themed dinner to support Ronald McDonald House‘s mission of providing care for families with children undergoing medical treatments.

Kitchens for Good: Wasted

Oct 9 & 13

The first part of this two-part event, the Dinner Party, occurs on October 9 at Building 177 in Liberty Station. The follow-up Food Festival happens on October 13 at South Promenade, Liberty Station, where chefs craft small plates from food items typically wasted. Proceeds benefit Kitchens for Good’s sustainability programs.

Feeding San Diego: Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party

October 10

Join an intimate dinner at a newly renovated Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The evening will highlight Feeding San Diego’s hunger relief programs, particularly the School Pantry Program. It will feature dishes by chefs like Jason McLeod, Nic Webber, and Yara Lamers, with a dessert by chef Claudia Sandoval. Proceeds will aid over 100,000 local children experiencing hunger.

Raise Up for Monarch

October 10

Also, on October 10, the Monarch School Project’s fundraiser will take place at its Barrio Logan campus. The event features campus tours, student performances, and food and drink to support unhoused youth through Monarch School programs.

The New Children’s Museum’s “The Magical Treehouse” Gala

October 14

The downtown museum will host its annual gala, featuring a storybook-inspired theme, live entertainment, food, art installations, and a live auction. Proceeds benefit access and impact programs for children, including free field trips for Title I schools.

DIGNI-TEA Event by Alliance San Diego

October 24

Hosted at San Diego Made, this charity tea time supports Alliance San Diego’s mission to foster community connections and increase civic engagement.

Voice of Our City Choir Gala and Benefit Concert

October 26

This gala, set for October 26, will take place at San Diego’s waterfront venue EVE. The soirée will include live jazz, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a performance by the choir to support its mission of empowering the homeless community through music. Ticket sales will benefit housing, health, and community programs.

The post 10 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This October appeared first on San Diego Magazine.