Shawna Morris, CEO of Casa Pacifica (left) and Bree Dervishian (right)
Innovative Project Expands Housing and Therapeutic Support for At-Risk Youth in Ventura County
Casa Pacifica, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, celebrated the grand opening of its new supportive housing for transitional age youth (ages 18-25) on September 13. The new housing is one of the first in Ventura County to address the needs of young adults who are transitioning from public systems such as foster care or juvenile justice or who are at a high risk of homelessness.
The event, which drew notable government and community leaders, advocates, and supporters, was a resounding success. Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Executive Officer, emphasized the critical need for housing and mental health services for youth leaving out-of-home (foster) care. The partnership between Ventura County and Casa Pacifica has been instrumental in making this supportive housing project a reality. Through collaborative efforts, the program provides not only housing but also vital mental health and therapeutic services, ensuring that vulnerable youth have the comprehensive support they need to transition successfully into independent adulthood.
“We were honored to share this extraordinary moment in our agency’s history with our longtime supporters including our Board, volunteers, and our project and community partners,” said Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica. “Together, we’re creating a stable foundation for these young adults as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
Among the event’s distinguished speakers were:
Bill Kearney, former Casa Pacifica Board President and philanthropist, who commended the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping youth.
Viany Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor, District 5, who emphasized the county’s support for expanding housing solutions for at-risk youth.
Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember, 42nd District, who highlighted the role of legislation and community support in addressing housing insecurity.
Louis Buldain, Trustee of the William and JoAnne Miller Charitable Trust, whose foundation has been instrumental in supporting Casa Pacifica’s vision for the future.
Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica, spoke to the transformative impact that the new housing will have on young adults seeking stability and independence.
Perhaps the most moving remarks came from Bree Dervishian, a Casa Pacifica success story. The 21-year-old lived on Casa Pacifica’s Camarillo campus and received supportive services through the agency’s Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program. Bree shared her journey through the foster care system, her experience with being homeless and what she hopes for her future. She recently obtained her driver’s license and hopes to one day serve as a youth advocate.
“After I became homeless, Casa Pacifica and my care team was there for me,” said Bree. “It’s really amazing how the staff here is so supportive and helpful. Casa Pacifica is like family.”
Casa Pacifica’s new supportive housing reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of at-risk youth in Ventura County. The new housing expands capacity from 10 to 27 beds, nearly tripling the number of young adults Casa Pacifica can support. With expanded capacity and comprehensive on-site services, including case management, education and job development and life skills training, the supportive housing offers young adults the stability and support they need to thrive as they transition into independence. The strong partnership between Casa Pacifica, the County of Ventura, and local advocates ensures that vulnerable youth will continue to receive the care and resources they deserve for years to come.
To learn more about Casa Pacifica’s supportive housing program, visit www.casapacifica.org/transitional-housing
