Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive
As we reflect on the past year, one thing is clear: the mental health needs of children and families in our community continue to grow at an unprecedented rate. More youth are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional distress, and too many families still face barriers to accessing timely, effective care.
At the San Diego Center for Children, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive—and this year we continued to expand and strengthen the ways we support that journey. From community-based services and school partnerships to intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, and specialized education, our team remained focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care for youth across San Diego County.
FY24–25 was also a year of important momentum for our organization. We celebrated the renewal of key accreditations, expanded leadership across our continuum of care, advanced campus improvements that support long-term sustainability, and continued building toward the future of children’s mental health services in our region. These milestones reflect both the dedication of our staff and the growing need for innovative, accessible mental health care.
None of this work happens alone. We are deeply grateful to our staff, Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, donors, community partners, volunteers, and families for standing alongside us. Your support helps create hope and healing for thousands of children and families each year.
As we look ahead to our 140th year of service, we remain committed to expanding access to care, strengthening our programs, and continuing to meet the evolving needs of our community. The challenges facing youth mental health are significant, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting impact—together.
Cheryl Rode, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Ann Garland
Chair of the Board of Trustees
By the Numbers
For every child we serve, our work extends to parents, caregivers, siblings, and family members.
This year, the Center's programs positively impacted 8,639 individuals across San Diego County.
0
of youth were discharged to a lower or same level of care after treatment
0
Family Members & Caregivers Reached
0
Total Lives ImpactedYouth Served by Race/Ethnicity
Ages 0-21
Youth Served by Gender
Ages 0-21
51% Female
42% Male
7% Other
Highlights & Milestones
Joint Commission Re-Certification
WASC Accreditation Renewed
The Academy’s WASC accreditation was renewed, reflecting continued excellence in providing trauma-informed education and academic stability for students with complex mental health needs.
Leadership Expansion
• Chief Program Officer, Community Based
• Chief Program Officer, Campus Based
This structure supports greater collaboration, accountability, and strategic growth across programs.
Campus & Sustainability Improvements
The Center broke ground on a new solar parking lot project, an important investment in long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and campus infrastructure.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
The Center continued expanding access to services for youth with both Medi-Cal and private insurance, helping more children and families receive timely, appropriate mental health support.
Investing in the Future
The Center continued planning and development efforts for the future Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), helping address critical gaps in intensive mental health care for youth in our region.
A Full Continuum of Mental Health Care
Why the Continuum Matters
Mental health needs are not one-size-fits-all. The Center’s continuum of care allows youth and families to move seamlessly between levels of support as their needs evolve—reducing barriers, improving outcomes, and keeping families connected to care every step of the way.
Use the arrows to scroll through Continuum.
Prevention & Community Care
Helping children and families access care early through school-based services, outpatient therapy, integrated care, and family support.
PROGRAMS:
Family Wellness Center
East County Outpatient Program
Wrap Works
FFAST
San Pasqual Outpatient Treatment
Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
Intensive Family Services (IFS)
Intensive Clinical Outpatient Treatment
Structured therapeutic support for youth experiencing significant mental health challenges while remaining connected to family and community.
Residential Healing
Structured therapeutic support for youth experiencing significant mental health challenges while remaining connected to family and community.
PROGRAMS:
Residential Treatment
Academy or Nonpublic School, The Academy
Trauma-informed education and therapeutic support helping students regain confidence, stability, and academic progress.
WASC Accredited
PROGRAMS:
The Academy
Community of Support
Our signature events help raise awareness and important funds for our program services that support children, teens and their families. They are fun for attendees, as well as fantastic cause-marketing and exposure opportunities for corporate partners.
Over $200,000 was raised for the Center at our 6th Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament at the Rancho Bernardo Inn! The day was packed with friendly competition, great food, networking, games, an awards reception and live auction. We are grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters.
What a night! Thank you to everyone who came out to Party with a Purpose at the Belly Up Tavern. We had an incredible evening enjoying live performances, mingling with friends, and making a real difference together. Thank you for making it such a success!
The Center’s annual Holiday Toy Drive was another incredible success. By teaming up with more than 30 local businesses and organizations, we gathered hundreds of toys and gift cards for the children and teens supported at the Center. We truly appreciate our wonderful community of supporters.
Financial Stability
Statement of Financial Position
| 6/3/2025 | 6/30/2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $20,961,522 | $22,796,343 |
| Total Liabilities | $6,909,768 | $6,972,296 |
| Total Net Assets | $14,051,754 | $15,824,047 |
| Total Liabilities & Net Assets | $20,961,522 | $22,796,343 |
Statement of Activities
Revenue & Support
| Fees for Services - County, Govt & School districts | $20,585,000 |
|---|---|
| Fees for Services - non government | $7,344,367 |
| Fundraising | $1,701,028 |
| Other Income | $373,015 |
| Total Revenue & Support | $30,003,410 |
Expenses
| Services | $27,676,954 |
|---|---|
| Overhead | $3,690,886 |
| Fundraising | $407,863 |
| Total Expenses | $31,775,703 |
| Changes in Net Assets | ($1,772,293) |
|---|---|
| Net Assets beginning of year | $15,824,047 |
| Net assets end of year | $14,051,754 |
Revenue & Support
Expenses
Thank You to Our Community Partners
Board of Trustees
Ann Garland, Ph.D. – Chair of the Board
Stephanie Cone, MD – Vice Chair of the Board
Consultant, The JEM Project Foundation
Vince Nowicki – Treasurer
Chief Lending Officer
Dori Wittman – Secretary of the Board
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Dr. Cynthia M. Avery
Melanie Balestra, NP, ESQ
Attorney & Nurse Practitioner
Jodie Brokowski
Jeffrey Gering, FACHE
Family Health Center of San Diego
VP of Support Services
Louis Y. Lau, CFA
Director, Investments Group
Veronica Rubio
Columbia Private Bank, a Division of Umpqua Bank
Dustin Sutton
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Matthew Van Eck
GIS Principal, Chief Technology Officer
Cheryl Rode, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Advisory Council
Vicki Baron, MFT
Get a Personal Assistant
Tim Carter
Employee Benefits Division
Barney & Barney, Marsh & McLennan Agency
Kristen Dillard
Quicken Inc.
Lisa Goodman
Mercer Advisors
Jacqueline L. Greulich
University of San Diego
Linda L. Katz
John Mattison, MD
Arsenal Capital Partners
Assistant Medical Director, Chief Health Information Officer, Emeritus
Kaiser Permanente, Southern California
Courtney Pendelton
Mission Fed Credit Union
Phyllis Snyder
Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund
Rady Children’s Hospital
Susan Sterner
Retired Associate Chancellor, UC San Diego