First Presbyterian Church San Diego supports

First Presbyterian Church participated in the Haven of Hope program of San Diego Rescue Mission to distribute toys for children. (Photo taken from the official website of First Presbyterian Church)

First Presbyterian Church partners with the San Diego Rescue Mission program to give Christmas gifts to children in their Adopt-A-Family toy drive from Monday, Nov. 7, to Sunday, Dec. 11.

The church’s website noted that the children's ministry supported the organization Haven of Hope, a program for preschool and women and children program. They added that gifts should be new and cost between $15 to $20.

Haven of Hope

According to the County of San Diego Mental Health Services posted on the San Diego and Imperial Counties website, Haven of Hope provides residential housing to single women and women with kids.

In addition, the website noted they offer residential shelter for a year to give their client a chance to have a relationship with Jesus. As added on the website, the women started to heal through their program and learn skills to adjust and have a stable income.

Moreover, they mentioned that the Haven of Hope program provides their necessities and spiritual training. They said that women under their care could have job training.

The website highlighted that they offer a licensed preschool for children.

More importantly, Haven of Hope uses trauma-informed ministry and a phase completion model, as the website explains. They said they give clients a foundation to transform their situations.

Eligibility for Program

As for eligibility, the website emphasized that the program accepts women 18 years and above with or without kids ages two to ten. They added that they welcome those women who live on the street.

The website stressed that they accept women in recovery from drug abuse with a minimum of 60 days of sobriety. They said they should be capable of taking care of themselves and willing to join in the activities at the shelter.

In addition, Haven of Hope does not accept those working while participating in the program, as revealed on the website. They said they would meet one-on-one with the program worker and complete the application process.

Moreover, the website stated that there would be drug tests, TB, and lice clearance.

Hope for Homeless Kids

The San Diego Family website highlighted that the San Diego Rescue Mission Preschool offers hope for children living on the streets. They explained that the organization gives shelter to hundreds of homeless individuals, including children.

With the growing number of homeless children every year, the San Diego Rescue Mission opened its Children’s Center, as reported on the website. They mentioned that it is an on-site preschool that provides kids housing at the Mission.

Moreover, the website emphasized that preschool for the homeless is valuable for children and their families.

Christina Serafine, the director of the Children’s Center, noted that these parents are depressed and have no strength. She said that they experience poverty and hunger amidst their stressful situations.

She stressed that the children have late development because of the inability to discover their environment. She added that it is probably not secure, or they are strollers most of the time.

Serafine revealed that the children have severe language delays and cannot express themselves emotionally. She stated they do not have enough ability to make friends and need extra help.