Together we make a difference. South Bay Community Services provides the most comprehensive range of services and programs for families, children and individuals in South San Diego County. Our programs are for everyone at anytime in their lives when they need it the most. With the continuous support from community members and generous sponsors, we are able to respond to the overwhelming needs of our community . . . touching the lives of more than 50,000 annually.
About Us
South Bay Community Services (SBCS) has been part of the community since 1971 providing the most comprehensive range of services and programs for families, children and individuals in South San Diego County. Our programs are for everyone at any time in their lives when they need it the most.
SBCS began as “Our House”, opened by the City of Chula Vista in an effort to combat the groups of “long-hair” teens who were using and dealing drugs in Memorial Park. Our House was a drop-in center where teen drug users could go for counseling and drug rehabilitation. Its success brought about the need for growth and a board of directors. And grow we did. Soon, Our House came to be called South Bay Community Services and has been growing with the needs of the community ever since. Today, we have a staff of more than 200 with many stationed throughout South San Diego County at shelters, clinics, police departments, schools, affordable housing facilities and family resource centers. SBCS is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) with a main office located at 1124 Bay Blvd.
SBCS programs include:
- Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool
- 24/7 Emergency Response Unit for Domestic Violence Calls
- Individual, Child, Teen and Family Counseling
- Parenting Classes
- Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention
- After School Programs
- Housing and Support for youth aging out of foster care system
- Shelter and support for homeless families
- Shelter, housing and support for victims of family violence
- Affordable housing
- First-time home buyer assistance
- Fair Housing Assistance
- Economic Development
- Child Developmental Screenings
- Innovative Art Therapy
- Housing for families living with AIDS/HIV
- Meals. . . and more!
There have been many notable milestones reached throughout the years.
Here are a few:
1982
- Kathryn Lembo takes role of Executive Director
1990
- Casa Nuestra opens its doors providing shelter and support services for runaway and homeless youth and their families.
1991
- Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) begins providing prevention and intervention for victims, batters and children.
- SBCS becomes the first agency to be approved by HUD’s Homeless Housing Disposition Program.
1992
- KIDZBIZ Youth Entrepreneurial Program teaches youth skills to stay in school, create a business and pursue jobs.
- SBCS opens a four-bed assisted independent living program for older homeless youth.
1993
- SBCS creates the affordable apartment referral database.
- SBCS begins offering free earned income tax credit preparation services and information for low-income families.
- The Home Buyer Education Programs begins.
1994
- Casa Nueva Vida, the first of its kind in South San Diego County, opens it doors to provide housing and support to homeless families.
- Chula Vista Human Services Council awards SBCS a “Stepping up the Plate Award” for Casa Nueva Vida.
- Casa Nueva Vida II opens as transitional housing for homeless families.
1995
- Casas Seguras opens as the only confidential shelter and transitional housing for victims of family violence and their children in South San Diego County.
- Casa Estable opens to provide permanent, affordable housing for low-income families
1996
- Casa Estable II adds to the list of SBCS affordable housing opportunities for low income families.
1997
- SBCS’s Teen Relationship Violence Program is initiated in local schools focusing on violence prevention and healthy relationships.
- SBCS offers safe after school activities for middle school age youth with Critical Hours Program.
- Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT), the only 24/7 response unit in San Diego County, begins accompanying Chula Vista Police on family violence calls when children are present.
1998
- Teen Recovery Center opens. The center provides day treatment for youth who have substance abuse issues.
- First Annual “Change Their Lives Extravaganza” is held. Residents, supporters, business and civic leaders raise thousands to benefit Casa Seguras and its programs.
- Cordova Village opens as a 40 unit affordable housing development in Rancho Del Rey.
1999
- La Posada apartments, an affordable community, are available to low income families with HIV/AIDS
2001
- Victorian Heights, a transitional housing development, opens
2003
- Sunrose and Harvest Ridge Apartments – SBCS’s largest housing development to date, opens providing 181 units of affordable permanent housing for low-income families and 90 units for seniors.
2004
- Trolley Trestle opens as a 10 unit affordable housing development for youth “aged out” of the foster care system.
2006
- A renovated Victoria Heights – a transitional housing development – reopens in National City.
- Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool for children who have been exposed to family violence opens. This is the first preschool of its kind in San Diego County.
- SBCS added the Healthy Development Services program.
2008
- Transitional Housing Plus is established, adding 10 new units for transitioning foster youth
- Safe Care is established thanks to funding from United Way – helping parents learn skills that will support them in keeping their families together.
2009
- SBCS begins partnering with the San Diego Food Bank and other community groups to satisfy the emergency food needs of the community. SBCS currently serves approximately 3000 individuals a month through our food programs
2010
- Eastside Sequel Boutique opens‚ offering the boutique experience without the boutique price. Proceeds from this high-end boutique benefit SBCS’ domestic violence programs.
2011
- SBCS celebrates 40 Years of Changing Lives, Restoring Hope, and Building a Better Community
